Students Reminded Of Apprenticeship Options

Robin Swann, the Ulster Unionist Chair of Stormont's Employment and Learning Committee, has congratulated this year's GCSE students, as well as advising them to carefully consider the options available to them.

In a statement the MLA said: "Our Fifth formers who are receiving their GCSE results today are facing an important crossroads in their lives. Many will choose to continue with their academic studies to AS and A Level, with ambitions to then study at University. Students and their families should consider the various opportunities and options open to them, which are not solely limited to A levels and University.

"The Committee for Employment and Learning which I chair has been looking closely at the whole area of apprenticeships in recent times. I have been really concerned at the declining numbers of young people taking up apprenticeships. The number of young people entering apprenticeships through ApprenticeshipsNI fell from 8,948 in 2010-11 to 6,345 in 2011-12; a drop of 30%.

"The Minister has at least recognized that there is a problem, and unveiled a new package of apprenticeship schemes across Northern Ireland at the beginning of this year. I would really like to see more employers and school leavers embracing the modern apprenticeship route to a career.

"Given the persistently high levels of youth unemployment, despite a pattern of better economic conditions generally, I think our colleagues of Further Education, like the Northern Regional College in my own area, have an important role in preparing and equipping our young people with the skills they need in the jobs market. I wish our GCSE students well in whatever paths they choose to take."

(JP/MH)