Apprenticeships offer 'a safe introduction' to work

Those starting out on their career development path can gain a safe introduction to the world of work through an apprenticeship scheme, one expert has claimed.

Ian Harper, chief executive of ATG Training, said that it is often a big step for those leaving school to join the working world.

He noted that apprenticeships allow them to do this in a "safe environment", with the ability to learn by making mistakes and to work very closely with experienced workers.

Mr Harper noted that working with the support of a training provider will help settle young people into the first few years of their employment.

"It frustrates me that there was a rush back in the 90s to get 50 per cent of people into university as if it was some kind of panacea and it is clearly not," he argued.

Recent figures show that more young people are considering taking up apprenticeship courses due to rising university fees.