Sector skills council People 1st is launching a review of its travel apprenticeship schemes in the face of funding cuts from the Learning and Skills Council.
Working with travel industry employers, People1st plans to raise the quality of apprenticeships and the number of students and employers taking part. The council also hopes to ensure more people see the programme through to completion.
People 1st apprenticeship manager Preeti Sumal said: “This will help prove the sector is not about low skilled jobs –if you have the right skills there are some great opportunities.“
However, the scheme is under threat from funding cuts of up to £2,500 by the Learning and Skills Council, which believes there is an overlap between levels two and three of the programme.
People1st is in the process of negotiating with the LSC. “We have provided evidence of how much it costs an employer to deliver the apprenticeship and are now hoping the LSC has changed its mind,” added People 1st head of vocational policy Stephen John. A final decision is expected in the next few weeks.
The apprenticeships provide an alternative to full–time education, giving students the chance to gain practical skills and experience on the job.
Between August 2007 and April 2008, nearly 600 young people began the scheme in England. Once completed, participants can move on to further or higher education.