Apprenticeship standards need to improve, say small firms

Small businesses would like schools to teach more employability skills and help improve apprenticeship levels, according to new research.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) revealed that 69 per cent of small firms would like a greater emphasis placed on employability skills in schools.

Furthermore, 42 per cent suggested that apprenticeships are not relevant to business, suggesting more advice is required from small businesses.

John Walker, National Chairman of FSB, said there has been too much change in apprenticeships over the last 30 years for small firms to keep up.

"This is a missed opportunity. The status of apprenticeships needs to vastly increase in the eyes of young people, schools, parents and employers. Apprenticeships need to be seen as of equal value to academic routes into the workplace," he explained.

It comes after the Confederation of British Industry found that hiring intentions are increasing for small firms, stating the labour market's improvements are a "mini-miracle".

Posted by Thomas Fletcher

Date published 2 Nov 2012 | Last updated 2 Nov 2012