MPs including Scott Mann, top UK employers, business groups, policy makers and apprentices convened in the Houses of Parliament to show their support for the Believe in Young People programme (BiYP), which connects employers and schools to prepare and place young people into the world of work.
The Government has laid down a target of creating three million quality apprenticeship starts by 2020, and the BiYP programme has been offering solutions to large employers who are expected to create more apprenticeships.
The target will be funded through the apprenticeship levy, due to come in to force in April 2017, where employers will be able to spend their levy funds on apprentices.
In Parliament, BiYP representatives said they were delivering valuable outcomes for employers, with an initial pilot of the programme with UKCES between 2012 -2015 showing strong results:
- Employers made up to 80% savings on apprenticeship recruitment and induction costs
- 63% of young people completing the programme in 2014-15 were assessed by employers as potential apprentices
- BiYP students were found to be up to 12% more productive and more likely to stay with the employer as a result of the programme
- Those who completed the programme saw a 32% increase in their employability skills and behaviours
- Apprentices hired through the programme have higher completion and success rates than observed in scenarios without the benefit of the BiYP programme.
Commenting, Tanja Kuveljic, Chief Executive of Believe in Young People, said:
“Following the recent publication of the Sainsbury Review, we’re delighted that our developed and tested solution meets their recommendations and employers see our programme as a viable recruitment and retention solution.
“We are looking forward to working with more employers as they make decisions in the coming months about how best to maximise their apprenticeship levy funds.”
UCL’s Institute of Education have fully endorsed the BiYP programme and its digital approach, which enables learners to embark on an individual learning pathway to develop the skills and behaviours required to successfully transition from education to work.
Scott Mann said:
"The Government is passionate about getting more young people into work, especially through apprenticeships which means you can learn and earn at the same time.
"Apprenticeships are fantastic gateways to a career and the Conservative's are determined to create more quality apprenticeships in this Parliament."
Commenting, Neil Carberry, Director of Employment and Skills at the CBI, said:
“Believe in Young People offers a fantastic opportunity to firms to help young people build their lives while hiring a great employee at the same time.
“The programme’s approach is a great way to answer the question of how we can help young people build both technical skills and employability. It has the CBI’s full support.”
