Expanding the number of apprenticeships will help ease youth unemployment in the UK, according to employers.

The Learning a Living report from Working Links revealed that 80 per cent of bosses believe this to be the case, while all of those questioned stated that such schemes give people valuable skills that will help them find jobs.

When asked as to what attributes they seek in candidates, 86 per cent said that potential rather than experience is more valuable, with a 'good attitude' cited by many.

In addition, the report found that pre-apprenticeship training is something employers are in favour of, with 97 per cent agreeing that such training can be of use.

Mike Lee, Working Links' director of skills, said it is important that the skills businesses need are taught to young people.

"It's clear that both employers and the government see apprenticeships as crucial to reducing youth unemployment and recognise the positive impact these schemes have on society," he added.

Denise Taylor, career psychologist with amazingpeople.co.uk, said recently that employers are in favour of apprenticeships.

Posted by Jacqui Fox
 

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