More part-time apprenticeships needed to reduce gender inequality

Author
Fay Daniels
Marketing Manager - Contracts | Business West
9th March 2018

Apprenticeships are available to all ages, across a variety of disciplines and in a range of different sectors. But does a shortage in flexible and part time programmes mean that people who are unable to work full time are missing out on training opportunities?

According to a recent report published just ahead of apprenticeship week (22 Feb 2018) by the Young Women’s Trust, the Trust for London, Timewise and the Learning and Work Institute, only one in 10 apprentices are contracted to work for less than 30 hours a week.

This lack of part-time apprenticeships has left many people- particularly women, people with disabilities and those with caring responsibilities- unable to train or find appropriate work at all.

Sectors such as engineering, IT and construction were found to be particularly scarce on offering part time apprenticeships, meaning women in particular often opted to enter lower paid sectors like social care and beauty instead.

Nicky Williams, Head of Skills at Business West commented, “With the skills gap still a problem in the West of England, having more part time and flexible apprenticeships available could really help.  Businesses would have access to a pool of workers who have valuable skills but are not able to commit to full time work. There are people who need to fit work and learning around other life commitments, so without these options businesses are missing out on finding appropriate staff to help tackle their skills gaps.”

More businesses offering part time and flexible apprenticeships could also help create more diverse workplaces and reduce gender inequalities. 

Any business that is interested in taking on an apprentice, whether part time or full time, can get in touch with the Skills Team at Business West. Our expert skills advisers can offer free, impartial advice on apprenticeships and connect you with relevant national and local training providers to help guide you through the process. 

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