Government and industry must work together to ensure a generation of Apprentices are not lost to Covid-19 warns latest report

Covid-19 is having a dramatic impact on the future of vocational learning according to the latest In-Comm Training Barometer, which revealed that 64% of companies had failed to invest in new apprentices over the last twelve months.

The survey, which was launched today (5 Feb) to mark the first day of National Apprenticeship Week 2021, revealed a worrying picture of cuts to training budgets (51%) and more than half of firms (53%) shelving future plans to take on young workers as they adapt to the challenges presented by the virus.

Questioning 109 employers, the Barometer did highlight some positives, including nearly nine tenths of companies retaining their existing apprentices despite the crisis, whilst the Government’s furlough support has allowed 72% of management teams to continue to offer training to staff.

Bosses at In-Comm Training believe this underlines that there is still an appetite for learning on-the-job and that Government assistance can make a difference when it is directed in the right way.