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In response to new statistics published by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills,

Release Date: 11 Oct 2012

Barnardo’s assistant director of policy Jonathan Rallings said,

The rise in apprenticeship figures appears encouraging but it is completely unacceptable that only 55% go to young people under the age of 25.

Quality opportunities to work and to learn should be available to all young people but especially the most disadvantaged who do not qualify for apprenticeships and who need help to enter the toughest labour market since the 1980’s.

Partnerships like the one between Barnardo’s and KFC, which offer work placements to the UK's most vulnerable, need to be encouraged by the government to become widespread, so that as many young people as possible have the opportunity to climb the social mobility ladder.

Ends

Notes to Editors

  1. Today’s statistics include information from the Labour Force Survey on the level of highest qualification held in England, and information on vocational qualifications awarded in the United Kingdom.
  2. Qualifications required for apprenticeships vary but as a minumum, individual’s tend to be required to posess a level two qualification – equivalent to an A-C grade GCSE.

Barnardo’s works with more than 190,000 children, young people and their families each year. Barnardo’s now runs more than 800 services across the UK.

We believe in the potential of every child and young person, no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. We will support them, stand up for them and bring out the best in each and every child.

Every year we help thousands of children turn their lives around. But we cannot do it without you. Visit www.barnardos.org.uk to find out how you can get involved and show you believe in children.