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    This is of course very good. I do have some reservations about some elements though.

    Firstly I would say surely apprenticeships would go up if there are no jobs. Young people leaving school DO want to work and if there are no job opportunities other than apprenticeships then this is what they would do. I would like to see the figures compared with the same age group going into full time employment in the past.

    With so many young people now scared of further education due to the cost, we are also seeing a new wave of intelligent young people who will be told by their working class parents not to get themselves in such a ludicrous amount of debt. These places will be filled by young people that may not be a bright but have money. As Roger rightly points out on another thread it is this higher education that can lead to higher wages (see what they've done!).

    The minimum wage on an apprenticeship is £2.50 and the article from the Guardian points out that the increase is in short term apprenticeships in 'cleaning and service industries' (retail) and that our ethical and caring friends at Tesco and McDonalds are among the biggest apprentice employers.

    The cynic in me would suggest that these companies are using these positions to fill lower paid positions under the title of 'apprenticeship'. Although I believe experience is essential for young people, I think anyone running a cleaning apprenticeship is taking advantage, especially if there is no job at the end, just another 'apprentice' to fill the gap. You could also make the point that these jobs could be filled properly by the same person!

    And before we go down the route of Tim Leahy (ex CEO of Tesco) suggesting that young people are not leaving school with the right skills: cleaning and shelf stacking have never been taught in schools, but we have managed up until now!!!

    Right I'm off to get my 6yr old to do an apprenticeship cleaning my car right now. When he refuses to do it for £2.50, I always have my 4yr old to take his place.

    On a serious note it is much better than anyone sitting idle. But as I say I have my reservations.

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