Tories propose pay to train plan

Small businesses will be paid £2,000 to take on apprentices under new proposals announced by the Conservatives yesterday.

The ‘Building Skills, Transforming Lives’ policy green paper revealed plans for up to 100,000 all-age apprenticeships, along with a £100m fund for disadvantaged young people, as well as £100m fir adults looking to update or gain new skills.

Shadow innovation, universities and skills secretary David Willets said the proposals would help tackle employers’ frustrations over finding staff with the appropriate skills.

“There are lots of people who want to raise their skills and there are lots of employers who are struggling to find the skilled staff they need,” he said.

“This will raise people’s skills, help companies provide the best training and improve our economic competitiveness.”

Tory leader David Cameron added that the proposals would bring the social and economic agendas together.

“Getting skills right is about strengthening society and strengthening the economy,” he said.

However, David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, warned the proposals must not be undermined by the need to meet targets.

“Small businesses need specialised support to offer successful schemes, but at the moment they find the system too bureaucratic,” he said.

“We wouldn’t want to see young adults put through classroom-led apprenticeships with only a small amount of work-based learning just because they are easier to deliver.

“Real commitment to employer-led apprenticeships is vital, otherwise the system will fail our young adults,” he said.

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008