Thousands of people are missing out on the chance to receive training because of a lack of part-time apprenticeship opportunities, according to a new report.

Just one in 10 apprentices is contracted for less than 30 hours, according to the report, which looks at models for part-time and flexible apprenticeships.

The research, published today, says this leaves training out of reach for many who are unable to work full-time - particularly women, carers, disabled people and young people leaving the care system.

‘Limiting employers’ talent pool’

Instead, these groups often find themselves in low-skilled work with little opportunity to progress or out of work altogether.

Polling carried out by YouGov for the Young Women’s Trust showed that more than half of employers (54 per cent) would be willing to offer part-time apprenticeships, including 65 per cent of those in the public sector.

Chief executive at the Learning and Work Institute Stephen Evans said a lack of flexible apprenticeship opportunities is preventing people from taking up apprenticeships and limiting employers’ talent pool.

He added: “We need a major drive from government and employers to translate this interest into action. Flexible working is well established in many employers and sectors, and part-time learning is commonplace. We need to make flexible apprenticeships much more business-as-usual, too.”

‘We need urgent action’

Young Women’s Trust chief executive Dr Carole Easton said the growing skills shortages in sectors like construction and engineering meant there was all the more reason to support more young women into relevant apprenticeships.

She added: “Young women across the country are shut out of apprenticeships due to a lack of flexible working. We need urgent action. Much greater provision of part-time and flexible apprenticeships would help young mothers and carers, in particular, who often have to balance care with work.”

The report was co-authored by the Learning and Work Institute and Timewise Foundation, in partnership with the Young Women’s Trust and Trust for London.

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