The Learning and Work Institute is calling for the creation of an equivalent of the Pupil Premium for apprentices to ensure that funding is in place to support disadvantaged young people.

The proposed “apprentice premium” would mirror the Pupil Premium in schools by providing funding for disadvantaged young people who want to undertake an apprenticeship. The institute has also called for full funding for young people who choose an apprenticeship.

The Pupil Premium, which was introduced in 2010, offers funding for school pupils who have been entitled to receive free school meals at any point over the last six years.

‘It’s so important we get this right’

Stephen Evans, chief executive of the Learning and Work Institute, said: “The apprenticeship levy has been recognised universally as a ‘game-changer’, but we believe that more needs to be done to make sure that investment in apprenticeships delivers the very best experience for apprentices and value for money for employers and tax payers.   

“We’ve set out today how the funding system can best promote and incentivise high quality. We think it’s wrong that an apprentice’s experience can be negotiated on price, rather than quality, so we’ve set out today how the government can change that.

“Growth in apprenticeships marks an exciting turning point in our education system and the choices available to young people and adults in accessing training. That’s why it’s so important we get this right.”

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