Unemployable underclass? Doesn't have to be this way, argues Perspective

Recent reports suggest Britain is at risk of creating a new ‘underclass’ of individuals who are permanently omitted from the prospect of gaining employment.

But it doesn't have to be this way, points out Perspective, a leading UK provider of learning management software, apprenticeship schemes could provide an outlet for those struggling to find work and so prevent the formation of the new class.

A survey conducted between July and September 2011 showed that of the 1,000 UK employees and 500 employers which took part, 73 percent of businesses and 84 percent of workers believe there is a permanent, unemployable underclass forming as a result of poor education and background.

Paul Davis, managing director of Perspective, commented: “Some employers are reluctant to hire individuals who leave school at a young age and without particularly good grades – which to an extent is understandable but these people need to work to live and prevent this new underclass forming.

"Apprenticeship schemes could be part of the answer as not only do they allow a business to expand cost-effectively, they are also heavily backed by the Government. Furthermore they allow businesses to form and mold their staff to best suit the business, while the apprentices themselves are earning and learning in a subject which they have chosen and hopefully enjoy.

“However, like many education programmes, student tracking and monitoring is essential if the schemes are going to deliver to their full potential. Certainly for schemes where the learners are taught in multiple locations such as work and college, having an effective student management system in place can often be the difference between success and failure.”

Despite the positives that apprenticeships can bring to all parties involved, the survey also revealed that 57 per cent of employers do not have an apprenticeship program and just over half, 51 per cent, think they are cost-effective.

Paul continued: “Apprenticeship schemes had a difficult start in life and some of the negative stigma from those early days is still, wrongly, attached. I know the Government believes in the schemes as I do but, they need to educate prospective employers as well as apprentices if they’re going to succeed and prevent the new underclass from forming.”

For more information about Perspective, please visit www.perspective-uk.com