Apprentice minimum wage rise announced

In response to the announcement of the increase in the apprentice minimum wage in today's Autumn Statement, David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “The increase in the apprentice minimum wage is a very modest one and will not address some of the access issues which we would like to see addressed. Many people will not be able to access an apprenticeship at that wage due to prohibitive travel costs, for instance; others such as care leavers will struggle to live independently on those wages. “When the apprenticeship levy is introduced next year, we would like to see more investment to ensure in access and quality to ensure that every apprentice has the best possible start to their career. “The Government is keen to improve the reputation of the apprenticeship programme and further education colleges can help to achieve this through the education and training they provide for apprentices and employers.”