You might think apprenticeships are for young people but you may be surprised to know that they are also available for older workers.
This week is National Apprenticeship week (14-18 March), a celebration of apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
I wanted to take the opportunity to encourage employers and people to think differently about apprenticeships for older workers.
In 2014/15, over 55,700 of those starting an apprenticeship were aged 45 to 59. A further 3,400 were aged over 60.
Fuller working lives
It is fantastic news that we’re living longer and healthier lives, and it’s important to note the significant impact that is having on society and our workforce. The most telling statistic is that the number of people aged 50 to State Pension age in Britain is expected to rise by 3.2 million between 2014 and 2024, while the number aged 16 to 49 will have reduced by 200,000. Clearly this is an unprecedented challenge for employers.
Put simply, the number of young people leaving education won’t be enough to fill the jobs a growing economy will create. This means older workers will also be critical to employers if they want to remain competitive, fill vacancies and retain skills and experience.
As we can look forward to living longer, we need to have a completely new mind-set for the 21st century that re-thinks what ‘old’ looks like – the traditional stereotypes of people over 50 no longer apply. By overcoming age-related barriers, we can promote flexible work and age diversity. And everyone benefits if there are more opportunities to change careers.
It’s never too late to learn new skills
Apprenticeships are available to all and they give an opportunity to gain the skills and experience to succeed in a new field. This has potentially huge benefits for employers who may find an older apprentice brings extra knowledge to the role and transferable skills picked up in previous jobs. More mature apprentices may also be less likely to move on to a new company, thus delivering good returns to employers on the costs of training.
Last year I had a career change and I know it can feel both daunting and exciting. There is lots of support out there for older workers to help them make that change. It’s never too late to learn new skills and take on new challenges.
This is why the government is in listening mode, and is working with employers to monitor retention, productivity and the benefits of age diversity. This is an important part of our commitment to reach 3 million apprenticeship starts in England by 2020 and we will ensure they deliver the skills employers and the economy need for growth.
Find out more
Find out more about apprenticeships and help and support for older workers.
13 comments
Comment by Dot Holden posted on
I'd be interested in an apprenticeship - I am 60 years old with mobility issues and have problems with lifting and turning objects due to arthritis in my hands. What would you recommend?
Comment by DWP Pensions Latest posted on
Dot, there are a range of apprenticeship opportunities on the National Apprenticeship Service vacancies on-line system at: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship. As well as applying for existing vacancies, you can also register your interest in any subject areas that interest you, and you will receive automatic notifications when a vacancy is posted near where you live. You may want to look at these pages: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employing-disabled-people-and-people-with-health-conditions/employing-disabled-people-and-people-with-health-conditions; which could provide help and support to you and your potential employer in adapting work for your condition. If you are thinking of retraining, or moving into a different industry, then you could also consider a mid-life career review. This advice is useful for people of every age and a mid-life career review could help to point you in the right direction, identifying appropriate employment for older workers. You can get more information and tools on about reviewing your career at: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/Pages/chooseacareer.aspx.
Comment by Miss J Westgate posted on
Love the spin on the utopian vision for the older worker especially for one who started work at 15 years old.
Comment by Christina hughes posted on
Never to late to learn new skills! !! Been working since 15 , 62 this year work 6 shifts days afternoon's in the same week have polymialga memory not what it was and another 4 years before I retire. I doubt I will be living a longer or healthier life !!!
Comment by DWP Pensions Latest posted on
We’re sorry to hear about your health issues, Christina. Whilst not suitable for everyone, we‘re keen to ensure that continuing to work is an option that people can consider. Free advice is available for anyone looking to stay in or return to work from the Fit for Work service at http://www.fitforwork.org.
Comment by Barbara posted on
Legislate and spin as you may the fact is our minds and bodies are not governed by politics but by nature and when we get older we get tired and we get slow, we make silly mistakes and can't understand afterwards how or why we did so and we take longer to learn new things. The workplace now is vastly different to when we older people began working at 15, the whole interview process is changed beyond recognition. Save the training and job opportunities for the younger ones who think having a baby is a good career move and let those of us who have always worked enjoy the sunset of our lives in peace.
Comment by DWP Pensions Latest posted on
Working in later life might not be right for everyone, and indeed some people might not want to work. However, a recent poll highlighted that many still want to be working between 65 and 70, and we want to ensure this option remains available. The Fit for Work service offers free advice to those looking to either stay in or return to work (www.fitforwork.org).
Comment by Karen Connell posted on
When I fist started work people went to night school and their apprenticeships lasted for three years. Unless these new 'apprenticeships' take just a few months it's hardly worth anyone spending the money on us older folk to retrain. The return on investment wouldn't be too good as a lot of older people are finding it difficult to work due to age related illnesses.
We may be living longer but, in a lot of cases, not in rude health.
I am 61 and, because no-one is willing to employ me in any other job, find myself having to take a job as a housekeeper. (25+ yrs in HR made redundant at 57). Wrists and back hurt daily but have to carry on as no partner so have to support myself or starve.
Thanks to the 2011 acceleration of the 1995 Act I can not retire until my 66th birthday Dec 2020.
These new apprenticeships may be OK for middle ages people but for those 60+ doesn't seem to be a sound business investment for companies. We may have a lot of life experience but not everyone can physically work.
Comment by DWP Pensions Latest posted on
Karen, we’re keen to work with employers to support people in their 50s and 60s who want to continue working, with many employers already recognising the high level of skills and subject knowledge that older apprentices can bring to the workplace. Anyone looking to stay in or return to work can find free advice at http://www.fitforwork.org. You may also be eligible for a support grant through the Access to Work scheme. To find out more, visit http://www.gov.uk/access-to-work.
Comment by Kim Collins posted on
What career can you suggest for me aged 57 with chronic rheumatoid arithus. And WHO would employ me? Would have been nice to get my pension at 60 but I have been robbed of it by the government.
Comment by DWP Pensions Latest posted on
Kim, we’re sorry to hear about your arthritis and appreciate that working in later life might not be right for everyone. However, many employers do value the skills and knowledge that mature individuals can bring to the workplace. The Fit for Work service (www.fitforwork.org) offers free advice to those looking to stay in or return to work, whilst support grants are available from the Access to Work scheme (subject to eligibility), with more information available at http://www.gov.uk/access-to-work.
Comment by gill thomas posted on
Would an employer really want an almost 60 yr old apprentice? Would an almost 60 yr old really want an apprenticeship? What a joke! I should be looking forward to my pension if it hadn't been stolen from me n the ladies born in the 1950's
Comment by DWP Pensions Latest posted on
Whilst we appreciate that working in later life might not be right for everyone, recent polling showed that many of those over 50 do still want to be working between 65 and 70. We want to ensure that this is an option for people to consider. There is nothing to stop an employer taking on an older apprentice and many businesses recognise and value the transferrable skills and subject knowledge that mature apprentices can bring to the workplace.