UK 'middling' on apprenticeships, says Mercer UK HRD

The UK is making good progress on apprenticeships, but still has a way to go to match more advanced programmes in other countries, according to Mercer UK HR director Siobhan Martin.

Companies welcome government's flagship apprenticeship programme

Employers and industry experts have reacted positively to the government's Get In, Go Far apprenticeship campaign.

Work Foundation calls for stronger RPA legislation

Lancaster University's Work Foundation has criticised the government's "watered down" implementation of the Raising the Participant Age (RPA) policy.

Lack of local candidates drives apprenticeships, says HRD

Not being able to recruit talent from local competitors was a factor in creating an award-winning apprenticeship programme, according to language solution providers Thebigword HR director Karen...

Miliband: young unemployed must train or lose benefits

Ed Miliband is set to announce plans to end benefits for unemployed 18-21-year-olds and replace them with a means-tested allowance reliant on them taking training courses.

CVs from young candidates must tell story, say managers

Young people are focusing too much on qualifications and not "telling a story" about themselves, according to research by youth employment charity Brathay Trust.

Employment minister 'confused' over apprenticeship plans

Employment minister Esther McVey yesterday admitted she has not contributed towards her apprentice’s training costs, despite skills minister Matt Hancock urging employers to do so less than one hour...

New institute to offer alternative HR qualification

The Institute of Recruiters (IOR) is to offer the first alternative HR qualification to the CIPD.

Over-qualified applicants: Don't judge a book by its cover

Recruitment company Cordant Group has seen an increase in employers dismissing job applicants early because they are seen to be “over-qualified” for the role. HR director Ken Steers explains why this...

Dave Ulrich: 'Standards should start with stakeholders'

HR magazine has launched a new campaign, Raising the Standard, to explore whether HR needs standards and how to raise the level of professional practice. In this piece we gather the thoughts of Dave...

Companies urged to endorse traineeships

The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) is urging employers to run traineeship schemes, designed to help get underprivileged or under-qualified people of school leaver age or slightly above ready...

Clegg's plans for vocational support widely backed

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) says the Government is right to offer support to 16-year-olds to obtain vocational qualification instead of entering further education.