Charities are urging the government not to cut back on senior apprenticeships The number of people aged over 50 taking up apprenticeships has nearly doubled in two years, say charities.
Age UK and The Age Employment Network said a rapid expansion of places in 2007 coupled with the recession has led to the rise in “silver apprentices”.
According to the charities, the number of apprenticeships taken up by the over-50s jumped from just over 2,600 to more than 5,000 in that time.
The figure includes 400 people in their 60s and 13 in their 70s.
Age UK charity director Michelle Mitchell said: “It’s great to see so many 50-plus workers snap up the opportunity to upgrade their skills or make a fresh start with their careers through an apprenticeship.
“This 5,000-strong army of silver apprentices is a refreshing sight which defies the stereotype that older people are reluctant to learn new skills, and sends a clear message that age is no barrier to what people can achieve.”
The Revenue and Customs website says employers are exempt from paying the full minimum wage to older apprentices for the first 12 months.
Despite this, Age UK is urging the government to maintain opportunities for older people to take up apprenticeships in the face of impending spending cuts.
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