The reviewed Gross Domestic Product figures from the Office of National Statistics, released last month, were better than previously estimated and the headline unemployment rate has continued to drop.
But please consider one of the biggest challenges we face in 2014 – youth unemployment. The improvement being felt by large parts of the economy and the business community is bypassing the near million unemployed 16-24-year-olds. Basically, they’re experiencing a jobless recovery and creating a skills time bomb that’ll blow up in our faces in the next five years. These 941,000 unemployed young people are standing on the precipice of becoming a lost generation. If the economy continues to recover at its current pace then it will find a way to operate without the input, and output, of these kids. It’s more than possible that this’ll happen, while, at the same time, businesses across the country are screaming that they’re facing a skills shortage. My plumber’s maths tells me that this is a problem with only one answer – a coordinated, centrally-funded apprenticeship scheme. No young person should be able to leave school without a job, further education or a training place. And if they don’t, they will be given an apprenticeship as part of a nationally-organised and funded system. Employers should back this idea. If they want to secure their future workforce then it’s a no-brainer as we say in the plumbing business. It’s not complicated and, more importantly, not expensive. We can divert the unemployment benefits these young people currently receive to employers to help fund their wages and training. Simple. Anyone who disagrees need to ask themselves how can paying Job Seeker’s Allowance for doing nothing be the right approach to solving this issue? So, 2014 is all about diffusing the skills time bomb. On a positive note, the politicians I have spoken to are receptive to my ideas as have been the many businesses and young people I’ve met. The momentum is building and I am sure that it will snowball further next year. So, let me leave you with this thought. Will you consider taking on another apprentice or two? And if the only thing stopping you is funding, then get behind my Skills Time Bomb campaign. If we can create a national apprenticeship scheme then it’ll be a win-win situation for young people, employers, the economy and the Government. Charlie Mullins is the CEO and founder of Pimlico Plumbers
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.