The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is backing calls from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to increase the minimum weekly wage for apprentices from £80 to £110.
The organisations said this would happen once legislation has been passed to extend wage contributions to small employers who are taking on an apprentice. They added that £110 for a 35-hour week would bring apprenticeships broadly in line with the minimum wage youth rate (£3.40 an hour).
The move marks the beginning of the first ever Apprenticeships Week. Hiking pay levels would boost levels of completion, said the organisations, which also aim to boost diversity within apprenticeships.
More women should be given a route into non-traditional roles, and ethnic minorities and disabled people need greater access to high quality apprenticeships, according to the TUC and FSB.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: “Apprenticeships are a great way for people to earn and learn, while employers benefit from skilled workers. The quality and diversity of apprenticeships must improve if they are to grow over the next decade. Completion rates are an important indicator of quality, and improving pay is crucial to ensuring that people can afford to complete their course. Increasing the minimum pay for apprentices to £110 a week will boost their reputation and convince more people to train.”
Apprenticeships week runs from 25-29 February 2008.
