According to the ONS figures released today, UK unemployment fell by 26,000 in the three months to May to 2.45 million. The unemployment rate was 7.7 per cent, down from 7.8 per cent in the previous quarter. However, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in June rose by 24,500 to 1.52 million – the biggest such increase in two years.

Recent government statistics have also revealed that the number of job seekers in Britain who have been out of work for more than a year had reached a 14-year high with students being a particular group causing concern.

Termed ‘the lost generation’, British students can no longer take a university degree as a guarantee of landing jobs, as 20 per cent of last year’s graduates still remain unemployed.

With university places at a premium, and with more than 200,000 potential students failing to secure a university place, apprenticeships are proving an alternative route to employment.

Liz Field, CEO of the Financial Skills Partnership (FSP) said: “An increasing number of people are looking to alternative means into employment and training. Businesses in the financial services industry are constantly on the lookout for new talent and they are turning to alternative entry routes as a means of accessing wider talent pools – through apprenticeships and school leaver programmes.”

FSP has been holding discussions with the government to tackle the problem of unemployment and is collaborating with employers to develop frameworks to ensure that unemployed people from a diverse range of ages and backgrounds meet the needs of companies.

Identifying one of the key underlying issues in unemployment, Liz Field said: “There is a need for young people to get early exposure to the world of work, through quality work experience placements and business education in schools so that their career prospects and aspirations are significantly raised from an early age and they are better prepared for the world of work.”

According to the National Employer Skills Survey, 19 per cent of all reported job applicants in the financial services industry lacked the general and business-specific skills needed to start work – a crucial problem now being addressed by the FSP’s Apprenticeship programme.

Recently, the FSP has launched the Level 4 High Apprenticeship in providing Financial Advice (HAFA) – designed to offer a practical training structure for new retail investment advisers.

It incorporates the appropriate qualifications recognised by the Financial Services Authority as part of the professionalism strand of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR). It provides an entry route into a sector which is facing a significant challenge as it is expected that some advisers will leave the industry as a result of RDR requirements. As such it offers a route into an existing profession.

What is Apprenticeship Vacancies?

Apprenticeship Vacancies is an online service whereby employers and learning providers can advertise and manage vacancies, and potential apprentices can search, apply and then manage their applications for apprenticeships and advanced apprenticeships opportunities anywhere in England.

The system is an important part of our commitment to make services simpler and less bureaucratic to access. It is free and available on the apprenticeships website at: www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

Who is Apprenticeship vacancies for?

The system is free and available to anyone wanting to be an apprentice or for any employer or learning provider who want to advertise their placements.

Can learners search for Apprenticeships by sector?

Yes.

Will the vacancies posted have to be real jobs with training?

Yes – providers cannot post vacancies that are not linked to a real post.

Apprenticeship vacancies You can now apply for Apprenticeship vacancies online using a new system that lets you search for, view and then apply for apprenticeships.

Follow these steps: 1. Go to the apprenticeships home page apprenticeships.org.uk 2. Click the ‘Search for vacancies’ link in the ‘Vacancies’ box on the home page. On this page you can start searching or register.

3. To register, click the ‘Register now’ link under ‘New User?’ and fi ll in your details. Then create a username and password. Remember to keep your username and password safe.

4. You’ll receive a confirmation email sent to your inbox. You must click on the link in the email to activate your account. This link opens a window to your ‘My Home’ page. ‘My Home’ page is your own secure space.

5. Then search for apprenticeships that match your interests. Once you have found the apprenticeship you want, use the simple, secure and reusable application form.

6. you can also get email alerts sent to you.

Interviews Getting an apprenticeship is the same as getting a job. If your application is successful you will be interviewed and you may be asked to take tests to see if you’re the right person. You’ll need to sell yourself and convince the employer that an apprenticeship is right for you.