Disadvantaged young people are often not in a position to make a choice between earning or learning!

Financial barriers clearly restricted access to apprenticeships for the disadvantaged. When a young person starts an apprenticeship, the household’s entitlement to benefits reduces, which in many cases forces the young person to withdraw from the apprenticeship or not apply in the first place.

In addition, for those young people financially supporting themselves or in supported accommodation the apprenticeship pay, is simply not enough for them to be financially self-sufficient. Therefore, very limited choices other than entering full-time paid work with little or no prospects.

Others issues at play here…If apprenticeships  are training they should be classed and paid as training not employment!  Apprentices should not be paid outside of minimum wage scales if the job is employment!

At present, loss of benefits to the household and the appallingly low wages! Disadvantaged young people are often not in a position to make a choice between earning or learning.

Many becoming further disadvantaged because of pressures to focus on short-term financial outcomes, rather than the longer-term benefit of undertaking an apprenticeship.

We need to continue to raise awareness of these issues and the sad reality that young people are having to deal with on a daily basis hence one of many reasons why youth unemployment continues to be so high, particularly in the hard to reach communities we serve! 



Our aim is for the current model just to be reviewed to make/create opportunities accessible for all and not penalise hard hit families. We will up not give up until this injustice has at least raised peoples awareness and change is forced.

Thank you to everyone that has taken the time out to sign and share your support, all signatures are very much appreciated.

Please can we keep pushing and sharing far and wide!

If anyone would like to help and get involved in our mission to help raise awareness of this issue. Please do get involved,

Change is only possible if enough people join this cause.

Thank you all so much

Maria