You're hired! Live webchat on apprenticeships with education minister John Hayes, Tues 7 Feb, 11.15am

[KatieMumsnet]

We're delighted to be joined by John Hayes MP, Education Minister with particular responsibility for apprenticeships, careers guidance and vocational education.

John joins us in National Apprenticeship Week, which aims to persuade employers of the advantages of employing and supporting apprentices in their workplace and highlight the range of apprenticeships available in different sectors.

Apprenticeships now go up to degree level, and allow you to earn a wage as you train. John would specifically like to find out from Mumsnetters what your impressions are of apprenticeships are, do you think they're a path to a good career? And If not, why not?

Before becoming and MP John trained as a teacher and was the director of an award winning local computer company

Do post your question live on Tuesday, but if you're not able to join us - please do post away below.

MNHQ

Thanks for answering my question. Off to the google the Wolf report! Like I say, please can we make it apparent that vocational qualifications at school are valued by giving them their own league table, along side the academic one.

So where do we find information on the new all age careers service? There has ben no publiity and secondary schools dont know anything about this. How is a phone based service going to offer quality careers guidance? Surely it will be an information line? Its not going to be an indepth careers interview. Young people entering into the labour market deserve better than the new all age carees service

For too long we've allowed the myth that only through academic prowess can people gain a sense of worth and purpose to be perpetuated. The bourgeois left are particularly guilty of spinning this yarn! In fact practical, technical and vocational skills are just as worthy not only because they have high economic value but also- as John Ruskin and William Morris knew- due to their connection, through craft, to beauty and truth. To build the esteem of practical competencies I want apprentices to enjoy an aesthetic similar to that which is routine in academia; that means graduation ceremonies, published lists of achievements, apprenticeship certificates (to be framed and prized by proud mothers!) and alumni networks.

@strangerwithmyface

In a society that is increasingly focused on academic qualifications and degrees, how do we improve the image of apprenticeships and reassure young people that they're not a second rate avenue?

@happyAvocado

Dear Mr Hayes,

I'd like to ask what is being done about the fact that Universities are offering teacher training courses saying to their prospective students that there are great opportunities awaiting them... Vacancies for trainee teachers are scarce. Many of those who graduated are unable to find permanent jobs afterwards... You are subsidizing those courses with money paid towards bursaries etc and if people can't find jobs all that money and their time is wasted!

Thanks

I appreciate you may have a specific example in mind when I say that our data show that at 6 months, those from full-time first degrees in teacher training have a much higher employment rate than average for all grads. Also not getting a permanent job immediately is not necessarily a problem - some will initially take up temporary/supply posts (which are required) and then gradually move into permanent posts. Some may do the course and may not take up teaching unitl later in their careers. That?s another question I think, but we wouldn?t want to be too prescriptive and end up with government directed manpower planning that doesn?t work.

Statutory guidance will be issued to schools shortly, making clear how they must secure independent, empirical advice which places the same emphasis on vocational as academic options.

@dietstartstmoz

So where do we find information on the new all age careers service? There has ben no publiity and secondary schools dont know anything about this. How is a phone based service going to offer quality careers guidance? Surely it will be an information line? Its not going to be an indepth careers interview. Young people entering into the labour market deserve better than the new all age carees service

@insancerre

I have a couple of questions for Mr Hayes

Why are schools still insisting on directing the less able girls to vocational courses for childcare? The childcare sector has changed dramatically in the last decade, with many practitioners qualified to degree level.People entering the profession need to have the right skills, academic as well as personal, to educate as well as care for young children. I have seen many young students who have been led to believe that they can do well at childcare because the entry requirements are so low- which is simply not true.

Secondly, what happens to apprentices when they finish their apprenticeship and are simply replaced by another apprentice as companies are under no obligation to keep them on? What support is there available for young people finding themselves on the dole with training but no job?

There are still too many assumptions about which jobs and school subjects are suitable for girls and which for boys. it's important to recognise the part role models play in raising aspirations and helping young people to make informed choices.

The Government is committed to encouraging girls and young women to make broader career choices and to open up opportunities for everyone, regardless of background and gender. Good careers guidance is at the heart of ensuring opportunities are available to all and a range of materials are available to support careers advisers in challenging stereotypes.

Good careers guidance is at the heart of ensuring opportunities are available to all. A range of materials are available to support careers advisers in challenging stereotypes, but in the end, if there is an issue about the information being given to young people, it clearly needs to be addressed. If you would like to write in to me with more information about your concerns on careers advice in childcare I will be happy to take this forward.

Statutory responsibilities count. They are the law, not to be taken or left.

@SurelyNotAgain

We expect that schools will work in partnership with local authorities and external careers guidance providers to ensure that young people are supported. Local authorities will continue to be responsible for additional support for those who would otherwise suffer disadvantage.

We expect - what if they don't, will I as a parent be able to take action for 'failure to educate'?

For too long we've allowed the myth that only through academic prowess can people gain a sense of worth and purpose to be perpetuated. The bourgeois left are particularly guilty of spinning this yarn! In fact practical, technical and vocational skills are just as worthy not only because they have high economic value but also- as John Ruskin and William Morris knew- due to their connection, through craft, to beauty and truth. To build the esteem of practical competencies I want apprentices to enjoy an aesthetic similar to that which is routine in academia; that means graduation ceremonies, published lists of achievements, apprenticeship certificates (to be framed and prized by proud mothers!) and alumni networks

So does this mean a move away from league tables and testing pupils at every level?

John is dashing out of the office now to his next meeting - thanks for all your questions - and for the answers.

MNHQ

Thank you very much for having me, and thanks for the really interesting questions, I've had a great time! I hope you'll have me again. Thanks