Employer-designed apprenticeships are being introduced to sectors including engineering, hospitality and legal so that apprentices can earn while they learn.

The 40 new schemes are launched in conjunction with the Get In. Go Far campaign, the latest initiative from the government to incentivise people considering apprenticeships.

Business secretary Vince Cable says, ‘For too long there has been a divide between university and vocational education which has been damaging for both employers and young people.

‘Placing university degrees and apprenticeships on an equal footing will help break down barriers and better meet the needs of business.’

The reforms to the way apprenticeships are structured now mean that businesses are able to design and provide apprenticeships that meet company needs. This, Cable says, means that firms can provide ‘valuable qualifications’ whilst also getting what is needed.

Figures released by the government show that, while normally considered the work of large corporates, some 47 per cent of new apprenticeships are being created by small businesses. Furthermore, 44 per cent of all companies plan to take on an apprentice in the coming five years as part of a core strategy while 41 per cent of employers stay that apprentices say on longer than other hires. As part of the coalition’s drive it has pledged to create two million new apprenticeships this parliament.

More on apprenticeships in the UK:

• Employers to be given more control over apprenticeships
• UK apprenticeships rise above half million mark
• Doug Richard issues call to government
• A Decade of Growth for UK Apprenticeships

Skills minister Nick Boles comments, ‘As another group of young people achieve their GCSE and A Level results, there has never been a better time to consider an apprenticeship.

‘Through an apprenticeship young people can achieve a degree and work at some of the biggest companies in the country.’

Companies offering apprenticeships as part of Get In. Go Far include Google, IBM, ASOS, British Gas and ITV. Cable used the start of the initiative to visit ITV, where he met apprentices on the set of television show Emmerdale in Leeds.

‘The reforms to apprenticeships enable employers to design and deliver apprenticeships that meet their needs, giving young people valuable qualifications and helping them to build successful careers from television production to advanced manufacturing,’ Cable adds.