A new skills eco-system to deliver apprenticeships providing young people with skilled jobs and a real future was called for by Unite general secretary Len McCluskey today.

In UK national apprenticeship week and commenting on today’s response by the government to the Richard Review of apprenticeships, Len McCluskey said: "A million of our young people are being condemned to a life on the dole and benefits, when what they really need is skilled jobs with a real future.

"Unite believes that the UK needs a new skills eco-system which will provide top quality skilled apprenticeships, importantly underpinned by employed status and essential work based learning, similar to the highly successful German dual vocational system.

"This will ensure that that industry develops and maintains a long-term and sustainable skills base, particularly in manufacturing and construction where the nation is facing a skills cliff edge.

"The UK will face future skills shortages if we don’t change direction as a matter of urgency. To not act will be to the detriment of the people, our economy and the very fabric of the nation’s infrastructure and built environment."

Unite stressed that it will keep 'a watchful eye' on indications by ministers to redefine national standards with regard to apprenticeships. Much good practice already exists in sectors with a long tradition of apprenticeship provision - agreed between employers, trade unions, industry bodies and sector skills councils.

(CD)