Exploring positive action as a tool to address under-representation in apprenticeships

Abstract

Apprenticeships are an important route into work, offering paid employment, on-the- job training and a qualification. The UK, Scottish and Welsh governments have all set targets to increase the number of apprenticeships and recognised the need to increase the diversity of those starting, participating in and completing apprenticeships.

With the drive towards increasing diversity within apprenticeships, there is a need for employers, governments and policy makers to consider the tools that are available to address long-standing under-representation. This report seeks to evaluate the use of positive action to address under-representation of female apprentices in gender- segregated sectors, and disabled people and ethnic minorities in apprenticeships more broadly.