FROM Brian Kelly, Training Officer, BECTU
W: http://www.bectu.org.uk
The discussion of Creative Apprenticeships (AP206) was a welcome and progressive contribution to a vital debate. However, the ‘Last Word’ column negated the positive message somewhat, by suggesting that paying apprentices in our sector above the legal minimum would be an obstacle. This is an historic opportunity for the creative sector to welcome a new generation. The business case is plain; to attract the brightest and the best (by challenging the no-pay, informal, cosily networked world of typical recruitment), who will go on to become the skilled technicians, designers, technical and artistic directors, and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
BECTU believes that the legal minimum wage for apprentices of £95 is not enough. The national minimum wage of £125, whilst not a fortune, is better. If £30 per week is a deterrent then we should question whether an organisation can afford the other support required. When the average pay for apprentices is £170, paying the minimum will fail to attract the best applicants – a wasted opportunity. That is why the National Skills Academy was correct to signal the sector’s ambitions for the future in a sensible and affordable way. Some organisations may not be able to participate, but many will, and they will be the best placed to bring young people in, welcome them, educate them and care for them. An apprenticeship is a relationship of trust, respect and personal growth (and not just for the apprentice). We have to step up to the mark as a creative sector and pay our new apprentices a sum that allows them a little respect and dignity. We will all reap the rewards of that in the long run.