Vocational diplomas to gain same legal status as university degrees in UK

Apprenticeships in Britain are to be given the same legal status as university degrees, the government's Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (DBI&S) announced Sunday.

It is part of an ambitious commitment to enshrine in law the creation of 3 million apprenticeships by 2020.

As part of the measure, the term 'apprenticeship' will also be protected in law.

It will be the first time ever vocational qualifications be placed on the same legal footing as academic degrees from universities.

A spokesman for the DBI&S said the changes will strengthen the reputation of apprenticeships and will help working people, as well as ensuring apprenticeships are recognized as a career path equal to higher education.

"With over 2.2 million apprenticeships created since 2010 to help establish the UK as the fastest growing economy in the G7, the government will also enshrine in law its commitment to create 3 million apprenticeships by 2020.

"With apprenticeships giving hope and opportunity to more young people, and helping all types and sizes of businesses grow in communities across the UK, the Skills Minister Nick Boles will legally protect the term 'apprenticeship' through the government's Enterprise Bill. This will give government the power to take action when the term is misused to promote low quality courses," added the spokesman.

Public bodies will have to set targets to take on more apprentices, with schools, hospitals, prisons and police forces all creating opportunities for young people.

In Britain academic qualifications have always carried a higher status than vocational diploma qualifications.

It prompted one political commentator to say: "If your water pipes burst the last person you would call is somebody fluent in Latin. You need to call a qualified plumber."

The new measures will become law under the Enterprise Bill which is to be brought before parliament within the next few months. Endit