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| Over-50s apprenticeships double, say charities | Over-50s apprenticeships double, say charities |
| (about 7 hours later) | |
| The number of people aged over 50 taking up apprenticeships has nearly doubled in two years, say charities. | The number of people aged over 50 taking up apprenticeships has nearly doubled in two years, say charities. |
| Age UK and The Age Employment Network said a rapid expansion of places in 2007 coupled with the recession has led to the rise in "silver apprentices". | Age UK and The Age Employment Network said a rapid expansion of places in 2007 coupled with the recession has led to the rise in "silver apprentices". |
| According to the charities, the number of apprenticeships taken up by the over-50s jumped from just over 2,600 to more than 5,000 in that time. | According to the charities, the number of apprenticeships taken up by the over-50s jumped from just over 2,600 to more than 5,000 in that time. |
| The figure includes 400 people in their 60s and 13 in their 70s. | The figure includes 400 people in their 60s and 13 in their 70s. |
| 'Defies stereotype' | 'Defies stereotype' |
| Age UK charity director Michelle Mitchell said: "It's great to see so many 50-plus workers snap up the opportunity to upgrade their skills or make a fresh start with their careers through an apprenticeship. | Age UK charity director Michelle Mitchell said: "It's great to see so many 50-plus workers snap up the opportunity to upgrade their skills or make a fresh start with their careers through an apprenticeship. |
| "This 5,000-strong army of silver apprentices is a refreshing sight which defies the stereotype that older people are reluctant to learn new skills, and sends a clear message that age is no barrier to what people can achieve." | "This 5,000-strong army of silver apprentices is a refreshing sight which defies the stereotype that older people are reluctant to learn new skills, and sends a clear message that age is no barrier to what people can achieve." |
| The Revenue and Customs website says employers are exempt from paying the full minimum wage to older apprentices for the first 12 months. | The Revenue and Customs website says employers are exempt from paying the full minimum wage to older apprentices for the first 12 months. |
| Despite this, Age UK is urging the government to maintain opportunities for older people to take up apprenticeships in the face of impending spending cuts. | Despite this, Age UK is urging the government to maintain opportunities for older people to take up apprenticeships in the face of impending spending cuts. |
| Are you over 50? Have you recently embarked on an apprenticeship? Tell us your stories using the form below. |