University signs up to the Apprentice Decent Wage Pledge
The pledge is part of the 'Back the Future' campaign to address fairness for all apprentices in the UK
The University Apprenticeship team are pleased to announce that we have signed up to the Apprentice Decent Wage Pledge. This means that we are committed to:
- Paying our apprentices a fair and decent wage
- Encouraging other employers to participate in the campaign
- Playing our part in addressing fair wages for apprentices
More than 50 other employers have also signed up to 'Back the Future' in the hope of raising awareness of this pledge and encouraging others to strive towards it.
We are keen to 'Back the Future' and offer apprenticeship opportunities in a wide range of careers. We offer very competitive salaries (more than double the current minimum wage for apprentices) to enable our apprentices to work and learn successfully.
- Helen Johnson, Apprenticeship Manager
About 'Back the Future'
'Back the Future' is a collective of employers, intermediaries and apprenticeship training providers who believe we should be backing the UK’s future talent pipeline by not paying apprentice minimum wages, but by providing decent and fair pay for all apprentices employed in the UK. We are committed to addressing social mobility issues by ensuring individuals are not put off applying for apprenticeships because pay is too low.
The campaign was launched in 2021 by Robert Watts, chair of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s research scientist trailblazer group. The Apprentice Decent Wage Pledge has been created to encourage employers to pay apprentices a fair salary over and above the national minimum wage for apprentices (currently £4.30 per hour).
Employers of apprentices have a responsibility to be aware of the effects that their wage decisions have on the individuals undertaking their apprenticeships. Whilst it can be attractive to pay lower wages to apprentices as part of their development programs, these low wages can act as a barrier and make apprenticeships exclusive rather than inclusive programs, and cause individuals to not be able to undertake programs to help them reach their potential.
- Robert Watts, founder of the 'Back the Future' campaign
Read more about the Apprentice Decent Wage Pledge and the 'Back the Future' campaign
