Raising the participation age
The government has increased the age to which all young people in England must continue in education or training. This does not mean that young people must stay in school, and it does not mean young people cannot get a job. Young people can still leave school at the end of Year 11. However, they must continue to participate in some form of learning until at least their eighteenth Birthday. Alternatives to staying on at school include -
- full-time education
- an apprenticeship or traineeship
- part-time education or training combined with one of the following - full-time work or volunteering which is 20 hours or more combined with regulated part-time education or training, which is about one day per week
The aim of the Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) policy is to ensure every young person continues their educational studies and fulfils their potential by progressing successfully into higher education, employment, or training.
RPA and what it means for employers
There are no new legal duties placed on employers. However, having a trained and qualified workforce has clear benefits for a business. This is particularly in terms of productivity.
- full-time employees aged 16 and 17 working over 20 hours a week are required, under RPA, to participate in regulated part-time education or training. This is around one day per week, alongside their work
- part-time employees aged 16 and 17 include those working evenings, weekends, or during holidays. These young people are required to meet their RPA duty through full-time education or an apprenticeship. This is alongside their part time work