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7th of February 2012

New regulations for employing 16-17 year olds

Regulations for employing 16 and 17 years olds are about to change

Information for Employers on Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) 

It is Government  policy that by 2013, all young people will be expected to stay in some form of learning until they are 17. This will increase to age 18 by 2015.

This means that those leaving Year 11 in 2013 will need to remain in learning until they are 17. Those leaving Year 11 from 2014 onwards  will need to remain in learning until they are 18.

  Does this mean staying at school until the age of 18?

Not necessarily, although lots of young people will choose to stay on. Young people will be able to choose one of the following options:

●  Full-time education, such as school or college

● Work-based learning, such as an Apprenticeship

●  Part-time education or training if employed,

self employed or volunteering  for more than 20 hours a week

Young People will have the choice of lots of different qualifications including A levels, more GCSEs, Apprenticeships and vocational courses.

How can I get involved?

If you recruit young people aged 16 to 18 but currently do not provide accredited training, consider working in partnership with a learning provider to convert the opportunity to an Apprenticeship.  Apprenticeships are available in a wide variety of occupational areas and levels right  up to Foundation Degree.  For help and support with this, take

a look at www.apprenticeships.org.uk or www.skillupnorfolk.co.uk You can also call the Apprenticeships helpline on 08000 150 600

If you are looking to recruit a young person, call us on 0344 800 8022. We can advertise your opportunity  free of charge on www.helpyouchoose.org, Norfolk's careers information and advice website for young people.

What are my responsibilities as an employer?

From 2013, a business that recruits a 16/17 year old will need to check the young person's evidence that they are in learning before they begin employment. This will be extended in 2015 to 18 year olds.

Where a business employs 16 to 18 year olds (for 20 hours a week or more, for more than 8 weeks) and does not provide accredited training they need to agree reasonable hours of work with the young person so that they can access training elsewhere to the equivalent of one day per week.

Why do we need to raise the participation age?

The economy and the world of employment are changing.  More and more jobs in the future will require a higher level of skills, training and qualifications. The changes to the participation age will help to prepare our young people for successful careers and equip  the UK workforce for the demands of the 21st Century.

Where can I find out more?

www.education.gov.uk/16to19/participation/rpa

- information from the Department for Education on Raising the Participation Age, including facts for employers.

For further information  about Raising the Participation Age in Norfolk please email employer.engagement@norfolk.gov.uk

Produced by Norfolk County Council's IACG Strategy Team. January 2012