5,000 Choose apprenticeship over retirement

According to a survey conducted by AgeUK and the Age of Employment Network, around 5,000 people over the age of 50 have recently taken apprenticeships. The last four years have seen a significant spike in the numbers of older persons opting for apprenticeship instead of sitting back and succumbing to retirement.

According to the survey, 400 of the new apprentices are in their 60s and 13 in their 70s. This phenomenon could be the result of several factors.

On the one hand, the recent recession, combined with the government’s budget decisions, has left many older people all but destitute on pensions that fall far short of covering their basic needs. Indeed, this is not only true of people older than 50; the research also found that the number of apprentices older than 25 more than doubled during the recession.

However, the trend could also indicate a more positive mindset among older people: living longer means more time to learn new things. According to a Press Association report, the apprenticeship increase defies the stereotypical perception that older people are reluctant or even unable to learn new things.

The director of Age UK, 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.”

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