Given that 20,415 young people between the ages of 16-24 were in work-based learning provision in Wales in 2018-19, what specific mental health support is available for those young people undertaking apprenticeships this year, and how is this support suited to their learning and assessment needs?
I recognise that the COVID-19 pandemic has created anxiety and uncertainty for young people undertaking apprenticeships, with disruption to both their learning and, in many cases, their employment. As apprentices are employed, their employers have the prime responsibility for supporting their wellbeing, including during any periods of furlough or changes to their working patterns. Nonetheless, our guidance to work-based learning providers makes it clear that we expect them to provide appropriate support for learners’ mental health and wellbeing.
I know that apprenticeship providers have risen to the challenge by being flexible with targets and deadlines, “keeping in touch” with furloughed apprentices, and ensuring regular communication with learners to keep them engaged and motivated.
We have made a range of free online resources available to support young people and adults, including the young person’s mental health toolkit on Hwb, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy courses via SilverCloud, and free online courses to support wellbeing via the Working Wales furlough support website. Apprentices who are struggling with more serious symptoms of mental ill-health can be referred to counselling services by their learning provider.