Our economy is shifting away from career-long employment with large companies and towards multiple, individually tailored careers that stress innovation and adaptability. The next Government should broaden apprenticeships to fit our new economic reality.

The last few years have seen a start-up explosion in the UK. The number of newly registered businesses has rocketed from 484,224 in 2012 to an estimated 581,173 in 2014, and close to half (47%) of people aged 18-30 want to start their own business. Moreover, there’s a growing appetite among young people to make a positive impact on the world; 72% of prospective start-ups are influenced by social causes, while 27% would choose to form a social enterprise.

Entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs have the potential to be strong players in the economy while also achieving substantial positive impact in their local communities. Yet only a fraction (9%) of these aspiring entrepreneurs actually start up. Why? Research shows many lack the skills to begin, or the confidence to succeed. That’s why we believe that an apprenticeship for entrepreneurs could help thousands of young people set up businesses and social ventures around the country.

UnLtd believes social entrepreneurship should become a viable career choice, with formal pathways in for young people; in short we think it’s time for the next Government to introduce apprenticeships for entrepreneurs.

The experience of entrepreneurship helps young people to develop key transferable skills and character traits such as resilience, confidence and self-management, boosting their career prospects long-term. An apprenticeship for entrepreneurs would bring tangible benefits to employers looking to draw on innovation and talent.

There is cross party support for apprenticeships and entrepreneurship and a strong appetite for this from both young people and employers. We are calling on the next Government to support the introduction of an apprenticeship for entrepreneurs: if you agree, ask your local parliamentary candidate to sign the Social Economy Charter today.