Government completes next stage in apprenticeship reform
Government publishes the response to The Future of Apprenticeships in England: Funding Reform Technical Consultation.
The government has today (13 January 2015) outlined the next step in apprenticeship reform, making the pledge to give employers direct control of funding for the training of apprentices.
Publishing the response to The Future of Apprenticeships in England: Funding Reform Technical Consultation, the government outlined its continuing commitment to making England’s apprenticeship system the best in the world.
Skills Minister Nick Boles said:
Last month we celebrated the start of the 2 millionth apprenticeship since 2010. This was an important milestone in the government’s long term economic plan. If we are going improve and expand our apprenticeship programme further we must put employers in the driving seat - and give them control of both the design and funding of apprenticeships.
I look forward to working with employer organisations and others to develop a funding model that is simple, transparent and easy for employers to use.
Giving employers control of apprenticeship funding will enable them to select the training that best meets their skills needs and will drive up the quality of apprenticeships. The government response outlines, that while putting employers in control of apprenticeship funding is a non-negotiable part of the reforms, it is clear from the feedback received that further detailed design work is needed before there can be a final decision on how this would work in practice. The government is committed to delivering a simple, effective funding process which works for employers of all sizes and further collaboration with the sector will take place to ensure this is achieved.
The funding reforms will continue to be developed alongside the trailblazer programme - giving employers control over the design of apprenticeships. Over 1,000 employers, of all sizes, are now part of the trailblazers scheme in industries including engineering, legal services and health and social care. Last month (December 2014) 22 new standards were published, with employers leading the design of apprenticeships in data analysis, aircraft maintenance and construction management.
Notes to editors
- Go to The Future of Apprenticeships in England: Funding Reform Technical Consultation to see the government response.
- More information for trailblazers including new guidance on developing standards and assessment plans published today (13 January 2015) is available at Future of apprenticeships in England: guidance for trailblazers.
- The ‘Get In. Go Far’ campaign aims to inspire young people to consider an apprenticeship and benefit from the opportunity to earn while they learn, in some cases up to degree level. By ‘getting in’ with an employer they will be able to ‘go far’ in their chosen career and learn the skills employers want. The creative idea behind the campaign is to lift the lid and showcase the range of roles by featuring real apprentices. For more information please visit www.apprenticeships.gov.uk and Apprenticeships Map.
- National Apprenticeship Week 2015 runs from 9 to 13 March.