www.employersforapprentices.gov.uk

Ian S Ferguson

Deputy Chairman – Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network

(AAN) and

Chairman - Data Connection Limited

www.employersforapprentices.gov.uk

Current Facts & Figures

• Over 240,000 in Apprenticeships• Completion rate - 63% (110,000 last year)• 180 Apprenticeship frameworks offered in more than

80 sectors• Top Framework sectors: Engineering, Construction,

Business Administration and Hospitality• Apprenticeship Review – January 2008

– World-class Apprenticeships: Unlocking Talent, Building Skills for All!

www.employersforapprentices.gov.uk

Apprentice Benefits

Young People• Positive experience for those who do not relish the

classroom• Huge personal and technical skills benefit across the

spectrum of– those with options– those with only this option

• Key part of raising the participation age to 18

Adults• Formalised and qualified training

www.employersforapprentices.gov.uk

Business Benefits

• Delivering higher productivity and work quality which reduces costs and enhances profitability

• Improving staff recruitment, retention and staff satisfaction

• Producing motivated staff and managers of the future• Reducing skills shortages and fostering a more diverse

workforce• Government funding

www.employersforapprentices.gov.uk

Terms of Reference

• To promote Apprenticeships to employers of all sizes, to increase take-up, particularly in sectors of poor penetration and diversity

• To advise and help employers in improving Apprenticeship outcomes

• To provide feedback to Government, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills on issues affecting quality and effectiveness

www.employersforapprentices.gov.uk

www.employersforapprentices.gov.uk

Perspective on Policy

• National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) – retain momentum• Vacancy Matching System – important• Accreditation of employer own training – important• 400,000 apprenticeships by 2020 – achievable• Apprenticeship entitlement by 2013 – employer buy in• Increasing the participation age to 18 – employer buy in• Overtraining and Group Training Associations - detail

www.employersforapprentices.gov.uk

Ongoing Concerns – AAN

• Delivery too complex

• Low take-up of Apprenticeships in London and Public Sector

• Poor advice and guidance

• Continued completion rate increase

• Framework content

• Linking with Diplomas

• FE/HE progression

• National Clearing House (New Vacancy Matching System is a start)