Apprenticeship News

Turbocharging Apprenticeships

In the middle of National Apprentice Week the government announced a wide ranging package of reforms to boost growth of apprenticeship placements. Cutting through the jargon Apprenticeship Central set out what the announcement means for you, in plain English.

The minimum duration of an apprenticeship is set to be reduced.

The minimum duration of an apprenticeship will be reduced to 8 months (from the current minimum of 12 months) with the view to make it easier for employers in sectors with urgent skills needs to train and retain talent quickly. Having said this, Apprenticeship Central does not see this really affecting the duration of technical courses in our highly skilled sector.

English and maths requirements will now be flexible for learners over 19 years of age.

Businesses will now be able to decide whether learners 19 + will need to complete a level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) when they start their apprenticeship course in order to pass it. This is welcome news as it gives the decision making on qualifications back to employers and allows apprentices to focus on job-specific skills and paid work.

New Skills England body launched to oversee national skills strategy and support economic growth.

Apprenticeship Central signalled this change several weeks ago and welcomes the step towards cutting bureaucracy and ensuring skills training aligns with industry needs. Having a single governing body can streamline processes, remove red tape and make it easier for businesses to develop their workforce.

Reform package designed to break the link between background and success.

Too many young people leave full time education with little to show for their time there but with the right apprenticeship programme they can develop the skills and confidence to thrive—something Apprenticeship Central is pleased to see the government acknowledge.

The Govt estimates this package of reforms could provide up to 10,000 more apprentices per year.

Director of Apprenticeship Central, Eleanor Baker Barnes commented;

“We know that our industry is overwhelmingly receptive to apprenticeships. Removing red tape and beauracracy, especially around core functional skills such as English and maths, is key to further growth. We can see 2025 is going to be a milestone year for apprentices in the collision repair sector.”