According to the National Apprenticeship Service, employers who take on apprentices can benefit by gaining talented new recruits who are eager and motivated, while saving money on training and recruitment costs.
In 2010/11 there was a 64% increase in the take-up of apprenticeships compared with the previous year. However, critics said that too much of the Government funding available for apprenticeship schemes was being targeted at existing employees rather than unemployed young people looking to get onto the career ladder.
At the end of last year, the Government announced it would be introducing a series of reforms to strengthen apprenticeships, such as monitoring employers who run apprenticeship schemes to make sure they include a rigorous amount of “job-relevant” training.
Here you can find the latest case studies, guidance and news on apprenticeships…
Apprentices
Temporary workers missing out on skills development
Almost one million temporary workers are being excluded from skills development opportunities because of a poorly-designed apprenticeships system, the Recruitment...
Apprenticeships boost social mobility in ‘cold spot’ areas
Evidence from Severn Trent shows apprenticeships can improve social mobility in addition to helping develop a skilled workforce
Three million apprenticeship starts target will be missed
The government will miss its target of getting three million apprenticeship starts by 2020, the education secretary has conceded.
How on-the-job training can accelerate school leavers’ career progression
While university is a popular choice for school leavers, well-paid vocational alternatives can also help jump start a successful career,...
MPs urge radical improvements in apprenticeships
MPs have strongly criticised the government’s apprenticeship programme, in particular its focus on higher level placements and failure to meet the needs of smaller employers.
‘Gender-neutral’ ads to encourage female STEM apprentices
The government is to consider using “gender-neutral language” in apprenticeship standards to ensure women are not deterred from training for...
Small businesses seek urgent apprenticeship reforms
The government is in danger of making apprenticeships unaffordable for smaller firms, with reforms urgently needed to curb the decline in apprentice numbers.
Lifelong learning provision is inadequate, claims Lords committee
The government must rethink its approach to lifelong learning and ensure that it educates younger people for longer working lives,...
Tesco boss: Apprenticeship levy is too inflexible
The CEO of the UK’s largest retailer has slammed the apprenticeship levy for being too inflexible and “open to abuse”.
How can employers make apprenticeships work?
National miminum wage rate quick reference guide
How to make use of fixed-term, part-time, training/apprenticeship, casual or nil hours contracts (XpertHR subscription required)
