Government unveils reformed apprenticeships

RA Now

Employers will be able to create new apprenticeship standards under reforms announced by the Prime Minister.

The reforms come as a result of the independent report, The Richard Review into Apprenticeships, and aim to improve the focus on high-quality training for the learner and ease of use for employers.

A number of companies that took on more than 13,000 apprenticeships in 2011 and 2012 – including BMW Group UK – have joined to lead the design of these new apprenticeships. Known as ‘Trailblazers’ the eight companies will represent a range of different sectors; aerospace, automotive, digital industries, electro-technical, energy, financial services, food and drink, and life and industrial sciences.
The reformed apprenticeships will be designed by employers in order to be appropriate for their particular sector, and they will focus on rigorous assessment. Grades of pass, merit or distinction will be awarded upon completion.

“If you want an apprenticeship, we’re going to make sure you do the best apprenticeship in the world,” said Prime Minister David Cameron. The reforms we’re announcing will put employers in the driving seat and ensure that we deliver rigorous training that supports you and our economy for years to come.

Skills and enterprise minister Matthew Hancock added: “Our aim is that the new apprenticeships will focus squarely on rigorous training for learners and simplicity of use for employers.

“Being involved in the Trailblazers will give employers and professional bodies the opportunity to develop the new apprenticeship standards for occupations in their sector. These will become the industry standard for any apprenticeship in that occupation.”
New apprentices can expect to take part in reformed apprenticeships as early as the end of 2014.

A full version of the reform implementation document and a list of the companies currently involved in the Trailblazers programme is available on the updated apprenticeships consultation page.