coll. - Apprenticeship in England, United Kingdom

While England faces major challenges in transitioning young people from school to work, youth apprenticeship currently makes a limited contribution to this task, as most recent growth has been in adult apprentices. The government should seek an expansion of quality youth apprenticeships, as in other countries, where such apprenticeships play a major role. Youth apprenticeships should provide more general education, including for apprentices that already have Level 2 English and maths qualifications. This would help all apprentices to develop the study skills necessary for further learning and successful careers. The eligibility of apprentices aged 16-19 for social benefits should also be re-appraised, recognising that the attractiveness of apprenticeship needs to be sustained.

In England, the historic responsibility of employers to deliver work-based learning to apprentices has been largely eclipsed by a focus on training delivered by a third-party training provider. This is unfortunate, as the key advantage of apprenticeship over other forms of vocational training is work-based learning, delivered by experienced workplace practitioners. Employer engagement should be encouraged by introducing clear standards for work-based learning, and investing in the training capacity of employers. Regulations and standards should also ensure that apprentices are not used solely as unskilled labour, recognising that in England nearly one in five apprentices is paid below the legal minimum.

While the introduction of the apprenticeship levy may encourage larger levy-paying employers to meet more of their skills needs through apprenticeships, meeting levy requirements in this way may not always make the best contribution to skills development. The strongest possible quality assurance measures will be needed to ensure that the replacement of other training by fundable apprenticeships genuinely adds value. An effective apprenticeship system involves various elements such as the development of the apprentice in the workplace by the employer and the broader education of young apprentices. While it may not be appropriate to fund all these activities through the levy, they do need to be supported, funded where necessary and their quality assured.