24 April 2009
Skills Commission calls for more and better progression for
apprentices
Summary
The Skills Commission has been undertaking an inquiry into
progression for apprentices, both at higher levels and to
higher education. Its report published on 18th March contains
many recommendations which could have a significant positive impact
on how apprentices move to the next stage of their career and
learning. There are particular suggestions relating to
improving the provision of part-time higher education courses
suitable for former apprentices, getting more apprenticeship
frameworks onto the UCAS tariff and more (and better) research data
on how apprentices progress. The government has welcomed the
report in principle and will be commenting in full in the
summer.
Semta View
Sir Alan Jones, Semta's Chairman was invited to attend the
second evidence session of this inquiry, focusing on the
relationship between Apprenticeships and 14-19 Diplomas and the
role of Young Apprenticeships. The Commission specifically
voiced its support for the Young Apprenticehip, and its concern
that funding for this innovative and successful programme is
ring-fenced within future budgets. Semta is continuing to
work to develop apprenticeship frameworks which enable learners to
combine skills-based and theoretical training with ‘softer’ skills
and employability. We are proud of the strength and
popularity of these frameworks and look forward to hearing the full
government response to all the recommendations in the report.
See our page on the inquiry here.
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