Employers will be able to design and develop their own apprenticeship standards and qualifications, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced.
The decision follows last year’s review by entrepreneur Doug Richard, which found apprenticeships should be more focused on the needs of employers in order to encourage take-up, address skill shortages and boost growth.
Government plans include:
- employers setting industry standards for apprenticeships
- incorporating English and maths GCSE qualifications into apprenticeships
- targeting each apprenticeship at a specific ‘skilled job’
- creating a more outcome-focused approach towards apprenticeships.
‘Misperceptions’ about apprenticeships
A recent Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development survey found almost half of parents view apprenticeships as most appropriate for manual or ‘blue-collar’ jobs. Less than a fifth thought that apprenticeships had the same status as a university education.
We can help with employee issues, including PAYE and apprenticeship schemes.