What’s in a name? ‘Apprentice’ conjures up an image of a young worker, learning on the job. But take away the name and what we actually have in English apprenticeships is a system based on high quality standards, informed by real world employer needs. It is one that focuses on the long term skills gaps in our economy and, given our woefully low rates of employer investment in quality training, it ensures that employers are helping to bridge those gaps.
Some say apprenticeships should target the young and not be all things to all people – but we are starting to see very positive results. In reality, amid much talk in political circles of the need for growth, it is the often-ignored apprenticeships that are quietly delivering improved productivity across the UK.
We see apprentices who missed out on – or were denied – educational opportunities when they were younger accessing their first high quality experience of learning while earning through management apprenticeships. They are going on to identify innovations, helping their organisations to grow, and in turn hire new staff – including young people – and to support them once there.
