The latest document published by the Government in December 2015, entitled English Apprenticeships: Our 2020 vision, lays out plans on how they expect to reach the target of three million new apprenticeships by 2020, as published in their election manifesto.
In the three months following their election success, 115,000 new apprentices were created under the Conservatives, and one area of focus within the document to continue this growth will be to encourage large public sector enterprises such as the NHS, police and local authorities to employ apprentices. Currently 75% of apprentices occupy the private sector with just 16% in the public sector. By asking public sector bodies to employ enough apprentices to make up 2.3% of their workforce this will create 200,000 extra apprentice opportunities in the workplace.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has also proposed the creation of an independent body called the Institute of Apprenticeships. This will be led by employers and will regulate the quality and application of apprentices across the UK, ensuring that programmes are designed with the needs of the employer as well as the career prospects of the apprentices in mind.
With the world moving more and more online with each year that passes, digital access is also high on the agenda within the document, with BIS also pledging to introduce a Digital Apprentice Service. This online portal will allow employers more control over choosing their courses, candidates and training providers.
The proposals have been welcomed by Aspire Training Team, apprenticeship provider across Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset. Kelly Russell, Training Director for Aspire, commented, “Apprenticeships are now forming a larger part of the workforce and so it’s encouraging to see the Government proactively working to encourage employers to recruit apprentices. We currently have over 200 apprentices working in our own companies; Tops Day Nurseries and Reside Care Homes, with many more working for external businesses. The Government wishes to encourage more 16-18 year olds into an apprenticeships, and hiring an apprentice of this age not only offers young people who may not wish to stay in education a path into their chosen career, but also employers can benefit from a tapping into a new generation who are the future employees and consumers of their products and services.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about why your business should recruit consider apprentices you can visit the Employer section of our website, or if you’d like more details on how to become an apprentice, then visit our Apprenticeships section of the website. Alternatively you can call 01202 649646.
ENDS
Notes to editors
PHOTO: Kelly Russell, Aspire Training Director
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