The Parliamentary Information Office, following the commissioning of the Richard Review of Apprenticeships in May 2012, has been following closely the progress in Government efforts to increase the take-up of apprenticeships



The Richard Review of Apprenticeships examined how apprenticeships can continue to best meet the needs of employers, individuals, and the wider economy; which learners and employers can and should benefit most from apprenticeships; and what the core components of a high quality apprenticeship should be.



In his independent report published last November (2012) Doug Richard calls on the government to improve the quality of apprenticeships and make them more focused on the needs of employers.



His recommendations include:



o Redefining apprenticeships: They should be targeted only at those who are new to a job or role that requires sustained and substantial training.

o Focusing on the outcome of an apprenticeship - what the apprentice can do when they complete their training - and freeing up the process by which they get there. Trusted, independent assessment is key.

o Recognized industry standards should form the basis of every apprenticeship.

o All apprentices should reach a good level in English and maths before they can complete their apprenticeship.

o Government funding must create the right incentives for apprenticeship training. The purchasing power for investing in apprenticeship training should lie with the employer.

o Greater diversity and innovation in training - with employers and government safeguarding quality.



Then on 28th December 2012 Skills Minister Matthew Hancock announced that graduate and post-graduate level apprenticeships will soon be available in subjects including law, accountancy and advanced engineering.



From 2013, changes to the Specification of Apprentices Standards for England (SASE) will mean that level six and seven apprenticeships – equivalent to bachelors and masters degree level – are available for the first time, making vocational learning an attractive alternative to the traditional higher education route.



There are already a number of these top-level schemes in development, including in accountancy, law and human resources. BPP Law School is looking to develop a Legal Apprenticeship pathway which could be an alternative route to the legal profession and qualification as a solicitor. It is in discussion with the relevant regulatory body and sector skills council, Skills for Justice, to progress its proposals.



Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said:



“In the past, apprenticeships were restricted to only some trades, and some parts of the economy.

Now we are introducing apprenticeships in all types of jobs, including a new route to the professions, to ensure everyone can reach their potential.



“These new apprenticeships will help more young people to receive on-the-job training at top companies like BPP Law School, ensuring a vocational route to success in accounting, insurance, and the law.”



The BPP Law School is based in eight UK cities: Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Swindon. Director of BPP Professional Apprenticeships James Hammill said:



“We are committed to improving social mobility and diversity in the work place by opening up some of the most prestigious professions and employers to school leavers as an alternative to the traditional route. Apprenticeships are an excellent way for employers to recruit talent early and design a structured training program that incorporates technical learning as well as invaluable work based skills.



The Parliamentary Information Office will report on further progress of apprenticeships schemes as we go through the months ahead.



Web: www.parliamentaryyearbookinformationoffice.co.uk

Email: [email protected]