MPs on the Committee have echoed a number of recommendations from the FMB in a report which recognises the crucial role of apprenticeships in providing valuable employment opportunities and supporting sustainable economic growth. The report also indentifies many sensible ways in which to reform the apprenticeship programme to help it succeed.
The key recommendations made by the FMB and taken forward by the Committee include:
•"It is generally agreed that a single definition is needed to clarify the apprenticeship brand and enable effective regulation. For that reason we recommend that the Department formulates a formal definition of an apprenticeship" (pg 17, paragraph 33). Apprenticeships are successful when they are employer led and the qualifications are designed to equip the learner with the skills required by the sector. Employers in the construction industry firmly believe apprenticeships are the best way to learn a trade and levels of satisfaction from learners and employers are high. A clear, single definition of an apprenticeship would help remove inequalities in funding, training standards and achievements across different sectors.
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•"We recommend that the National Apprenticeship Service produces a longer-term strategy outlining how it intends to maintain and improve the apprenticeship brand" (pg 27, paragraph 60). The FMB has consistently argued that the volume of apprenticeships must not be prioritised over quality, and the apprenticeship brand must not be put at risk because of an inconsistent approach to provision.
•"We recommend that the Department provides a detailed assessment of the impact that the funding structure has had on the take up of apprentices by age group" (pg 25, paragraph 52). The reduced funding available for 19+ apprenticeships limits the rate of progression in the construction industry to level 3 programmes and has a negative impact on the industry's ability to meet its skills needs. The FMB would like to see a more flexible approach to delivery creating more opportunities for fully funded level 3 apprenticeships.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: "I congratulate the Committee on a clear set of evidence-based recommendations. The Government has already demonstrated its commitment to supporting apprenticeships and its aspiration to raise their status to put them on an equal footing with university. Now we just need to ensure the commitment and the funding are applied in the most effective way possible. I hope the Government will carefully consider each of the Committee’s recommendations and I look forward to its formal response."
(CD/GK)
