The Government is right to recognise that employers need more say when it comes to the content of apprenticeship qualifications, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Commenting on the Government's response to the Richard Review of apprenticeships, Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the FMB, said: "Over the past two years the number of small construction firms employing an apprentice has fallen. Despite the fall in construction output since 2008, the sector still has a recruitment requirement of almost 30,000 per year.

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"Employers must have confidence that apprenticeship qualifications are suited to the needs of their business before investing in a new recruit. We agree with the Government that in addition to the 'core' elements of any qualification, there should be ‘options’ employers can pick from. In the construction industry, this would provide flexibility for multi-trade firms and benefit employers who want more say on the type of skills their apprentices learn at college."

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Berry concluded: “While we welcome the potential benefits of restructuring apprenticeships, changes to the funding arrangements must take into account the needs of small employers who wish to continue to have access to government-funded training provision from local providers.”