I often feel that it is a privilege to talk to practitioners in the education sector about their work. That feels heightened when talking to those who work in the further education and skills (FES) sector. FES can be such a powerhouse of talent development, transforming lives and feeding into economic growth for the country.
Apprenticeships, just one of the post-16 pathways offered in FES, can be an incredibly positive experience for learners. Not to be confused with Apprenticeships of the past, the choice of Apprenticeships currently is nothing short of inspirational, not least with the expansion of Degree and Higher Degree Apprenticeships.
Joanna McKenzie, Senior Education Advisor at the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) explained the appeal of Degree and Higher Degree Apprenticeships. She said, “These give learners the opportunity to enter the workforce whilst gaining the qualifications and experience they need for professions such as teaching, nursing, engineering, law and construction. Apprenticeship positions are offered by a range of high-profile employers, which is helping to raise the profile of apprenticeships as a valuable, high-quality alternative to other ‘traditional’ routes of study. At the recent Annual Apprenticeship Conference, apprentices spoke passionately about the opportunities that apprenticeships gave them.”
According to the latest statistics from the DfE, in the academic year 2023-24, Apprenticeship starts were up by 2.5% to 200,550 compared to 195,600 reported for the same period in the previous year. Under 19s accounted for 28.9% of starts and Advanced Apprenticeships accounted for 43.3% of starts. Higher Apprenticeships accounted for 35.3% of starts. However, learner participation decreased by 2.4% compared to the previous year.
How can students be assured of apprenticeship quality?
McKenzie explained that employers have been involved in the development of apprenticeship standards, which set out the skills, knowledge and behaviour that apprentices need to gain for that occupation. “The training apprentices receive from providers, and the End Point Assessment process they undergo, are regulated by government bodies including Ofqual and Ofsted,” she said. “Staff in providers who deliver apprenticeships have worked in the relevant industry and bring their occupational experience to developing the skills, knowledge and behaviour of their learners. Providers are also able to access continuing professional development (CPD) in order to enhance their practice for the benefit of learners.”
What is the role of workforce development and CPD?
Workforce development is particularly crucial for those working with apprentices. The Department for Education is funding the Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) programme to ensure high-quality delivery of apprenticeships across the FES sector. “The AWD programme is delivered by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) in partnership with the Association of Colleges (AoC), Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), Strategic Development Network (SDN) and University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC), and supported by SQW as an independent evaluation partner,” McKenzie said. “AWD provides the workforce with a programme of fully funded CPD, differentiated by role, and addressing key elements of the apprenticeship journey, from initial assessment and onboarding through to English and maths support and guidance for preparing learners for their End Point Assessment.”
McKenzie explained that the CPD provided covers topics that apprenticeship providers have highlighted as areas of need, and the offer is continually being developed based on sector feedback. This is crucial for ensuring that apprentices have access to great quality learning experiences.
What impact does workforce development have for apprenticeship providers?
For McKenzie, workforce development is key to, “equipping apprenticeship providers and their workforces with the tools and skills to ensure the best experiences and outcomes for all apprentices. Apprentices who feel supported through each stage of their programme are less likely to withdraw from their programme and more likely to achieve the desired progression in their chosen career.”
Recognising this need for workforce development for all those involved in supporting apprentices is an important aspect of the success of Apprenticeships. If we want these opportunities to lead to career success for apprentices, workforce development is a must.
What does the future look like in the world of apprenticeships?
There are many success stories in the world of Apprenticeships and, according to McKenzie, they will “continue to provide positive opportunities for both employers and learners, particularly as recognition of their value grows. Learners of all ages and all backgrounds can benefit, with apprenticeships representing a key part of the government’s drive to support lifelong learning, as set out in the 2021 Skills for Jobs whitepaper. In the context of growing skills and productivity gaps, apprenticeships are helping to meet the skills needs that employers have now, and will have in the future, as we face major challenges such as the climate crisis and rapidly evolving technology.”
Find out more…
Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Become an apprentice: How apprenticeships work - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
About the author
Elizabeth Holmes
After graduating with a degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Reading, Elizabeth Holmes completed her PGCE at the Institute of Education, University of London. She then taught humanities and social sciences in schools in London, Oxfordshire and West Sussex, where she ran the history department in a challenging comprehensive. Elizabeth specialises in education but also writes on many other issues and themes. As well as her regular blogs for Eteach and FEjobs, her books have been published by a variety of publishers and translated around the world. Elizabeth has also taught on education courses in HE and presented at national and international conferences.