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Government accepts Richard Review and pledges total reform of Apprenticeships
The Government has pledged to totally reform UK apprenticeships after accepting Doug Richard's report into the training of young people.
The review by the former Dragon's Den member called on the Government to improve the quality of apprenticeships and make them more focused on the needs of employers.
The Richard Review of Apprenticeships recommendations included:
* Redefining apprenticeships: They should be targeted only at those who are new to a job or role that requires sustained and substantial training.
* 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.
* Recognised industry standards should form the basis of every apprenticeship.
* All apprentices should reach a good level in English and maths before they can complete their apprenticeship.
* Government funding must create the right incentives for apprenticeship training. The purchasing power for investing in apprenticeship training should lie with the employer.
* Greater diversity and innovation in training - with employers and government safeguarding quality.
Ministers have now accepted the recommendations, especially about placing control of apprenticeships more firmly in the hands of employers and ensuring that all apprenticeships are rigorous and responsive to employers' needs.
They are inviting responses via the link https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/future-of-apprenticeships-in-england-richard-review-next-steps with the closing date of 22 May, 2013.
In a Ministerial Foreword to the consultation document Minister for Skills Matthew Hancock and Business secretary Vince Cable say: "High quality Apprenticeships offer a powerful tool to help individuals to progress and succeed; they help businesses create the skilled workforce needed to compete, and equal any in the world. But we must ensure that Apprenticeships serve employers in the decades ahead, and bring all up to the standards of the best."
The consultation document says: "Apprenticeships are central to the government's drive to raise our nation's skills because we know they work.
"Throughout history, Apprenticeships have supported people learning new trades. With roots extending back over 600 years, they have certainly stood the test of time.
"Of course, over time trades and job roles have changed, and Apprenticeships must change with them, but it remains the case that learning is often most effective whilst doing."
The Richard Review of Apprenticeships recommendations included:
* Redefining apprenticeships: They should be targeted only at those who are new to a job or role that requires sustained and substantial training.
* 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.
* Recognised industry standards should form the basis of every apprenticeship.
* All apprentices should reach a good level in English and maths before they can complete their apprenticeship.
* Government funding must create the right incentives for apprenticeship training. The purchasing power for investing in apprenticeship training should lie with the employer.
* Greater diversity and innovation in training - with employers and government safeguarding quality.
Ministers have now accepted the recommendations, especially about placing control of apprenticeships more firmly in the hands of employers and ensuring that all apprenticeships are rigorous and responsive to employers' needs.
They are inviting responses via the link https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/future-of-apprenticeships-in-england-richard-review-next-steps with the closing date of 22 May, 2013.
In a Ministerial Foreword to the consultation document Minister for Skills Matthew Hancock and Business secretary Vince Cable say: "High quality Apprenticeships offer a powerful tool to help individuals to progress and succeed; they help businesses create the skilled workforce needed to compete, and equal any in the world. But we must ensure that Apprenticeships serve employers in the decades ahead, and bring all up to the standards of the best."
The consultation document says: "Apprenticeships are central to the government's drive to raise our nation's skills because we know they work.
"Throughout history, Apprenticeships have supported people learning new trades. With roots extending back over 600 years, they have certainly stood the test of time.
"Of course, over time trades and job roles have changed, and Apprenticeships must change with them, but it remains the case that learning is often most effective whilst doing."
