National Surge in Apprenticeships

Following the recent announcement by Skills Minister, John Hayes – that 103,000 new Apprenticeships had been started against the hoped for 50,000 he announced shortly after the election – the NAS Chief Operating Officer, David Way, telephoned AELP Chief Executive, Graham Hoyle, this week, anxious to ensure that congratulations for this excellent achievement was passed directly to providers who, of course, delivered it.          

Whilst, as predicted, the biggest increase was in adult Apprenticeships there was also a huge increase in 19-24 year old starts and a most pleasing upturn in 16-18 starts. Challenges still remain, especially in opening up even more opportunities for younger Apprentices and continuing to increase the proportion of level 3 (and higher) starts. Continued support from employers will of course be critical in providing the employment openings necessary, but with AELP members already dealing with more than 300,000 employers they remain in prime position to maintain the momentum.

AELP CEO Graham Hoyle commented, "When John Hayes telephoned me one evening in June 2010 I had no doubt that providers would reach his 50,000 challenge. I am not sure I would have predicted surpassing the 100,000 mark however. A huge achievement which brings credit to many people, but I am delighted to see the NAS singling out providers for particular congratulations. Congratulations that are fully deserved. Sustaining further increases will pose real challenges and there will undoubtedly be continuing focus on the funding of adult Apprenticeships which will need to be addressed and debated carefully.

"I am hoping that AELP will be putting forward some proposals during the summer. Providers should continue to give high priority to increasing the number of 16-18 year old Apprenticeship starts, and I know the funding agencies are already moving money around to ensure that providers able to do so are fully funded. Indeed, I have every confidence that despite the tightness of money that will start to hit home as we move forward no provider who is able to find a full Apprenticeship opening for a 16-18 year old will find themselves prevented from so doing because of a lack of funding.

To find out how an apprentice can assist your business, contact Brinsworth Training on 01709 389520.