Are apprenticeships fit-for-purpose?

BIS and the DfE have launched a new consultation review of Apprenticeships in England, and are calling for evidence.

The review, lead my Doug Richard, will look at how to “build upon the record success of recent years” by ensuring that apprenticeships meet the needs of the changing economy, deliver the qualifications and skills that employers needs and which help individuals to progress, and maximise the impact of Government investment.

BWF member companies have a strong tradition of taking on apprentices. As a federation, BWF members take on more apprentices than any other trade association membership in the construction industry.

We can therefore be certain that we have a good working knowledge of the apprenticeship system and can provide vital evidence for this review – we need to ensure that apprenticeships continue to serve joinery employers and how we can build on the system to make it more effective for industry.

There are a number of questions asked in the review, and you can see them in full in the consultation document, but we have provided some simpler and abridged questions, your responses will contribute to the assembling of information to present a shared industry position. Please email your responses to the following questions to dave.campbell@bwf.org.uk. We are calling for responses no later than 4th September 2012.

1. What should Apprenticeships deliver for individuals, employers and the wider economy?

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2. What are the defining features of a high quality apprenticeship and should they be different for different industries/sectors?

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3. What can be done to ensure that training reflects employers’ needs?

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4. What role should government and employers play in apprenticeships, who should pay for what and how can we ensure value for money?

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5. How can we boost demand for apprenticeships, from both an employer and learner perspective?

BWF has been working on a number of projects focused training and apprenticeships:

Three Easy Guides to Woodworking Apprenticeships –  for Employers in England, Scotland and Wales. 
OSAT Courses in joinery, wood machining H&S and management – qualify your staff in NVQ Levels 2-5 in these areas, with funding available.

To view the consultation in more details, please download BIS’s consultation document.