However the proposals set out in the Government’s implementation plan released today need to be managed carefully by all those involved in the Apprenticeship programme including employers, providers, awarding bodies and Government. It is this partnership approach which will enable the sector to build on the success of the current programme. Clearly employers should be at the centre of the changes to the structure of Apprenticeships, the content and assessment methods but this must be in partnership with providers and awarding bodies that can add their technical expertise.
AELP welcomes the recognition of the success of the current programme and the risk of introducing significant changes too quickly. We also welcome the need to respond to different types of employers in different sectors, particularly SMEs.
More clarity required for new standards
There is still a lot of detail to be agreed around how the current qualifications and framework structures will be replaced by new standards. The Trailblazer projects are focussed on higher level and technical frameworks and it will be important to review how these changes will apply to frameworks across all sectors. The current framework and qualifications have been developed over a long period and reflect the flexibility that is needed to respond to employers’ needs. We need to retain a balance between standardisation of approach and the drive to meet employer needs.
‘Over-prescriptive’ testing and programme duration concerns
AELP has already expressed concerns about a number of the proposals including the assessment processes related to the new standards with an emphasis on ‘end testing’. This emphasis tends to ignore the effectiveness and benefits of on-going assessment and testing. For many sectors, end testing may not be the most effective methodology for rigorous and motivational texting. Testing methodology should reflect the needs of the employers in each sector.
Similarly grading of Apprenticeships is not appropriate. Apprenticeships are about competence and the training and learning is delivered in different contexts. The diversity of delivery will make grading apprentices a very difficult task that will add substantial bureaucracy to the system. We would recommend allowing the new Standards to be embedded before introducing grading of apprentices. Other changes to the system such as predetermined duration and definitions of different types of training (such as on job and off job) can too prescriptive and should reflect what employers want and what is appropriate for the sector.
SME voice needs to be heard
AELP has always stressed that employers of all sizes must be engaged in the standards development process. The Trailblazers appear to be heavily biased towards larger employers and we need to ensure SMEs have a voice in this process.
To respond to the implementation plan, AELP has offered to work with the Government and with the Trailblazers to ensure the process is informed open and transparent. AELP CEO Stewart Segal said:
“We support the drive to improve Apprenticeships in terms of quality and take up by employers. However these proposals need to be carefully thought through with the key decisions made by employers in partnership with the sector specialists such as providers, awarding bodies and other stakeholders.
“Some of the changes such as the grading of Apprenticeships could add complexity and cost without adding significant value, so we should ensure that the implications are properly considered. The current methodologies of assessment and testing are rigorous and we have to allow employers to consider how best to improve that process rather than being prescriptive over the type of testing and the way that is delivered. We welcome the initiation of the debate with employers to ensure that we improve the current frameworks and make the delivery more effective and more flexible.”
Funding changes should be put on hold
AELP welcomes the retention of the Apprenticeship Intermediary, Advanced and Higher Levels and the continuing emphasis on English and maths with employers agreeing the level of Functional Skills required. It is now important to review these proposals and see how they can be implemented before any consideration is given to changing the funding system. We would recommend that any funding proposals are held back until the sector has an opportunity to see how the Trailblazers develop.
AELP is setting up a steering group of providers to look at these proposals and to coordinate the engagement with all of the Trailblazers. AELP is very keen to work with the Trailblazers to ensure that the implications of the changes are fully considered and the lessons learnt before applying the changes to all frameworks. The steering group will also consider some further research work looking at the possible impacts of the recommendations which we will discuss at an AELP conference to discuss some of the initial findings early next year.