What is a real apprenticeship?

SummitSkills, apprenticeship

Now is the time for us all to be clear what makes a real apprenticeship, urges Chief Executive of SummitSkills Keith Marshall OBE.

The spotlight was turned on apprenticeships in 2012. The Holt Review in May, the BIS Select Committee’s report and the Richard Review in November, and even Lord Heseltine’s report into economic growth and Vince Cable’s industrial strategy, all highlighted the need for the UK workforce to be properly trained and equipped with the right skills.

As Ministers at Westminster and in our devolved nations look for ways to kick-start economic growth and provide the jobs that the UK needs, more and more we see the term ‘apprenticeship’ used to describe training activities which, though no doubt of some value, fall far short of delivering the skilled people we need. Often the term seems to be used to describe additional training for existing staff, or short-term introductory training. An apprenticeship is neither of these things and describing them in this way risks devaluing what it means to be an apprentice. It was refreshing to see Doug Richard say as much in his review and to suggest that some training currently described as an apprenticeship should more accurately be called pre-apprenticeship training, as it provides only a good starting point.

Let’s be clear. As any apprentice in the built environment industries will testify, an apprenticeship is not an easy option. To make it work requires a structured programme and the commitment and support of an employer, the dedication and perseverance of the learner and the expertise of a high quality training provider – as well as time. It is this combination of ingredients which results in the rounded individual with technical expertise and practical skills who is traditionally so highly valued. An apprenticeship can’t be rushed.

SummitSkills, apprenticeship

This month (February) the Government is due to publish its Skills Strategy for the whole of the UK. SummitSkills is looking forward to working with the Government to ensure that real apprenticeships continue to play their part in any plans relating to the skills and training of the building services engineering workforce and its contribution to the UK’s economy. At the same time we must all continue to argue for training to be accurately described and fight back against inappropriate use of the word ‘apprenticeship’ to gain credibility. Let’s instead turn the spotlight on the excellent work that is going on everyday to train the future workforce that our country needs.

Keith Marshall OBE, Chief Executive of SummitSkills

For more information on this story, click here: February 2013, 6
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