Companies looking to engage with apprentices will soon be able to control apprenticeship funding so that training meets skill needs and increases quality.
The coalition government recently revealed that the two millionth apprentice had been placed since 2010, in what was described as an “important milestone” in its economic plan. Commenting on the move to give businesses greater control, skills minister Nick Boles said: “If we are going to improve and expand our apprenticeship programme further we must put employers in the driving seat – and give them control of both the design and funding of apprenticeships. “I look forward to working with employer organisations and others to develop a funding model that is simple, transparent and easy for employers to use.” The development has come in response to “The Future of Apprenticeships in England: Funding Reform Technical Consultation”, where approximately 1,000 employers of varying size were spoken to. In a statement, the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills said: “While putting employers in control of apprenticeship funding is a non-negotiable part of the reforms, it is clear from the feedback received that further detailed design work is needed before there can be a final decision on how this would work in practice.”Read more on apprenticeships:
- Figures confirm record number of apprenticeships
- 10 things every SME should know about apprenticeships
- National Apprenticeship Week 2014 launches
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