Apprenticeship Insights | 🧑‍🏫 Sutton Trust: “Cut Back on Online Apprenticeships”

EDUCATIONAL REFORM

Five Major Announcements in Government's Spending Review Impact Education and Skills

The recent Spending Review has set a pivotal course for the UK's education and skills sector, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves announcing a £1.2 billion annual investment aimed at upskilling 16 to 19-year-olds. This initiative seeks to close the gap in training by enabling 1.3 million young people to access high-quality opportunities. Meanwhile, investments in nuclear energy at Sizewell C, totalling £14.2 billion, come alongside 1,500 apprenticeship opportunities, spotlighting a focused interdisciplinary approach towards clean energy and defence skills.

In the realm of artificial intelligence, the Department for Education has introduced a £187 million TechFirst programme to enhance digital skills across communities, intending to benefit 7.5 million UK workers by 2030. While promising, concerns about the implementation of AI in education highlight potential challenges around GDPR and privacy. The latest ONS data reveal a rise in unemployment to 4.6% and a drop of 59,000 in job vacancies since the pandemic, underscoring the urgent need for continued focus on adult education and careers advice beyond the outlined priority areas.

APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

Limit Online Learning in Apprenticeships for Quality Education, Urges Sutton Trust

The Sutton Trust's report critiques the over-reliance on online training in the England apprenticeship system, highlighting poor-quality training leading to high drop-out rates, especially among disadvantaged apprentices. The report points out that many apprentices in 2023 did not receive their entitled off-the-job training, with 40% dropping out due to unengaging online training. The report calls for increased face-to-face training, drawing comparisons with apprenticeship systems in countries like Germany and Ireland, where hands-on training is more robust.

Simon Ashworth from the Association of Employment and Learning Providers counters that flexible training models, including online formats, are valued by employers and that additional restrictions might be counterproductive. Despite this view, the Sutton Trust urges reform, emphasising that clear definitions and expectations for off-the-job training are necessary to enhance quality and social mobility for young, disadvantaged individuals. The English system's broader definition of off-the-job training currently limits quality assurance, supporting a call for more structured and face-to-face learning opportunities.

TALENT RECRUITMENT TRENDS

Employers Prefer Apprenticeships Over Graduates as Demand for School Leavers Rises

Apprenticeships are increasingly favoured by UK employers for building skilled workforces, particularly in the accountancy sector, as shown in the National Accountancy Salary Guide 2025. A significant 70% of employers actively pursue apprenticeship programmes, comparing with just 6% that actively pursue commercial programmes, demonstrating a strategic shift towards investing in school leavers. This growing preference aligns with the government's focus on funding youth and lower-level apprenticeships, recognising their role in addressing critical skills shortages and promoting social mobility.

The structured nature of apprenticeships offers practical experience combined with professional skills, making trainees both confident and competent. Employers benefit from improved retention rates and a stronger return on investment. As reported, employers face recruitment challenges, particularly in digital technologies and communication skills. By developing talent early, apprenticeships effectively bridge these gaps, ensuring a workforce that is better aligned with the evolving demands of the job market.

ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK

Centre-Based Model Development for Ofqual-Regulated Assessment Organisations in EPA Delivery

The shift to a Centre-based model for End Point Assessment Organisations (EpAOs) heralds significant changes in the delivery and governance of assessments. This transition, though gradual, requires EpAOs to prepare by understanding new roles for Centres, which will be responsible for administering, invigilating, and possibly marking assessments under Ofqual regulations. The focus should be on ensuring these Centres are equipped with the necessary resources, systems, and policies, including complaints handling, data protection, and safeguarding, to maintain compliance with Ofqual's Conditions of Recognition.

Developing a comprehensive Centre Assessment Standards Scrutiny Strategy (CASS) is pivotal for EpAOs. This strategy must encompass robust moderation and external quality assurance procedures. As the EpAOs evolve to offer external quality assurance, they must train and guide Centres effectively. Additionally, formulating an assessment strategy becomes vital since many assessment details will be removed from plans, ensuring assessments remain fit for purpose. By embracing these steps, EpAOs will be well-prepared for a smoother transition to this new model.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS🗳️