Apprenticeship funding is ‘dysfunctional’

13 Dec 11
Apprenticeships should deliver higher quality skills and reach more young people, according to research published today.

By Vivienne Russell | 14 December 2011

Apprenticeships should deliver higher quality skills and reach more young people, according to research published today.

A study from the London School of Economics’ Centre for Performance Policy concludes that the current funding and delivery model for apprenticeships is ‘dysfunctional’. It found that a ‘substantial proportion’ of apprenticeship funding was being swallowed up by the bureaucratic processes needed to account for it.

This deters employers from offering apprenticeships and stifles their expansion, the report said.

Only 1 in 10 UK employers offer apprenticeships compared to a quarter of employers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Report author Hilary Steedman said: ‘The coalition government should develop a simpler model that prioritises high skills and directs public funding for apprenticeship to any employers who can give young people long-duration, high-quality training.

‘It may not be realistic to aim for apprentice umbers on the scale of Germany. But with a clear strategy, some nudging and flexibility, we could realistically aim for the prize that has so fat eluded us –higher skills and high youth participation.’

The study noted that the coalition government’s policy of expanding adult apprenticeships at the expense of those under the age of 19 would do little to improve youth unemployment.

Young people should not be ‘crowded out’ by adults, Steedman said.

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