Weekly Newsletter 03.10.2024

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Employers and Colleges Urged to Expand Apprenticeships Beyond Trades

A recent report by Apprenticeships for America highlights the untapped potential of community colleges in providing in-demand skills through apprenticeships. Despite over 500 colleges being registered as apprenticeship sponsors, less than half had active apprentices last year. The report urges employers and colleges to collaborate, breaking the stereotype that apprenticeships are only for trades, and expanding into sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance.

The report also identifies public policy barriers, such as funding and governance issues, that hinder the success of apprenticeships. It calls for additional funding, a simplified registration process, and clear skill standards. The Biden administration's recent initiatives to expand apprenticeships in various industries aim to address these challenges, although concerns about increased administrative burdens remain.

TECHNOLOGY

AI-Driven Marking Aid for Apprenticeships Launched by Graide and Aptem

Graide and Aptem have partnered to launch the first AI-driven marking aid for apprenticeships, fully integrated within the Aptem platform. This tool aims to revolutionise the marking process by accelerating feedback, improving consistency, and providing intelligent grading suggestions. Early feedback indicates tutors can reduce marking time by up to 50%, allowing more focus on teaching and student support.

The AI-driven marking aid leverages Graide's powerful AI marking solution and Aptem's comprehensive apprenticeship management system. It ensures seamless integration, keeping all learner information, progress tracking, and feedback in one place. This innovation enhances quality without compromising flexibility, streamlining auditability and progress monitoring while maintaining data security. Training providers can preview this feature in a free webinar on 24 October.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Government Announces Apprenticeship Reforms for Future Skills Development

The government has announced reforms to apprenticeships, introducing Skills England, an arms-length body to address future skills needs. This new entity will integrate the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and the Education Skills and Funding Agency by April 2025. Its initial report focuses on the health and social care sector, identifying training eligible for expansion.

A new growth and skills levy will replace the current apprenticeship levy, offering greater flexibility for funding shorter and foundation apprenticeships. Employers will need to adjust their funding allocations to support these changes. Further details will be provided by the Department for Education. For more information, contact Workforce Supply.

SKILLS & APPRENTICESHIPS

Evolving Apprenticeship Standards to Meet Workforce Needs

The evolution of apprenticeship standards is crucial to meet the dynamic needs of employers and the workforce. By integrating workforce data, these standards can adapt to emerging trends and skill shortages, ensuring apprentices are well-prepared for future challenges. Collaboration with industry bodies and educational providers has been key in designing relevant training programmes.

Understanding employer needs is essential for maintaining the relevance of apprenticeship standards. Direct feedback from employers ensures that training is practical and aligned with workplace demands. Initiatives like the dry-only pathway for Leisure Team Member apprenticeships and collaborative efforts by organisations like Coach Core exemplify how innovation and employer engagement can enhance apprenticeship opportunities, benefiting both businesses and apprentices.

EMPLOYMENT LAW

CIPD Welcomes Government's New Apprenticeship Reforms to Boost Youth Skills

The government has announced significant reforms to the apprenticeship system in England, aiming to address skills gaps and enhance opportunities for young people. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer introduced a new growth and skills levy to replace the existing apprenticeship levy, allowing for more flexible training options, including foundation apprenticeships and shorter programmes.

The CIPD has welcomed these changes, noting the potential to rebalance the system towards younger individuals. However, concerns remain about the impact on SMEs and the need for employers to co-invest in higher-level apprenticeships. The government will develop further details over time, guided by Skills England's assessments.