News
1st Feb 2012
Apprenticeships from BIS
Dear Colleague
APPRENTICESHIPS — PROTECTING AND DRIVING UP QUALITY
BIS
Department for Business Innovation & Skills
John Hayes MP Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning January 2012
I wrote to you earlier this month to encourage you to get involved with National Apprenticeship Week, which is taking place 6-10 February. Ahead of that I am writing to update you on the latest developments in the programme and what we are doing to assure quality.
As you know, we have been proud to deliver record growth in Apprenticeships, at every age and level of programme, and in every part of the country. Now, as we look to build on that success, quality is my top priority, ensuring that every Apprenticeship matches the standards of the very best.
Apprenticeships are a tried and tested model with a proven track record of delivering benefits to apprentices and employers. Through apprenticeships individuals gain new skills that enhance their career prospects over the long-term — with those with an Intermediate Level Apprenticeship earning on average between £48,000 and £74,000 more over their lifetime than similar individuals with a Level 1 or (other) Level 2 qualification; and those with an Advanced Level Apprenticeship earning on average between £77,000 and £117,000 more over their lifetime, compared with similar individuals with a Level 2 qualification.
For employers, evidence shows that apprentices increase productivity and efficiency, with 80% of those who employ apprentices agreeing that they make the workplace more effective, and 88% agreeing that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce. Research also suggests that employers recoup the costs of investing in an Apprenticeship within two to three years in most cases.
