AELP calls for greater Apprenticeship investment efficiency

Training providers are urging the government to be more efficient with its Apprenticeship investments to help meet goals for expanding the programme.

An overly complex contracting system poses the biggest barrier to the government’s aim of creating three million Apprenticeships, according to the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP).

At its annual conference today, AELP leaders will detail how money could be more effectively spent with providers that show evidence of additional demand from employers looking to take on an apprentice.

AELP believes these proposals, and others it has already submitted to MPs, can help the government increase Apprenticeships through budget cuts without putting quality at risk.

The call comes after a recent SFA survey showed three-quarters of employers scored providers 8-10 out of 10 for the flexibility of training delivered.

AELP CEO Stewart Segal said: “The SFA survey, following previous similar findings published by CBI and BIS, offers significant evidence that training companies working with employers can provide the drive for growing the apprenticeship programme. It is clearly a myth that providers are not flexible when it comes to delivery and it is providers who will engage more employers in this very successful programme.

“Reforms of the skills system should take this evidence into account. If we can increase the investment in apprenticeships, make longer term commitments to employers and providers in terms of budgets and improve the funding and contracting system by building on what works, then we can grow the programme and maintain the quality of delivery.”

The AELP National Conference 2015 is taking place on 22-23 June in London.

Natalie Thornhill