Introduction

Overview

In spring 2020, our apprentice panel launched a survey to gather views from other apprentices on the quality of apprenticeships. This was to see how apprenticeships converted into real-life learning experiences for apprentices across the country and the economy.

The key findings from the survey were:

• 85% of respondents had signed a commitment statement
• 62% of respondents reported receiving at least 20% off-the-job training
• 70% of respondents were satisfied that their off-the-job training was useful in their job
• 87% of respondents would recommend their apprenticeship

Following the results, the apprentice panel decided to draw on their own experiences and set out to create a guide for employers and training providers on how to deliver a quality apprenticeship.

They split into five teams to look at the areas of improvement from the survey:

• The induction process
• The partnership between the apprentice, the training provider and the employer
• Apprenticeship training
• End-point assessment preparation
• Apprentice welfare and wellbeing

They also worked with key people and organisations across the apprenticeship sector to get their thoughts on what a high-quality apprenticeship experience looks like.  You can find the list of contributors at the bottom of this page.

Training providers, employers and apprentices should use this guide to show them what to expect during an apprenticeship and how apprenticeships can be tailored to give apprentices the best experience possible. 

What is a quality apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are much more than just work experience and a qualification, there is a wider aspect of life learning.

A quality apprenticeship means apprentices have the confidence that the skills they are learning will help them succeed, progress and thrive.  For employers, it means they will see a good return of investment with a workforce with the right knowledge, skills and behaviours.

You can find out more about what is a quality apprenticeship on our website.