Institute for Apprenticeships sets out vision on quality

The Institute for Apprenticeships has today set out its understanding of what makes a high quality apprenticeship – and is seeking views to further shape its work.

The Institute was established to uphold the quality of apprenticeship standards in England. To support its efforts, it is seeking to bring clarity by defining what an apprenticeship is, what a high quality apprenticeship looks like and how that should be judged. The Institute has today published a draft ‘Quality Statement’ which will act as a core reference point for its work and will help shape the wider apprenticeship landscape. Employers, training providers, assessors and members of the public now have the opportunity to offer feedback on the draft statement and suggest any changes.

Antony Jenkins, Chair of the Institute for Apprenticeships said:

Apprenticeships can be fantastic for businesses and learners, but only if they are high quality. It is our duty to make that happen but in order to do it effectively we need to make sure we are all working towards the same goal.

We all have a stake in the delivery of quality apprenticeships, which help to address skills gaps and boost our nation’s workforce. So it is right that everyone has the chance to have their say when we think about what that should mean in practice.”

The survey period will last three weeks, closing on 18 October. A period of assessment will follow, after which a final statement will be published.

Find the draft Quality Statement survey here.

The short document has been drafted in conjunction with groups collectively monitoring quality and outcomes in the apprenticeship sector – The Quality Alliance. This group brings together the various government bodies whose roles together ensure the quality of apprenticeships. Its membership includes the ESFA (National Apprenticeship Service), Ofsted, Ofqual, HEFCE (The Office for Students), The Quality Assurance Agency and DfE, with the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, the Association of Colleges and Universities UK attending as advisors. The Quality Alliance’s role is to monitor quality across the sector and build effective coordination to improve quality where appropriate.