IfATE

IfATE stands for Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. It is an organisation focused on developing and regulating quality apprenticeships and technical training across the UK.

What is IfATE?

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) launched in April 2017. Its purpose is to ensure high-quality apprenticeship standards and technical education programmes are available across the UK.

IfATE works with employers, trade associations, professional bodies and vocational training providers to create and approve new apprenticeship frameworks. Each occupation has a tailored apprenticeship programme designed to provide both work-based and academic training.

In addition, IfATE monitors and regulates the quality of existing apprenticeships as well as new Technical Qualifications aimed at students aged 16 and older. It offers advice and guidance to ensure these programmes meet workforce needs and help apprentices gain skilled employment.

What does IfATE do?

Key functions and responsibilities of IfATE include:

• Setting quality criteria for all new apprenticeships
• Approving and regulating apprenticeship standards for over 550 occupations
• Acting as custodian of all apprenticeship standards
• Advising on funding bands for different apprenticeships
• Quality assurance – ensuring high standards among apprenticeship providers
• Promoting apprenticeship and technical education reform
• Monitoring progress in reaching the 3 million apprenticeships target by 2020

By carrying out these duties, IfATE oversees both the development of new apprenticeships as well as ongoing quality in the system. This supports creating programmes that match employer skill needs in emerging fields while also preparing apprentices for future career success.

Why did the UK government form IfATE?

The UK government formed IfATE to provide independent, employer-led oversight of the apprenticeship expansion programme. Having one body responsible streamlines the national development, approval and regulation of apprenticeships so they meet high-quality and industry needs.

The UK government aims to reform and improve technical education and sees apprenticeships as crucial for supporting productivity and economic growth. IfATE works with employers and training providers to drive these priorities forward. Its oversight capabilities combined with industry expertise help strengthen the UK’s apprenticeship and vocational training system overall.

In summary, IfATE uses its convening power, quality assurance mechanisms and policy tools to ensure strong, sustainable apprenticeship training is available across all sectors of the economy. This supports both employers looking to develop talent pipelines and individuals preparing for skilled careers.