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Changes call for apprenticeships
THE government is being urged to make the UK apprenticeship system more business-friendly.
The Forum of Private Business has made the call for a simplification of the apprenticeship system to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week which runs until tomorrow.
The organisation made its plea for change in its submission to the Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Select Committee’s inquiry into apprenticeships.
The Forum says that training courses such as apprenticeships need to be seen as more worthy, with better information provided to bosses about courses and their effectiveness.
It is also urging the government to encourage more small businesses to take on young people and to work closely with employers on delivering training provision locally.
The Forum has also suggested that information about skills on offer should be brought toegther in one place such as on the new Business Link website.
The Forum’s Jane Bennett said: “Our members value on-the-job training, and our latest research backs this up. Apprenticeships are an attractive training method for employers, but we think the government could boost their appeal by making them much more business-friendly.
“The problem is that the majority of courses are not flexible, which is essential for small firms. There is also a lack of information available to small businesses about course benefits and therefore they find it difficult to navigate a complex system made up of numerous courses.
“Clear information on the effectiveness of courses is also especially important because small firms need good quality that increases competency.
“We would also like to see small firms who recruit apprentices to be given financial help to cover training costs and at least some of the wages. BIS research suggests companies see payback after three years – that’s too long for small firms.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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