Chamber: Quality not quantity is key to apprenticeship success

Responding to Ofsted’s stark report on the state of apprenticeships in the UK, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Businesses know that good apprenticeships can help bridge the gap between education and work. The overriding priority has to be delivering high standards, with training providers accountable for the long-term results they deliver. Otherwise, far too many apprenticeship schemes may fail to equip much-needed employees with the skills they need to succeed.”

Dr Adam Marshall, Executive Director of Policy and External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Businesses have been concerned about the direction of apprenticeships ever since politicians decided to prioritise big numerical targets over long-term results. Sir Michael Wilshaw is right to challenge the status quo. A conveyor-belt model, focused solely on hitting the government’s target of 3 million new apprenticeships, would be detrimental to quality – and weaken hard-won efforts to boost the reputation and profile of apprenticeships amongst employers.”