EngineeringUK is urging the government to implement a series of recommendations to help refine foundation apprenticeships.
In a new report, Pathways to success: shaping foundation apprenticeships in engineering and technology, EngineeringUK sets out seven criteria for the government to consider:
- Objectives are clear and complement other policies.
- Sectors with demand for level 2 foundation apprentices are identified.
- Employers buy in to the idea that foundation apprenticeships are worthwhile.
- Small and medium-sized employers offer foundation apprenticeships.
- Standards are defined in a way that encourages high quality.
- Young people from a range of backgrounds are supported to succeed.
- Foundation apprenticeships are financially viable for providers.
The first foundation apprenticeships were launched in August and are intended to provide more training opportunities for young people in critical sectors, including construction and engineering.
Each foundation apprenticeship is expected to provide a mix of employability skills and behaviours, technical knowledge and skills, and associated English and maths.
Employers will be provided with £2,000 for every foundation apprentice they take on and retain in the construction industry, on top of fully funding the training costs through the new Growth and Skills Levy.
Addressing the skills shortage
Commenting on the new report, Beatrice Barleon, head of policy and public affairs at EngineeringUK, said: “Addressing the shortages of engineers and technicians will be crucial in enabling the UK to prosper and grow.
“We therefore welcome the development of foundation apprenticeships and their aim of enabling more young people to access training in key sectors, including construction, and engineering and manufacturing.
“However, we urge the government to be open to refining this new offer – to ensure they work for employers and young people alike. We hope our new report will help policymakers ensure the rollout of foundation apprenticeships is successful in addressing skills shortages across England.”
Barleon added that if foundation apprenticeships meet the criteria outlined in the report, it will ensure employers and young people have clarity on their purpose and will encourage uptake across businesses of all sizes.
“Crucially, it will also ensure providers are equipped to deliver the training and will maintain high quality standards,” Barleon continued.
“We encourage the government to learn from the successes and shortcomings of previous programmes and build in evaluation, and if necessary iteration, from the outset of the roll-out of foundation apprenticeships.
“Government must work closely with industry to ensure that the skills system is responsive to employers’ needs. We look forward to continuing to facilitate these connections.”
