UK / Apprenticeship reforms ‘favour’ large employers, say the AELP

Government reforms of apprenticeship schemes in England and Wales are biased in favour of large employers at the expense of SMEs, according to the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP).

The AELP claims the proposals put forward to improve apprenticeships could add complexity and cost. It welcomed the success of apprenticeship schemes but warned against introducing significant changes too quickly.

The call for reforms come as prime minister David Cameron is set to unveil a new generation of apprenticeships designed to drive down youth unemployment and make vocational training an attractive choice. More than 60 employers have signed up to deliver the new schemes.

AELP’s concerns follow a consultation published by business secretary Vince Cable in July, in which he outlined various funding models designed to make it easier for employers to take on an apprentice.

These include: a direct model, where Government funding would be paid direct to employees; a pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) system, where funding would be reclaimed through tax contributions; and retaining the existing model, where providers are paid by the Government.

The consultation on the reform proposals will end this month and follows the Richard Review of apprenticeships published last November.

AELP, which claims its members train 75% of England’s 749,000 apprentices, said the Government must ensure SMEs “have a voice” in the consultation process.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at 

via HR Magazine – Apprenticeship reforms ‘favour’ large employers, say training providers.