Apprenticeship system to be simplified for large employers

The government has announced a series of measures which it claims will simplify the apprenticeship system for larger employers and encourage them to take on more apprentices.

Key aspects of the plans were outlined by ministers this month at a CBI conference on apprenticeships. They include a pilot for over 20 large employers who have volunteered to trial “payment by outcomes” which will eliminate a number of data returns and audit requirements.

In addition the government is to: provide an online plain-English toolkit for employers to explain the processes employers need to undertake for apprenticeships; streamline contracting arrangements; and commit to no “in year” changes to contracting arrangements.

What the government calls “a more proportionate approach to audit and inspection” is aimed at reducing preparation time for employers while there will be greater use of electronic information to reduce paperwork and “a more streamlined certification process”.

Skills minister John Hayes stressed that, for firms who contract directly with the government to train apprentices, there will be simplified payment, reporting and assessment requirements and better guidance to help them manage the recruitment, training and assessment of apprentices efficiently and cost-effectively.