Apprentices and Higher Skills

John Chudley NAS Director with responsibility for H.E. 'We have managed to make people aware of the apprenticeship brand, but we have so far failed to make them aware of the progression opportunities.' 8 th September 2011

Dorset & Somerset Delivering about apprenticeships in Dorset and Somerset at any one time Approx 5000 level 3 starts in 2009/10 76% success rate at level 3

Apprentices - in context –The Coalition’s “golden egg”. –Starts and completions are increasing – Strong promotion of Level 3 in line with higher skills needs -The aim is to have growth in Higher Level Apprenticeships –(SFA Regional Director January 2011)

Progression rates onto HE 90% A level Students 41% % BTEC students 4% Advanced Apprentices HEFCE 2009

Advanced (Intermediate) Apprentices Increasingly successful completion rates at a level which should support HE progression Are committed to their chosen career Juggling job and training Are the managers and senior technicians of the future

AdvAnce Project Ex apprentices who did progress onto and through HE Were confident and highly motivated Had employer and family support Were able to access locally run relevant part time HE courses ( SERIO 2008)

HLA’s What has been approved? Accountancy Engineering Technology IT and Web Based Telecommunications Business Administration Contract Centre Operations Food & Drink Operations Providing Financial Advice Leadership & Management (Grade 5)

Core messages to employers Higher learning improves staff productivity (evidence – activities around a current live issue) Benefits of “grow your own managers” Higher learning increases staff loyalty (AdvAnce data)

Core Messages for would be Learners Apprenticeships are the one area of growth in a contracting education market With higher fees for H.E. no EMA’s and increasing numbers of individuals qualified at level 3 the calibre of people undertaking apprenticeships is rising HLA’s do provide part time access to Higher Education Currently they are part funded by SFA and employers for the 19+’s