Four months on – an inspector calls? Chris Jones HMI Specialist Adviser - Apprenticeships July 2017

Our concerns (1) Where we have seen apprentices working to a standard, quality and satisfaction rates are high. Too many apprenticeship programmes are not yet good. Current inspection outcomes show that the overall quality of apprenticeships is declining. Increasing evidence that employers and providers are using apprenticeships to validate the skills that employees already have. Apprenticeship standards are not providing the economy with the skilled workforce needed to improve productivity and promote economic growth. Our commentary on apprenticeships

Our concerns (2) The offer available to young people is too limited, and is shrinking. The pace of development is too slow: currently almost 900,000 apprenticeships on frameworks, only about 11,000 on standards. 200 standards ready and approved. Over 600 frameworks still on offer. Too few standards ready and approved for level 2 and level 3 occupations. Our commentary on apprenticeships

Common Inspection Framework (1)   We expect that: leaders and managers work with employers to ensure that the structure and delivery of apprenticeship programmes enable apprentices to meet exacting standards and contribute to the growth of the businesses in which they work apprentices develop substantial new skills and behaviours that prepare them well for their chosen career and their future advancement employers and providers have a clear skills and career development plan that they monitor and evaluate frequently for apprentices Apprenticeships

Common Inspection Framework (2) We expect that: apprenticeships comply with defined requirements and regulations apprentices improve their skills in English and mathematics, meet expectations and develop appropriate vocational behaviours apprentices know what they need to improve through regular and frequent reviews that give them feedback about their development employers and providers plan and prepare for end-point assessments so that apprentices complete their apprenticeships successfully and on time.   Apprenticeships

What providers need to do better:   cover key areas of performance through self-assessment and quality assurance manage and monitor subcontractors or partners and set challenging targets for improvement: share data and focus on improving teaching, learning and assessment practice hold subcontractors or partners to account for poor performance acknowledge and tackle underperformance quickly align provision closely to local priorities – and be clear about those priorities Align HR practice with safeguarding and Prevent duty requirements Improvement

Questions and discussion

Ofsted on the web and on social media www.gov.uk/ofsted http://reports.ofsted.gov.uk www.linkedin.com/company/ofsted www.youtube.com/ofstednews www.slideshare.net/ofstednews www.twitter.com/ofstednews