1. Trailblazers: Apprenticeship reform led by employers
Callum Worsnop
Trailblazer Relationship Manager
Apprenticeship Directorate
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills

2. Our commitments to apprenticeship growth
We are committed to delivering three million apprenticeships in this Parliament.
That is equivalent to more than one apprentice starting every minute of every day over the next five years.
We will continue to roll out employer-designed standards in all areas of the economy.
We will also continue to roll out Degree Apprenticeships which combine a degree with practical skills gained in work and deliver valuable high-level technical skills

3. Review of apprenticeships: recommendations
Put employers in the driving seat
Simplify the system
Increase the quality of apprenticeships
Give employers purchasing power

4. Trailblazers: putting employers in the driving seat (1)
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
Phase 5
Rolling
Numbers of Trailblazers, employers and standards continue to increase
More than 340 employers
More than 1,000 employers now involved
Over 1200 employers now involved
More than 1300 employers involved
Oct’ 13
Mar’ 14
Dec’ 14
Mar’ 15
Jul’ 15
26 new Trailblazer groups to create apprenticeship standards in a variety of sectors from Biotechnology to the Film industry
8 Trailblazers aerospace, automotive, digital industries, electro-technical, energy, financial services, food and drink, and life and industrial sciences
29 Trailblazers in areas including law, media and hospitality and tourism
37 Trailblazers ranging from nuclear to fashion and the armed forces
26 new trailblazers to design high quality apprenticeships in everything from renewable energy to video games
More than 350 standards being developed by more than 140 groups of employers
Over 300 starts have been made on the new apprenticeships

5. Apprenticeship Standards: simplifying the system (2)

6. Assessment Plan: increase the quality of apprenticeships (3)
We’re raising the quality of apprenticeships through end-point assessment (EPA)
Assesses against the standard in a holistic manner, to ensure apprentices are fully competent in their occupation on completion of their apprenticeship
All apprenticeships now have to be graded with at least one grade above a pass
Employers and training providers can be involved, but an Independent Assessor on the SFA’s Register of Approved Assessment Organisations must lead the EPA and make the final decision on whether and apprentice has passed

7. Trailblazer funding pilot 14/15: giving employers purchasing power (4)
Core Government Contribution (CGC) Cap - £2 for every £1 from employer
Cap 1
Cap 2
Cap 3
Cap 4
Cap 5
£2,000
£3,000
£6,000
£8,000
£18,000
Additional incentive payments
Recruiting a year old
£600
£900
£1,800
£2,400
£5,400
For a small business (<50)
£500
£1,200
£2,700
For successful completion
Maximum total Government contribution
£3,600
£4,900
£9,600
£12,800
£28,800

8. Apprenticeship Levy: creating a sustainable apprenticeship system
UK wide apprenticeship levy to be introduced
Will lead a step change to reverse the trend in declining quality training and UK employer underinvestment in skills
Will apply to all larger public and private sector employers in the UK
In England, employers will be able to direct funds toward the apprenticeship training they want through a Digital Apprenticeship Service
A public consultation on the levy received over 700 responses

9. Trailblazer standards in the Mineral Products industry: designing the future of apprenticeships for your industry
MPQC facilitating the development of apprenticeship standards for:
Mineral Processing Mobile and Plant Operator (published)
Mineral Extraction Drilling and Blasting Operator
Mineral Products Weighbridge Operations
Employers and orgs. already involved: Myers Group, Francis Flower, Health & Safety Executive, Breedon Aggregates, Hargreaves Production, Surface Mining, Aggregate Industries, EPC-UK, United Asphalt Limited, University Of Derby, Institute of Quarrying, BAM Ritchies, Frimstone, Day Group, Hope Construction Materials, Finning UK Ltd, MPQC
Contact for details of how to get involved.

10. Develop the apprenticeships your industry needs
Expression of interest detailing:
Occupation(s) you want to develop apprenticeships for
Ensure standards for those occupations aren’t already out there
Support from a minimum of 10 employers
BIS offers support to employers thinking about developing standards, and substantial report to employers taken forward to develop them through:
Assigned BIS relationship manager
Trailblazer Guidance document
Contacts and information throughout the process
Contact for further information

11. Questions?