Home > News > March 2009 > 03 March 2009

CIPD survey looks at apprenticeship and diploma initiatives

According to a new Skills Survey from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), employers are backing government efforts to increase the number of apprentices, and support in principle the new diplomas. However, the report found that key reforms aimed at simplifying the apprenticeship system are yet to be fully grasped or utilised by employers.

Over three-quarters of respondents (78%) to the survey of over 800 employers agree that the government is right to introduce new targets. A similar number also agree that there are clear business benefits in employing apprentices (76%).

However, the CIPD says that employer responses to the survey show the jury is still out on whether efforts to cut bureaucracy and simplify funding are being ironed out by the apprenticeship reform programme, driven by the creation of a National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). The survey found that employer awareness of these initiatives is low - only 7% have a working knowledge of the NAS, with the same proportion indicating an understanding of the matching service, which is crucial to linking young people with suitable employers.

Dr John McGurk, learning, training and development adviser at the CIPD, said: "Our Skills Survey finds real warmth from employers towards apprenticeships, with a clear willingness to back government efforts to double the number of places. But it's clear from the findings that the government needs to do more to promote key reforms aimed at simplifying the apprenticeship system. Our survey suggests poor awareness of important initiatives like the matching service, the new NAS, and the qualifications and credit frameworks that link apprenticeships with diplomas.

"Apprenticeships are rapidly re-establishing themselves as part of the skills solution but employers will only continue to engage with these valued training opportunities if they can see the business benefits. Apprenticeships can deliver real value for employers but even more needs to be done to drive home this positive message, helping to recruit more employers."

The Skills Survey also reports on the 14-19 education diplomas. As with apprenticeships, the survey found that employer engagement is building with over two thirds (71%) agreeing that diplomas represent a useful new route into employment for young people.

Yet, less than a half (44%) of those surveyed think that diplomas will make young people better prepared for the world of work than current academic qualifications. However, nearly three-quarters of respondents are prepared to take young people on for work experience as part of their diploma (73%), a key element of the diploma route.

Dr McGurk continues: "Diplomas are in their infancy, so the employer support that is indicated in our survey is vital. This support will only continue, however, if it can be demonstrated that diplomas are consistently embedding useful skills in school leavers, helping society and enriching the UK economy."

External links

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

Apprenticeships website

Training Reference is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.

Related information

For related news, case studies, articles and research, visit our
qualifications home page

Training and development books

Discover books on a variety of training and development topics at the Training Reference Bookshop

Source suppliers

Visit the Training Reference Directory to view supplier details for a wide range of courses, products and services.

Sponsored links

Back to top