Home > News > May 2009 > 07 May 2009

New research marks launch of National Apprenticeship Service

New research on apprenticeships has been published to mark the launch of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS).

The service will be responsible for the end to end delivery of Apprenticeships across England, aiming to to make it as easy as possible for employers to take on apprentices, streamlining the application process, and offering support and advice at every step for both the employer and learner.

NAS will report to the Departments for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

The service includes a new online matching service to help employers advertise vacancies and prospective apprentices to apply for apprenticeships. To date, NAS says more than 10,000 employers and almost 54,000 candidates have registered for this service and there are currently over 4,000 live vacancies available.

New research was published to mark the launch of the National Apprenticeship Service in April. It found that more than three quarters (76%) of the 3,808 apprentices surveyed, believe that without their apprenticeship they would not be earning their current salary. In addition, the majority (94%) believe that taking an apprenticeship has provided a number of benefits including better job prospects, higher salaries, improved confidence, better social skills and a stronger sense of direction.

The survey also found that nine tenths of apprentices (91%) who completed their course believe it has significantly benefited their career and life options. A similar number (89%) found employment immediately after their Apprenticeship ended; very often through the employer they completed their apprenticeship with.

Lord Young, skills and apprenticeship minister and Sarah McCarthy-Fry, schools minister celebrated the launch by meeting with apprentices from a range of sectors to hear what their apprenticeship means to them.

Skills and apprenticeship minister, Lord Young said: "The launch of the National Apprenticeship Service is testament to the government's commitment to ensuring the future of our nation's skills. Apprenticeship numbers have more than trebled over the past ten years and the new service will play an integral part in meeting our Apprenticeship targets.

Schools minister, Sarah McCarthy-Fry said: "An apprenticeship offers a great deal to individuals, giving them an opportunity to gain practical skills, a well-regarded qualification and invaluable on-the-job experience while being paid."

According to a recent survey commissioned by the Learning and Skills Council of 500 employers who employ apprentices, 81% of businesses said apprentices helped to generate higher overall productivity. The survey also found that two-thirds of the employers surveyed believe their apprentices help them to be more competitive in their businesses (66%).

Simon Waugh, chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: "Apprentices make things happen. Research and detailed case studies have consistently demonstrated they are vital to businesses and the economy, helping increase productivity and competitiveness. The NAS will build on this success by ensuring businesses are more informed of these benefits and can take advantage of them by offering apprenticeship places.

"In the current climate apprenticeships offer the best of both worlds; giving employers access to a pool of talent that can be shaped to improve business performance and providing people with a great start in their chosen career."

External links

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