Home > News > October 2009 > 22 October 2009

Brennan: New model to deliver over 14,000 apprenticeship places for small businesses

Twelve organisations have won a share of £7m of government funding to set up new Apprenticeship Training Associations (ATAs) and Group Training Associations (GTAs).

The government says the new delivery models will help organisations, especially small businesses, to offer over 14,000 apprenticeship places for young people over the next three years, with a focus on opportunities for 16 to 18-year-olds.

The apprenticeships will be offered in a range of industries including environmental, creative, engineering, manufacturing, logistics and business administration.

Speaking at yesterday's launch, apprenticeship minister Kevin Brennan said: "We want to give small and medium-sized firms the extra support and resources they need to take on more apprentices. These innovative models mean small businesses, who may not previously have felt able to offer apprenticeships, can now get on board and back young Britain. Today's announcement means greater flexibility for small businesses and greater security for apprentices.

"Apprenticeships are a key route to building the nation's skills and as we rebuild growth, it's really important that we continue to invest in people and their skills, especially in industries key to our future economic success."

Based on based on an Australian programme, Apprenticeship Training Associations (ATAs) are companies or partnerships acting as a recruitment agency, placing apprentices with 'host' employers. If the host business is unable to continue supporting the apprentice for any reason, they return to the ATA and are re-assigned to another business.

The government says the funding will also help develop and expand new Group Training Associations (GTAs). GTAs have existed since the 1960s. For small businesses which might not have the capacity to provide their own training, a GTA helps them to share expertise with other employers and develop their own dedicated training.

Iain Wright, minister for 14-19 reform and apprenticeships said: "Apprenticeships offer young people a valuable opportunity to build their skills and practical experience. We want apprenticeships to be a mainstream option for young people and we are committed to expanding the number of apprenticeship places available. At a time of economic downturn, it is vital that we continue to invest in young people."

"Today's announcement will give even more young people the opportunity to build vital skills for the future."

It's expected that the nine ATAs and three GTAs will provide over 3,000 apprenticeship starts this academic year.

Simon Waugh, chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: "The National Apprenticeship Service is dedicated to adopting innovative approaches as we increase our employer engagement. Apprenticeships are the optimal way of training, developing and skilling people for the future. These new models will play a vital part in ensuring high quality, flexible provision can be delivered to support Apprentices in all types of business."

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