Training providers welcome proposed boost to NCS role in providing careers advice in schools

AELP has said it’s pleased that Labour has decided to focus resources around the National Careers Service to improve the quality of careers guidance in schools. The measure is set to help underpin the statutory requirements that schools already have to provide independent and impartial advice on all post-16 options, including apprenticeships

The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) has welcomed the Labour’s commitment to ‘gold standard vocational learning’ in the party’s education manifesto.

AELP has said it’s pleased that Labour has decided to focus resources around the National Careers Service to improve the quality of careers guidance in schools. The measure is set to help underpin the statutory requirements that schools already have to provide independent and impartial advice on all post-16 options, including apprenticeships.

The manifesto does not explicitly commit Labour to ending level 2 apprenticeships after the party had previously said that a Labour government would ‘work towards’ a policy where apprenticeships must start at level 3. AELP does, however, take issue with the manifesto’s statement that ‘two-thirds of apprenticeships are of a standard that would not be recognised in competitor countries due to the re-badging of low level workplace training’.

AELP CEO Stewart Segal said: “We share the view of CBI, Unionlearn and the Commons Education Committee that high quality level 2 apprenticeships should remain part of the programme because they offer a ladder of opportunity to further progression. It is also important that a new government regards apprenticeships not simply as a tool for solving youth unemployment but as a programme for improving the skills of those in employment. Traineeships offer young people a route to employment as well as acting as a progression route to an apprenticeship and we should work with government and employers to build on the early success of this programme.”

AELP believes that the reforms currently underway under the Trailblazer process can lead to further improvements in the quality of apprenticeships which will benefit employers and learners. 

Segal added: “We feel strongly that apprenticeships and traineeships will grow if they remain core national programmes and while LEPs and sector organisations could have influence over commissioning and standards respectively, it is vital that any further reforms should not add complexity to a system that will confuse employers.”

 

Training Journal

Learn More →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Processing...
Thank you! Your subscription has been confirmed. You'll hear from us soon.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
ErrorHere