Ian S Ferguson Deputy Chairman – Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network (AAN) and Chairman - Data Connection Limited

Current Facts & Figures Over 240,000 in Apprenticeships Completion rate - 63% (110,000 last year) 180 Apprenticeship frameworks offered in more than 80 sectors Top Framework sectors: Engineering, Construction, Business Administration and Hospitality Apprenticeship Review – January 2008 –World-class Apprenticeships: Unlocking Talent, Building Skills for All!

Apprentice Benefits Young People Positive experience for those who do not relish the classroom Huge personal and technical skills benefit across the spectrum of –those with options –those with only this option Key part of raising the participation age to 18 Adults Formalised and qualified training

Business Benefits Delivering higher productivity and work quality which reduces costs and enhances profitability Improving staff recruitment, retention and staff satisfaction Producing motivated staff and managers of the future Reducing skills shortages and fostering a more diverse workforce Government funding

Terms of Reference To promote Apprenticeships to employers of all sizes, to increase take-up, particularly in sectors of poor penetration and diversity To advise and help employers in improving Apprenticeship outcomes To provide feedback to Government, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills on issues affecting quality and effectiveness

Perspective on Policy National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) – retain momentum Vacancy Matching System – important Accreditation of employer own training – important 400,000 apprenticeships by 2020 – achievable Apprenticeship entitlement by 2013 – employer buy in Increasing the participation age to 18 – employer buy in Overtraining and Group Training Associations - detail

Ongoing Concerns – AAN Delivery too complex Low take-up of Apprenticeships in London and Public Sector Poor advice and guidance Continued completion rate increase Framework content Linking with Diplomas FE/HE progression National Clearing House (New Vacancy Matching System is a start)