A new
EngineeringUK report
Pathways to success: shaping foundation apprenticeships in engineering and technology — follows the launch of foundation apprenticeships in England and makes a series of recommendations designed to ensure foundation apprenticeships ‘have the potential to become a viable pathway into engineering and technology careers for young people’.
EngineeringUK says: “Foundation apprenticeships are intended to open up more training opportunities for young people, giving them a route into key sectors while they earn and develop valuable skills. Their introduction seeks to reverse a worrying trend of declining recruitment onto level 2 apprenticeships.”
Beatrice Barleon, EngineeringUK’s head of policy and public affairs, added: “Addressing the shortages of engineers and technicians will be crucial in enabling the UK to prosper and grow. We therefore welcome the development of foundation apprenticeships and their aim of enabling more young people to access training in key sectors, including construction, and engineering and manufacturing.
“However, we urge the Government to be open to refining this new offer, to ensure they work for employers and young people alike. We hope our new report will help policymakers ensure the rollout of foundation apprenticeships is successful in addressing skills shortages throughout England, as it sets out seven criteria for the Government to consider.”
Based in input from employers and education providers, the recommended success criteria for foundation apprenticeships are ensuring that: objectives are clear and complement other policies; sectors with demand for level 2 foundation apprentices are identified; employers buy in to the idea they are worthwhile; small and medium-size employers offer them; standards are defined in a way that encourages high quality; young people from a range of backgrounds are supported to succeed; and they are financially viable for providers.
Beatrice Barleon added: “If foundation apprenticeships meet these criteria, it will ensure employers and young people have clarity on their purpose and will encourage uptake across businesses of all sizes. Crucially, it will also ensure providers are equipped to deliver the training and will maintain high quality standards.”