Responding to The
National Audit Office Assessment of Adult Apprenticeships,
published today, John Hayes, Minister for Skills said:
"Unprecedented investment, backed by tough new measures
to ensure that quality matches quantity, has helped make
apprenticeships the gold standard vocational qualification.
"So I am delighted that the NAO has recognised the
progress we have made and that they identify the extraordinary
economic benefits of apprenticeships. Few, if any, other
government programmes produce anything like the return of £18 for
every £1 spent let alone the still greater return that our
economists estimate.
"It is also pleasing that the switch from Train To Gain
to apprenticeships is recognised as having brought significant benefits.
“The report rightly identifies a need to prioritise investment
where returns are greatest, and that is what the Government is
doing. We will continue to drive improvement by developing new
higher level apprenticeships, giving training providers more
freedom to meet the needs of local businesses, reducing
bureaucracy and making financial incentives available to small
firms hiring their first apprentices."
Simon Waugh, Chief Executive of the National Apprenticeship
Service (NAS) said:
“The NAO report recognises the value and benefit of the
Government’s continued investment in Apprenticeships and that the
programme is well run. It also endorses the Government's
decision to make Apprenticeships the flagship policy.
"The apprenticeship programme has seen strong growth
in the 16-24 age range as well as the 25+ age group, with the
fastest growth at Advanced Level. More employers than ever are
using Apprenticeships to recruit new employees and to build skills
in their business. The introduction from April of additional
support for smaller employers recruiting an apprentice for the
first time will make it easier for them to recruit young people.
“We are absolutely committed to ensuring that every
Apprenticeship provides both the employer and the apprentice with
a high quality experience which meets their needs. We are working
with the Skills Funding Agency and other partners to raise the bar
on quality, recognise excellence, and drive out poor performance;
reducing unnecessary red-tape and bureaucracy for those who engage
with the Apprenticeship programme.
“We will continue to strive to ensure that Apprenticeships
represent the best value for money for the investment made in them
by Government and by employers.”
The National Audit Office assessment shows that the
apprenticeships programme continues to be highly valued by
apprentices and businesses alike.
Key findings include:
· Public spending on apprenticeships is offering a good return on investment.
· Apprenticeship starts have expanded amongst all age groups,
despite a challenging economic climate.
· OFSTED inspectors and learners are positive about the quality
of provision, with 91% of Apprentices satisfied with their training.
· The programme is well coordinated by its two sponsor
Departments, BIS and DfE, which oversee the National
Apprenticeships Service and the Skills Funding Agency.
The NAO report is available at www.nao.org.uk
Notes to editors:
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Contacts:
BIS Press Office
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Oliver Fry
oliver.fry@bis.gsi.gov.uk