Content of apprenticeship
22. We were disappointed that the Secretary of
State was unable to say more about the recent fall in the amount
of off-the-job and on-the-job training received by apprentices.
While we recognise that this may vary between sectors and occupations,
we believe that a strong commitment to minimum levels of off-the-job
training is crucial. We strongly hope this commitment will be
forthcoming. As the Secretary of State said: "We need to
look at this in more detail as the National Apprenticeship Service
develops the blueprint." Our report recommended at least
one day a week of off-the-job training. We still think that the
Government should aim for this benchmark.
23. Our report highlighted the lack of progression
from apprenticeships to higher education. The Secretary of State
outlined what the Government is doing to increase this. The measures
include encouraging higher education institutions to accept and
admit students who complete a Level 3 apprenticeship. The Government
is also working with the higher education admissions and funding
bodies to give a proper weighting to the apprenticeship framework.
But few details were provided and we were left with the strong
impression that the Government is doing very little to establish
a clear path from apprenticeships to higher levels of education.
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