Business West, the region’s largest business organisation, has backed the findings of a highly critical report into apprenticeships by education watchdog Ofsted.
The report accused the Government of devaluing the “apprenticeship brand” by creating them in ever greater numbers, while the chief inspector of schools Sir Michael Wilshaw said there were too many poor apprenticeships.
Ian Larrard, pictured, director of the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative – part of Business West – said apprenticeships were valuable but that a “conveyor-belt model” would hit the quality of skills training in the region. 
“It is hardly a secret that the skills gap between education and business is hurting firms day in day out. Our latest local business survey results highlight this, showing that of firms that tried to recruit in the last three months, 60% found it difficult to recruit suitably skilled staff,” he said
“Apprenticeships can form part of a solution, but quality, not quantity is key. Businesses have been concerned about the direction of apprenticeships ever since politicians decided to prioritise big numerical targets over long-term results. An apprenticeship is not simply about making tea, it is about gaining hands on experience and valuable workplace skills.
“Sir Michael Wilshaw is right to challenge the status quo. A conveyor-belt model, focused solely on hitting the government’s target of 3 million new apprenticeships, would be detrimental to quality. The overriding priority has to be delivering high standards, with training providers accountable for the long-term results they deliver.
“We have great providers locally, including Swindon College, voted first choice for apprenticeships in the region, who must be allowed to expand their provision whilst retaining their high standards of teaching and learning.”
Launching the Ofsted report, Sir Michael Wilshaw said: “Too many of our further education providers have focused for too long on equipping youngsters with dubious qualifications of little economic relevance. And too many employers have not engaged with schools or organised themselves effectively to make the apprenticeship system work.
“Being an apprentice should be a badge of honour. The reforms now working their way through the system are commendable. But we are kidding ourselves if we think our good intentions are enough. We have won the argument over the value of apprenticeships. We have yet to make them a sought-after and valid alternative career choice for hundreds of thousands of young people.”
