More, Different and Better

The TUC warmly welcomed the recommendations set out by Doug Richard in his review of apprenticeships. We are pleased that the review has focused on the need to create standards and develop a world-class programme through raising quality and validating accomplishment.

In our original submission to the review, we called on Richard to ‘pay particular attention to ensuring apprenticeships are fit for the economy of tomorrow by setting out a clear position on what are the key elements of a high quality apprenticeship’.

Therefore, it’s good news that, like the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) select committee report before it, the review has called for the redefining of apprenticeships themselves so as to set out clearly what is and what is not an apprenticeship. The TUC has repeatedly raised this as a concern: whilst many employers deliver excellent apprenticeship schemes, all too often we hear stories of poor-quality schemes, of employers not investing in apprenticeships and often seeking to use apprentices as replacement workers. We believe that the government needs to ensure that it listens to the review in this area and clarifies the apprenticeship brand.

The review’s statements that ‘apprenticeships require a new job role’ and ‘there is real value in an apprenticeship lasting a year or more’ are really important. The review sets out a clear plan for government to ensure that so-called ‘apprenticeships’ that do not meet these criteria are rooted out.

We were also pleased that the review’s recommendation that the focus of the apprenticeship should be on the outcome and the standard that the apprentice is able to reach. We agree that this outcome should be tested and validated in a manner that ensures that the apprentice is able to move effectively into the workplace.

The introduction of a contestable standard is a considerable step to improving the standing of apprenticeships, but we must ensure that the voice of the apprentice is not neglected in a move towards employer ownership. Whilst many employers deliver excellent apprenticeship schemes, a significant number don’t.

Trade unions can play a significant role in developing and agreeing these standards, and, beyond that, to assessing them and ensuring compliance. Trade unions will act to ensure quality, independence and a long-term view, and can, as the review makes clear, make sure that apprenticeships are ‘a quality educational experience’.

The review has the potential to represent a significant development in the campaign to ensure apprenticeships are a high-quality career development experience. However, the recommendations set out by the review will only really change apprenticeships for the better if they are accompanied by clear action from government, employers and providers working with trade unions to stamp out abuse and exploitation of young people. Results from the last apprentice pay survey in 2011, undertaken by BIS showed that nearly one in five are currently being paid illegally, with five% not being paid at all.

Fred Grindrod is Apprenticeships Policy and Campaigns Officer at unionlearn.