7 Reasons Why Employing Apprentices Just Got Easier

Yesterday, Skills Minister John Hayes announced a package of new measures to make it easier for employers to take on large numbers of apprentices.

Announcing the measures at a summit hosted by the CBI, Mr Hayes said:

“I’m determined that more employers and learners than ever should have the opportunity to benefit from our unprecedented investment in apprenticeships. Where red tape and bureaucracy deters employers from taking on apprentices, we’ll sweep it away.

“That will give more firms access to the skills they need to thrive, creating new jobs and new growth, and it will give many more individuals better prospects and the chance to gain a real stake in society.”

The seven Key aspects of the action plan for cutting red tape for employers include:

1. A pilot for over 20 large employers who have volunteered to trial “payment by outcomes” which will eliminate a number of data returns and audit requirements.

2. Providing an online plain-English toolkit for employers that clearly explains the end-to-end processes employers need to undertake for apprenticeships.

3. Streamlining contracting arrangements.

4. A commitment to no “in year” changes to contracting arrangements.

5. A more proportionate approach to audit and inspection - reducing preparation time for employers.

6. Greater use of electronic information, thus reducing paperwork.

7. A more streamlined certification process.

It is expected that Companies who contract directly with the Government to train apprentices will benefit from simplified payment, reporting and assessment requirments and will also receive better guidance to help them manage recruitment, training and assessment of apprentices more efficiently and cost effectively.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said:

“Apprenticeships are proving an increasingly effective training route for young people and companies. They are a proven way to fill skills gaps in our economy. That’s why we are boosting the number of apprenticeships and putting them at the heart of our Skills for Growth strategy."

“But for far too long too many businesses have been put off by overly complex procedures and unnecessary layers of paperwork. We’ve worked with business to cut bureaucracy and ensure the benefits for employers, learners and the economy are maximised”.

The expansion of the employer-led apprenticeship programme is at the core of Government's overall plan for growth and is further supported by an additional £150m to deliver 50,000 additional apprenticeships but they're not done yet......additional measures to cut red tape for small and medium sized employers taking on apprentices will be unveiled this autumn as part of the Government's plan for growth.

Tell us what you think!  What impact does this latest announcement from the Government have on your comapny's view of apprenticeships?  

You can read the full report here - Employer Reference Group – Simplifying end‑to‑end apprenticeship processes for employers.