Apprentice reforms are a ‘ticking time bomb’, industry says

Professional body reveals motor trade businesses believe proposals to cut apprenticeship are flawed

Apprentice reforms are a ‘ticking time bomb’, industry says
Changes are due to be confirmed later this month and implemented in May 2017. Image: Bigstock.

The Department for Education and Skills published proposals in August that would cut state funding for some vocational training courses for 16-19 year olds by as much as 50 per cent.

Many businesses fear they won’t be able to secure apprenticeship places at these new rates because the courses won’t be economically viable for providers to run.

The changes, due to be confirmed in October 2016 and implemented in May 2017, come on top of the introduction of the new Apprenticeship Levy and the introduction of a new type of apprenticeship, which requires employers to take on the administrative burden.

‘Ludicrous’

Jane Russel, director of Russell Automotive Centre in North London said: “Anything that limits, reduces or stops apprentices being found, funded and taught well is like a nail in the coffin of the automotive industry.

“The government needs to realise that it can’t get this wrong.

“Having someone devise a new plan for apprenticeships in this country without any knowledge of how companies actually work is ludicrous.”

The IMI believes the Government’s intention to cut £22bn of support for the FE sector is the main driver of the difficulties.

The planned savings are inconsistent with the government’s pledge to create three million new apprenticeships by 2020.

IMI CEO Steve Nash, who previously described the proposals as a “car crash”, has written to the skills Minister Robert Halfon MP, calling for a delay in the implementation of the controversial plans.

‘Ticking time bomb’

Steve said: “The Government’s apprenticeship reforms are a ticking time bomb for our industry that’s worth £150 billion a year.

“The uncertainty around apprentice funding and provision is likely to see many employers simply not take on trainees over the next couple of years.

“Thousands of young people will miss out on an opportunity to build a career and our sector will lose vital skills and productivity.

“I’m urging Education Ministers to pause and learn a thing or two about what business needs before they go any further with their apprentice reforms.”

For further information about The IMI, select ‘more details’ below.

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2 Comments

  1. our local collage has stopped doing mechanics coarses you know have to travel 50 miles to the nearest collage this was a very popular coarse up a the collage but they had to cut all coarses to the bone to stay opening

    Reply
  2. our local collage has stopped doing mechanics coarses you know have to travel 50 miles to the nearest collage this was a very popular coarse up a the collage but they had to cut all coarses to the bone to stay opening

    Reply

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