Employers ‘key to unlocking apprentice benefits’

Jason Holt, a jeweller and social entrepreneur commissioned by Ministers to review ways to make apprenticeships simpler and more accessible, said smaller employers often had “outdated” views on the schemes.

He recommended the Government improve communication about apprenticeships, shift the balance of influence towards employers taking on apprentices and away from providers of training schemes, and simplify the system.

Ministers, including Education Secretary Michael Gove and Business Secretary Vince Cable, welcomed the Holt Review, and committed to taking measures to improve apprenticeships.

These will include modifying the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers, agreeing new standards for training providers, and improving communication about schemes – including via groups such as lawyers, who advise small and medium employers.

Publishing his report, Mr Holt said: “Whilst apprenticeships offer undoubted growth opportunities for businesses, not enough SMEs are taking advantage.

“This is because they have an outdated view of apprenticeships, are often in the dark, and frequently do not receive the specific training provision their apprentices need.

“My recommendations are intended to address these issues with Government, employers and providers all playing a part.”

Mr Gove said: “I am very grateful to Jason Holt for the considerable time and effort he has devoted to producing his report. He is certainly right that we need to give employers, and not training providers, the power and freedom to shape their apprenticeships, and make the process as simple as possible for every employer.”