Lack of Measurement Suppressing UK Apprenticeship Completion & Success Rates
Posted: Tuesday 17 June, 2008
The completion rates of UK apprenticeship schemes are being hampered by a general lack of management, monitoring and measurement, according to Perspective, a UK software development company specialising in web-based training and learning solutions.
Whilst apprenticeship schemes are regularly identified by Government and industry experts as the potential saviour for the UK skills shortage, and although the number of UK apprentices joining schemes continues to rise, currently only 53% of students taking part in apprenticeships successfully complete their training.
At present many apprenticeship schemes are managed and monitored manually, resulting in a lack of awareness regarding the apprentice's progress at any particular point, thereby resulting in the trainer being unable to recognise and resolve any potential issues as they arise.
In an effort to raise standards the government are now applying much greater rigour regarding the quality of training delivery and learner success rates. To achieve these high standards it is now increasingly important to effectively monitor apprentice progression, whilst in training and at the work place. Consequently, manufacturers and employers have a duty to take greater responsibiliy for apprentices employed within their networks and monitor delivery standards and not to simply rely on the quaity systems used by partner training providers.
Consequently Perspective has created the first effective means of measuring apprenticeship progression. Apprenticeship Management System (AMS) is an online platform whereby keeping track of individuals and their progression throughout the course becomes a simple click of a button enabling training providers to manage apprentices through effective learner-centric tracking of progression against qualifications, frameworks and milestones, as well as managing funding, recruitment and statistical reporting.
AMS is designed as a web based application with unique access controls giving real time, secure views of a learner's progress to all key stake holders, i.e. managers, trainers, assessors, verifiers, employers and learners, providing appropriate levels of visability to all of the critical phases of each learner's progress.
AMS is extremelly versatile and can also be used to manage any learning scenario.
Gary Harlock, a recognised leader in the design, delivery and development of apprenticeship schemes following an illustrious 20 year career with Toyota, commented: "AMS is remotely accessible by all parties and not only eliminates the headache of paperwork, it keeps apprentices focused and motivated by allowing them to see how they are developing with the scheme, whilst at the same time giving the apprenticeship provider a clear and concise insight to learner's progress and whether certain issues need to be raised to improve the course or indeed the learner."
Unlike BBC 1's The Apprentice where previous winners have experienced relatively limited success, students taking part in apprenticeships across the UK have the potential to provide the economy with a highly skilled work force that by 2020, it is hoped, will be a world leader in new skills.
Gary added: "Latest studies suggest that of today's 6 million unskilled workers in Britain, only 500,000 will be needed if current trends persist. Whilst in contrast, Britain has 9 million highly qualified workers and, over the next ten years, it is estimated that a further 5 million will be required - thus, it is no longer a case of lack of jobs, but, a lack of skills"
Apprenticeship schemes equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to progress well within a chosen industry that, in turn, enhances their motivation and efficiency at work. However, apprenticeships can also assist businesses in a number different ways.
With the ongoing problem of recruitment and retaining the right people for the company, apprenticeships provide an easy route to a competent workforce and can fill skill gaps and avoid skills shortages. According to the LSC's National Employer Statistical Survey (NESS) of 2004, almost half of employers reporting skills shortage openings said they were losing business as a direct result of a lack in skilled workers.
Both large organisations and SME's alike have taken recent statistics onboard and have employed apprentices - witnessing the success that comes with it. By encouraging employers to keep operations UK based, apprenticeship schemes are - and will continue to - improve the economy as they help fill the skills gap that the UK is currently suffering. With Perspective's AMS eliminating the headache of paperwork, government backed schemes and new monitoring services, this trend looks set to continue.
Gary continued: "Although Sir Alan's apprentices have experienced only limited success, UK apprentice schemes have changed the lives of thousands of young people across the UK, enabling them to carve long and successful careers across hundreds of diverse sectors. If we are able to improve the way these schemes are monitored and consequently improve the number of apprentices successfully completing courses, I have no doubt that the UK can become the world leader in new skills."
For further information regarding Perspective please call 0121 506 9452 or visit www.perspective-uk.com.
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About Perspective:
Perspective is a software developer specialising in web-based training and learning solutions in the UK. Perspective offers its unique collection of Learning Management systems to the evolving UK education and skills sector, providing the tools to effectively manage and monitor skills delivery, attendance and progress. The web-based solutions have been designed by sector professional to link the partners involved in a diverse range of learning environments including 14-19 delivery partnerships, work based learning, apprenticeship programmes and vocationally based schemes.
Perspective have also established ab solutions service which specilises in the provision of learner management data and reporting, critical to manageging apprenticeships and other form of Government funded training, to provide guidance and support to manufacturers and employers who wish to take a greater role in the management of their apprentice training.
