Apprenticeships deserve parity of opportunity and esteem
The National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW) published important new research last week which calculates the true value of Apprenticeships to Wales. The findings were illuminating and ought to be of great assistance to the Welsh Government when deciding how to apportion its future education and skills budget at a time of diminishing resources.
The report, ‘The Value of Apprenticeship to Wales’, was commissioned by the NTfW – representing work-based learning providers across the country – and undertaken by Arad Research, who brought together all available research from a variety of sources. The main finding was that Apprenticeships in Wales generate more than £1 billion a year for the country’s economy and represent an excellent return on the investment for the Welsh Government.
The research also revealed a £74 return for every pound invested in an Apprenticeship compared to £57 for an average Higher Education degree. A typical Apprenticeship costs between £4,000 and £16,000 compared to at least £27,000 for an undergraduate degree.
We commissioned this report to identify and highlight the key benefits of Apprenticeships for all those involved. Our intention is to inform not only the development of policy across all levels of education and training but also the advice and support given to young people as they progress into employment.
Our Apprenticeship programme in Wales proudly leads the way in the UK. Through the commitment, hard work and dedication of employers, training providers and Welsh Government over recent years our Apprenticeship success rate has grown to an impressive 84%, compared to 69% in England.
The NTfW strongly believes that for far too long, Apprenticeships have been seen as the poor relation to a traditional academic route and the evidence presented last week addressed some of the misinformation and misconceptions that exist.
There is cross party support for Apprenticeships in Wales and all agree that parity of opportunity and esteem should exist between vocational and academic education. However, policy changes are needed if this parity is to be truly realised.
The NTfW is calling for changes to ensure that all young people, parents, schools and employers in Wales understand the benefits of Apprenticeships and are able to access opportunities if they wish.
We want:
- National targets set for the number of Apprenticeship places for school leavers at age 16 and 19.
- Significant changes at school including reviewing points of progression to work based learning, ensuring vocational opportunities are part of the curriculum changes, an enhanced, simplified, fully integrated and mandated common application process and urgent action to halt the decline in work experience opportunities.
- A review of post 16 and post 19 learning to rebalance funding, address disincentives and ensure that funding follows the learners.
- Apprenticeship targets incorporated in public procurement: As around £5.5bn is spent every year on procurement in Wales, the Welsh Government should consider introducing clauses into contracts that commit the successful businesses to create and employ sustainable apprentices.
We believe the report makes an important contribution to the ongoing discussions regarding supporting economic growth, upskilling the Welsh workforce, public investment priorities and ensuring all young people reach their full potential.
We look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Wales has a robust and strategic vision for Apprenticeships for the future.
Peter Rees, chairman of the National Training Federation for Wales
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