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Surveys look at value of apprenticeships

A report has shown that Britain’s apprentices are getting promoted, improving their confidence and taking on more responsibility in the workplace.

The Apprentice Learner Survey of 5,000 apprentices has found that 32% of those who had finished their apprenticeship had received a promotion.

Eight out of ten apprentices believe that their apprenticeship has improved their ability to do their job, provided them with sector-relevant skills and knowledge, and improved their career prospects.

Nearly two thirds of apprentice respondents agreed that the course had improved their overall quality of life.

A second survey of 4,000 employers also shows high satisfaction rates among businesses as 88% of employers were satisfied with the relevance of the training, and nearly half had already recommended apprenticeships to other employers.

Skills Minister John Hayes said: “I am delighted by these impressive survey results which show nine out of ten apprentices are satisfied with their training and a third have received a promotion as a result.

“We are succeeding in making apprenticeships a gold standard option for ambitious young people and sending a crystal clear message that technical excellence is as essential and highly valued as academic prowess.

A third report has also looked at the net financial benefits of training to employers, and looks at the amount employers invest in apprenticeships.

It showed that it took an average of one to two years for an employer to recoup their investment where the apprentice is a new recruit.

David Way, Chief Executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “We are very pleased to see high levels of satisfaction amongst employers and apprentices in these surveys.

“These findings will inform our work as we continue to raise standards and focus on ensuring that all apprenticeships offer a good experience as well as encouraging more young people and employers of all sizes and sectors to engage.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .