This Westminster Employment Forum takes place at a crucial time, as concern
mounts regarding Apprenticeship starts in light of Government confirming that
the
manifesto target of 3m starts will not be achieved on time and with industry
groups calling for reform of the Apprenticeship Levy.
It also comes with questions about how industry, training providers, government
and other stakeholders can realise the aim to improve uptake amongst
under-represented and disadvantaged groups, including the Government targeting
an increase
of 20% BAME starts by 2020.
With target deadlines soon approaching, the agenda will bring out latest
thinking on what can be done to address concerns around the decrease in
apprenticeship starts since the reforms to the Apprenticeship programme,
including low
take-up from under-represented groups and a shift away from lower level
apprenticeships.
The Forum expect discussion on what can be done to encourage employers to use
available funds and attract enough potential recruits to start an
apprenticeship -
as well as strategies for government, the FE sector and employers to drive
growth in apprenticeship take-up.
There will be a keynote address from Kathryn Porter, Vice-Chair, Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network and Director, Youth Strategy,
Europe, Middle East and Africa, Hilton Worldwide on how the Apprenticeship
Ambassadors Network is working to grow the Apprenticeships programme by
engaging new
employers and promoting apprenticeships more widely.
Sessions will consider the underlying causes and latest approaches to tackling
disparities in provision and uptake in apprenticeships across the regions -
including how to encourage a higher uptake of STEM subjects.
The seminar will include discussion on the ‘Opportunities through Apprenticeships’ pilot scheme - with four local authorities trialling the project,
developing an action plan and working with employers and local partners to
remove
barriers, such as awareness, and support access to apprenticeships in their
region.
Delegates will consider progress made in each region, and how lessons can be
transferred to other local authorities in England.
The Forum expect discussion on the Apprenticeship levy, amid calls for reform,
in particular, the role of different sizes of firms amidst concern from some
small businesses that the introduction of the levy has made wider training
harder
and with uptake among SMEs low.
Delegates will also discuss the collaboration needed between employers, schools,
colleges and universities, and with local government, to focus provision, and
increase take-up.
The agenda focuses on the perceptions of apprenticeships amongst young people,
parents and employers, and how their promotion and marketing alongside
traditional academic routes can be improved.
It follows the launch of the ‘Fire it Up’ campaign by the DfE, and as the Department writes to the largest school
trusts to encourage increased promotion of apprenticeships within the school
system.
Delegates will also examine progress, and further measures needed, to build on
improvements in apprenticeship uptake among under-represented and disadvantaged
groups, including opportunities in STEM apprenticeships.
They Forum expect discussion on the Apprenticeship Diversity Champions Network, the employer-led network composed of various champions of diversity in
industry and progress in sharing and spreading best practice and improving
apprenticeship uptake among these groups.
Progress of the ‘5 Cities Project’ will also be discussed, looking
at efforts in the first year across the 5 project areas in their objective to
increase BAME representation in apprenticeship uptake and the
collaborative
working with the National Apprenticeship Service and partner organisations to
establish ‘apprenticeship hubs’ within the regions.
There will also be discussion on the participation of women in apprenticeships,
with overall uptake typically higher than men, but uptake in STEM subjects low.
Delegates will discuss how careers advice and other incentives can improve
take-up, and will consider the recommendations of the recent report by the APPG
for
Women and Work, including changes to the Apprenticeship levy, and the
establishment of an apprenticeship bursary fund to improve access to
apprenticeships for
women from disadvantaged groups and areas.
Further sessions look at the role of apprenticeships in the Civil Service, and
progress made towards meeting the objectives of the Civil Service
Apprenticeships
Strategy, of 30,000 apprenticeship starts by 2020, with each department
agreeing
to ensure 2.3% of the workforce is made up with apprenticeships.
Delegates will discuss the causes of disparities in progress between departments
- such as difficulties in procurement regulation, budget limitations,
standards,
and the 20% off-the-job training requirement - and will consider how to reduce
these disparities and the lessons that can be shared between the private sector
and public sector.
Book your place here.