Apprenticeship L7 Debate One of the most worrying aspects of the debate coming out of government is the impression that we can only have more young people undertaking apprenticeships, we can only have foundation apprenticeships and we can only have shorter apprenticeships IF we defund level 7 apprenticeships. There is being created in my view, a spurious link between the two. A type of cause and effect. This is of course complete nonsense. If we need more funding for young people, and foundation apprenticeships, which I agree that we most certainly do, then do something simple like removing the additional 10% added to levy pots, or even reduce what employers can spend to 90% of their contributions. Whatever is done, leave L7 apprenticeships funded, and stop creating a false narrative, that insists they need to be sacrificed.
I completely agree with this. I have been working with Senior Leaders since the programme started and have found that they are some of the learners who get the most benefit out of their apprenticeships. They are also using the knowledge and skills they gain to create better workplaces for the younger generation, through developing CSR programmes, leading change, creating more inclusive environments and driving innovation.
Excellent point. It is not a competition. We need access to skills development at all levels. We need schools that focus on individual development and individual potential. Too many young people leave school without the skills required to undertke vocational training. Abolishing level 7 apprenticeships will not change that.
Tony Allen MCIPD MCMI - isnt is more simple than that. The Government will fund L7 apprenticeships for all starts where the date of starting is 21 or under! That sorts out the social mobility nonsense that is being spouted for everything but at the same time protect those opportunities for young people ( which incidentally have always been there - I did an apprenticeship in accountancy 40 years ago at L3 and L4 and then my employer (a local authority) part funded my studies for professionals with the balance being funded by the Uni drawing down public funding. I just think the argument put forward by AELP has been nothing short of hopeless and interesting but disappointly the Association of Colleges are nowhere to be seen in this debate because their members are just not players nor are they interested. It needs a truely articulated document for ministers to help them with their decision and all we get at the moment is vested interests such as BPP and that bunch with the guy with the funny coloured shirts who aren't memorable I can't even recall them (their marketing can't be that good) spouting absolute rubbish which anyone with one gram of intellect will know that it is simply self preservation.
Taking out Level 7's is quite honestly driving a coach and horses though their own ideology. All it needs is a cap on how many L7s funded, or as other suggest, remove the 10% top up, or a myriad of other solutions, and its done. Removing the Level 7s is as damaging as the hare brained idea to scrap level 2 business admin.and look how well that went...!
Graham Hart
1w
I believe senior progression and higher level qualifications are valuable, however they should be separated from 'apprenticeships'. We lost our way quite a while ago on clarity on apprenticeships. Learning a vocational skill under the guidance of a skilled and competent expert whilst employed and earning a wage related to learning the specific skill or trade. This respected throughout industry/society. Putting respect into the process of starting and learning a vocational specialism and progressing to competence at the start of a career.
Anna Randall
2w
Totally agree! L7 apprenticeships absolutely have their place. Apprenticeships at all levels have so many benefits to both employers and employees, creating narrative like this isn't conducive to resolving the funding issues for lower levels it just halts progression.
Rob W.
2w
Its another example of a knee jerk reaction by the government of a situation they have zero understanding of
Or… use the whole £4bn that is actually generated from the Apprenticeship Levy, and not the £2.8bn allocated to it - returning £1.2bn back to the treasury to be absorbed into the abyss.
Head of End-Point Assessment and Responsible Officer at Lift and Escalator Industry Association LEIA (LEIA Assessment)
2wThere are many things that would help entry level apprenticeships and defunding level 7 apps is not one of them