Manufacturers back apprenticeship plan

Following the government's endorsement of the employer-focused vision in Doug Richard's independent review of apprenticeships, the implementation plan sets out policy, process and timescale for reforming apprenticeships in England. Skills minister Matthew Hancock said the reforms would ensure that apprenticeships become "more rigorous and more responsive to the needs of employers". He continued: "We will improve the quality of apprenticeships by introducing higher expectations on English and maths, grading to incentivise apprentices to strive to be the best and an increased focus on assessment at the end of an apprenticeship to ensure full competence." He said so-called 'trailblazers' would lead the way in implementing the new apprenticeships, the first of which will focus on sectors including aerospace, automotive, electrotechnical and food and drink manufacturing. Commenting on the plan, EEF's Steve Radley said: "Today's announcement on implementing the Richard Review is a real game-changer. Putting employers at the heart of designing and developing apprenticeship standards, will finally ensure apprenticeships are relevant to industry's and learners' needs. "Some of our largest manufacturers, backed with substantial support from SMEs, are geared up to lead the charge to deliver robust, rigorous and responsive new standards for apprenticeships."