Apprenticeship Reform

The People 1st sector currently has one of the highest take-up rates of any apprenticeship framework, but also one of the highest drop-out rates.

Apprenticeships should provide the best opportunity for the existing workforce to become skilled though a Government-funded programme, thereby benefiting businesses.

They should also provide a real alternative to full-time education that will help to develop motivated and capable young people into future managers, but lack of faith in the current frameworks represents a real wasted opportunity for both industry and its apprentices.

We are addressing this problem by reassessing the current offering, and developing new frameworks which meet employer needs, whilst being enjoyable and challenging for the apprentice.

Research has been undertaken to find out what employers really require of an apprentice, and we have completed an Apprenticeship Strategy for change.

• Read the full Apprenticeship Strategy (PDF Document)
• Get a quick overview of the strategy's vision, goals and objectives

In accordance with the findings, People 1st is now working with leading sector employers - such as Whitbread, McDonald's, Compass Group, TUI, and Thomas Cook - and developing new apprenticeships for management, chefs and travel. We are working hard to make the delivery effective by bringing together employers, providers and apprentices.

The new apprenticeships in management and hospitality supervision are due to be launched in August 2009.