Eaton Bank Academy praised in Parliament
Fiona Bruce MP praised the work of Eaton Bank on apprenticeships in Parliament this week saying:
Matthew Hancock: I certainly commend such action to promote apprenticeships as an option, alongside higher education, for young people. It is undoubtedly true that, while university is right for some people, it is not right for everybody. Giving people options that can also lead them to further higher study is valuable. In the law, for example, someone can become a fully qualified solicitor through an apprenticeship that is equivalent to post-degree level study. It is very important that such options are made available to young people.
Having opened the above event at Eaton Bank last week and having championed apprenticeships since becoming an MP Fiona added from the Constituency today regarding the Government policy on Apprenticeships:
“The Government has overseen the biggest ever boost to apprenticeships. Nearly 860,000 people were on an apprenticeship in 2012/13 with the gold standard of higher and advanced levels attracting record level of apprentices. There have been over one and a half million apprenticeship starts since 2010.
From 2014/15 all intermediate apprentices will be required to work towards achieving a Level 2 in English and maths, ensuring they have the basic skills employers need.
I firmly support the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE 16 to 24) year olds which supports those businesses who would not otherwise be in a position to do so, to take on an apprentice. Provisional data shows that between February 2012 and July 2013 there were 38,000 apprenticeship starts for which a payment was made through the AGE 16 to 24 scheme and a further 6,900 in the pipeline.
It is now quicker and easier for employers to take on an apprentice. The National Apprenticeship Service and training providers will be required to ensure that every employer is able to advertise a vacancy within one month of deciding to take on an apprentice.
The Government is targeting apprenticeships where they are needed. It is renewing focus on younger adults, new employees, higher level qualifications and particularly sectors where apprenticeships can make the greatest impact. It is encouraging that growth has been particularly strong growth in the engineering sector, with starts up 21.5 per cent to 59,480. In 2011/12.[1]
I am pleased that the Government has cut red tape for employers taking on apprentices by piloting a ‘payment by outcomes’ system to eliminate a number of data returns and audit requirements; providing an online plain-English toolkit for employers; streamlining contracting arrangements; committing to no ‘in year’ changes to contracting arrangements, introducing a more proportionate approach to audit and inspection, reducing preparation time for employers; greater use of electronic information to reduce paperwork; and a more streamlined certification process.”
