Where do Apprentices go Next?

The Lancashire Apprentices Project: a Case Study

Tony Donajgrodzki Lancashire Lifelong Learning Network

National and Regional Contexts

Introduction to the Project Issues to Discuss

Contents

National Policy ‘The Government is committed to [improving] progression routes through

Apprenticeships into higher level skills. The Government will ensure that there are clear qualification and career pathways from foundation and Level 1 right through to higher level skills, career and professional development’ (Sept 2010)

Regional Activities A family of initiatives: Skills, knowledge, partnerships, resources

In ordinary times.....

Contexts

About the Lancashire Apprentices Project

The project:

brings together the resources of Aimhigher Lancashire (AHL), the Lancashire Lifelong Learning Network (LLLN) and their partners to increase the number of apprentices progressing to develop their skills through Level 4 and above.

focuses on the four sectors of Advanced Engineering, Health & Social Care, Leisure & Tourism and Environment & Sustainability.

Is working in the areas of demand, IAG and curriculum development

runs until December 2011and aims to provide a framework for partnership activity and complement and add value to existing and planned activity by partners.

Key Activities

Establishing market size and demand

Targeting apprentices. Stimulating demand through a programme of impartial information advice and guidance. The Partner Provider Programme

Targeting staff. Improving progression through staff development, including CPD activity

Targeting the Curriculum. Stimulating curriculum developments aimed at facilitating the progression of apprentices

Establishing Market Size and Demand

Accessing data on current profile of apprentices in Lancashire

Identifying skills gaps

Mapping existing opportunities and identifying gaps. Visaroute

Targeting Apprentices 1

Workshops and training about progression opportunities to colleges and private WBL providers

Developing and delivering the ‘partner provider’ programme

Developing a structured mentoring programme for apprentices

Implementing enrichment activities for apprentices

Targeting Apprentices 2

Developing bridging provision for apprentices considering applying for HE courses

Developing bridging provision to improve retention rates among apprentices

Developing a passport to HE for apprentices

Targeting Staff

Establishing CPD provision for WBL trainers and assessors

Improving impartial IAG among HE in FE and HE staff, including admissions staff through staff development activity

Targeting the Curriculum

Encouraging developments in Universities and Colleges to facilitate progression

Teacher training

Maths for Engineers

WBL qualifications

Higher apprenticeships

Findings so far

A real willingness to engage

Momentum increases

Able to build on previous investment

But

Internal barriers: competing priorities, cuts, communication

External barriers: government ‘policy’, economic downturn

So not yet clear whether a dead end or a springboard...in Lancashire as elsewhere

Springboard or Dead End?

To discuss:

Is progression from apprenticeships an unintended but inevitable casualty of government ‘policy’?

If it is not to be

How can momentum and expertise be maintained and developed in the region?

How can the case be most effectively promoted internally within HE and Colleges?

How can the case be most effectively promoted to government?