Draft bill published to regulate quality of apprenticeships

A new draft bill to regulate the quality of apprenticeships has been published by the Government, in response to a prediction that one in five young people will choose this option over the next decade.

The new laws will offer schools guidance on what information they should be providing to their pupils on apprenticeships, such as what career paths can follow from the scheme.

Meanwhile, employers will be told exactly what an apprenticeship should involve.

This is part of the Government's drive to ensure that this type of on-the-job training is not considered a second-class option for school leavers.

Skills Minster, David Lammy, said that apprenticeships 'tackle skills shortages, contributing to increased productivity and can help businesses weather difficult economic times.'

Martin Freedman, Head of Pay, Pensions and Conditions at the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, welcomed the decision, saying he wants to see apprenticeships 'regarded as a genuine alternative to university education.'