Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of the Richard review of apprenticeships.

Employers of all sizes are fully engaged in Trailblazers, designing new apprenticeship standards to meet their skill needs. Over 1000 employers, in over 75 sectors, are already involved in Trailblazers. 73 new apprenticeship standards have been approved and a further 100 are in development. The first 300 apprentices training to the new standards started in September 2014.

The funding model currently being trialled with Trailblazer apprenticeships provides £2 of Government support for every £1 spent by employers on training. Extra payments are also available for smaller businesses; taking on a 16 – 18 year old; and on completion of an apprenticeship.

Giving employers’ control of apprenticeship funding is a core and non-negotiable part of our reforms. Following feedback to the Technical Consultation, further work is being done before a final decision is made on which funding mechanism will be taken forward.