The TUI attended the Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science’s launch of its report on apprenticeships today. The report was published following extensive submissions and hearings from stakeholders, including those made by the TUI.
The report is to be commended for its astute observations and clear recommendations. These recommendations cover quality and standards, employer participation, inclusion and diversity, awareness and attractiveness, and system oversight.
The TUI delegation noted that many of the recommendations set out in our submission were adopted and identified by the Committee as action points. Most notably, the Committee recommended the introduction of a minimum wage floor and the provision of grants and supports to promote inclusion and diversity, particularly for students who may not have the social capital to undertake an apprenticeship.
The Committee also endorsed the TUI’s position that parity of esteem should be evidenced in any and all promotional material. In addition, it adopted our repeated call for the introduction of a centralised application system, making the process of engagement more accessible and ultimately as familiar as the CAO system.
Pre-apprenticeship pathways and the recognition of prior learning were also identified as important areas to build upon. As the TUI has already implemented initiatives in these areas and has members actively involved in both areas, we can assist further as this work progresses.
The recommendations also include reforms to guidance counselling provision, including ring fenced guidance counselling hours and increased training opportunities for guidance counsellors. The Committee praised the work currently being carried out by guidance counsellors, while acknowledging that more must be done to provide the time and resources required.
The Committee recommended that apprenticeships should be removed from the remit of SOLAS and placed under the remit of the higher education institutions, and that collaboration between the National Apprenticeship Office, SOLAS and ETBs be strengthened.
The TUI was proud to represent our members across the sector and looks forward to continued engagement as the recommendations are progressed.