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Diana Barran

Former Minister for the School System and Student Finance 2021-24

National Apprenticeship Week It’s National Apprenticeship Week. Apprenticeships have grown so much over the past 10 years that they now touch virtually every aspect of our lives. This week I’d like to share what has changed in the past few years and why we think apprenticeships play such an important part in the future of the economy. Historically, apprenticeships were associated exclusively with hard hats and high-vis jackets. We wanted to make sure not only that all apprenticeships were of the highest quality, but also that they reflected our economy with its mix of services and manufacturing. The first new employer led apprenticeship standards were launched in 2014. Since then, around 5,000 businesses from every sector worked together to produce nearly 700 standards for key roles in their industry. These new apprenticeships were based on the actual jobs that those businesses need to thrive. Wind forward and there is now more choice than ever before with high-quality apprenticeships available in nearly 70% of occupations all the way from architect, to cyber security technician and film sound engineer, not forgetting traditional occupations like bricklayer, plumber, or hairdresser. I know that increasing numbers of trusts are developing their own teacher apprentices and see this as a great way to address the pressures on recruitment and giving career opportunities to their teaching assistants among others! Since 2010 we have doubled in cash terms what we spend on apprenticeships from £1.2 billion in 2010-11 to £2.5 billion in 2022-23. During that time there have been over 5.7 million people starting apprenticeships, all bringing a range of bespoke skills to help transform the economic health of this country. For too long, people have regarded university as the only route to a successful career. Now, we’ve developed our skills system so that other routes such as apprenticeships are seen as just as good as a university degree. One of the refreshing things is that they are open to absolutely anyone aged from 16 upwards: from those just starting out on a career to those who are in one already and who want to upskill or retrain as something else. This is unique for England. The blend of academic and classroom-based qualifications offers a hands-on learning experience so that people get skills on the job, building confidence and motivation.     I look forward to joining in the celebrations for this year’s Apprenticeship Week and to meeting many more of those who are part of this incredible success story. If you are involved in teaching apprenticeships, I would love to hear your views – please add your thoughts below. #nationalapprenticeshipweek

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