REC response to reforms to apprenticeships: ‘Right approach but mistake to leave reform lagging’

Commenting on the government’s new package of reforms to the apprenticeship system, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Director of Campaigns Shazia Ejaz said:

“Employers have been waiting for real movement on getting more skilled people into work. Action on apprenticeships reform is welcome because the current system frustrates and fails many employers. The direction of travel is right on helping young people not in education, employment or training and a local focus based on understanding regional needs in partnership with employers and recruiters is important.

“However, to create many more ladders of opportunity, it needs to accelerate its promised support of short courses across multiple sectors. As the labour market is on the cusp of huge change, we cannot afford to exclude temporary workers from accessing training to help fill vacancies quickly and to keep them in the labour market.”