Public sector apprenticeship targets

The Government has launched a consultation on new measures to ensure apprentices make up more than 2.3% of the workforce in public bodies in England. Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges (AoC), said: “If the Government is to meet its 3 million target for apprenticeships, the public sector needs to deliver more apprenticeships in areas where there are sustainable job roles. The Government should use this opportunity to focus on parts of the public sector where skills shortages and recruitment difficulties are prevalent, for example some occupations in the education and health sectors.” “Colleges are already recruiting their own apprenticeships in higher numbers than schools or universities. Although it appears that colleges are not part of the Government’s targets for the public sector they are keen to ensure they play a key role in the drive for apprenticeships.”