IAC and engineering institutions lead apprenticeships consultation 23 May 2013

Skills minister Matthew Hancock has invited the Industry Apprentice Council (IAC) to play a part with government in determining the future of apprenticeships.

IAC – the EAL and IMI Awards partnership – is attending a round table on the government's response to the Richard Review of Apprenticeships, published by Doug Richard in November last year.

Discussions will include the implementation of grading and end-point assessments, whether off-site learning should be mandatory and how employers can be supported.

We are thrilled industry apprentices will input directly into the future of apprenticeships in the UK," comments EAL managing director Ann Watson.

"The round table discussions ... are an excellent opportunity for the IAC's members to have their say on government policy and help revolutionise the vocational pathway for learners."

IAC joins other stakeholders, including the Engineering Council, the UK regulatory body for the engineering profession, which has given its backing to proposals that put employers at the heart of the design and delivery of apprenticeships.

Says IChemE chief executive David Brown: "In his review, Doug Richard identified that new apprenticeship qualifications should be clearly linked to existing and well-recognised certification processes within sectors and across professions.

"IChemE and the other 35 professional engineering institutions already have a single robust system for professional registration in place. It meets the criteria recommended by Richard and will reassure employers that engineering apprentices completing their qualification have met the required level of competence.

The IAC consists of apprentices aged 18 to 24 years old, from companies including: Airbus, BAE Systems, Caunton Engineering, DAF Trucks, Ford Dealerships, Ford GB, KMF, MBDA, National Grid, Nestlé and Vauxhall.

EAL, the awarding organisation for industry qualifications, founded and supports the IAC alongside IMI Awards, the awarding body for the motor industry.

Brian Tinham

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