11.06.12
Apprenticeships review to be led by Doug Richard
Doug Richard, founder of School for Startups and an entrepreneur, is to lead an independent review into the future of apprenticeships for the Government.
This will ensure apprenticeships meet the needs of a changing economy, deliver high quality training and maximise the impact of Government investment.
Richard will identify current best practice and recommend ways to extend this, as well as highlighting the core components of apprenticeships and who should participate in the schemes.
Business secretary Vince Cable said: “To build a prosperous economy we need a skilled workforce. The apprenticeship programme has been a real success, not only boosting chances for young people, but also helping businesses to address their skills gaps.
“To keep pace it is vital that we build on our initial success and continue to look at how apprenticeships can adapt to meet our future needs in the fast-evolving global economy.
“The Richard Review will do just that, establishing the core principles that will keep apprenticeships relevant to the future needs of individuals, employers and the wider economy. Doug Richard’s experience as a business mentor and setting up his School for Startups make him the perfect candidate to complete this task.”
Richard said: “As an entrepreneur, but also as an educator, I am convinced of the importance of business education in helping not only individuals but society at large.
“For our economy to recover and flourish, we need a workforce that possesses the requisite skills of twenty-first century commerce and industry. A strong apprenticeship programme is essential in delivering that.”
Skills minister John Hayes added: “If we are to ensure that apprenticeships continue to meet the skills needs of our constantly evolving economy then we must take every opportunity to re-examine the why, what and how of apprenticeships, to ensure they are equipping learners and employers for the future.”
The review is due to report this autumn.
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