OECD Reviews of Reviews OECD OECD Reviews of Vocational Education and Training Vocational Education and Education Vocational Apprenticeship in England, United Kingdom Małgorzata Kuczera and Simon Field Training Apprenticeship in England, United Kingdom United England, OECD Reviews of Vocational Education and Training Apprenticeship in England, United Kingdom Małgorzata Kuczera, Simon Field This work is published under the responsibility of the Secretary-General of the OECD. The opinions expressed and arguments employed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of OECD member countries. This document, as well as any data and any map included herein, are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area. Please cite this publication as: Kuczera, M. and S. Field (2018), Apprenticeship in England, United Kingdom, OECD Reviews of Vocational Education and Training, OECD Publishing, Paris http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264298507-en ISBN 978-92-64-29847-7 (print) ISBN 978-92-64-29850-7 (PDF) Series: OECD Reviews of Vocational Education and Training ISSN 2077-7728 (print) ISSN 2077-7736 (online) The statistical data for Israel are supplied by and under the responsibility of the relevant Israeli authorities. The use of such data by the OECD is without prejudice to the status of the Golan Heights, East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank under the terms of international law. Photo credits: Cover © LituFalco - Fotolia.com. 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FOREWORD │ 3 Foreword Like many countries, England has identified in apprenticeship a model of vocational learning which has not only stood the test of time, but is also relevant to the requirements of modern economies. England has committed itself to a very ambitious programme to develop apprenticeship, with a new funding arrangement in the form of an employer levy, and major reforms of the apprenticeship system including the development of new apprenticeship standards created in close consultation with employers, and an overall aim of increasing both the quality and quantity of apprenticeships. The energy which England is currently investing in these reforms is impressive and encouraging. But many challenges remain in implementing current reforms effectively, and realising the goal of a world class apprenticeship system. This OECD report, Apprenticeship in England, United Kingdom, supports the reform efforts, by comparing the reforms in England with the experience and example of other countries. Among many recommendations, the report argues for more general education in all apprenticeships for young people; an increased emphasis on supporting work-based learning; and clear logical relationships between apprenticeship and the technical qualifications now under development. Degree apprenticeships potentially represent an important opportunity, but they need to involve a real integration of study in a university with work-based learning, not just a part-time degree plus a job. This report was drafted by Małgorzata Kuczera and Simon Field. Elisa Larrakoetxea and Jennifer Cannon provided valuable administrative support. The OECD is very grateful to colleagues in England, in the Department for Education (DfE) and many other people we met during our visits for their many very constructive contributions to the review, in particular James Davison, Simon McKee and Frank Bowley from the DfE, Alex Wilson and Mike Keogh from the Institute for Apprenticeship. Within the OECD the report benefited from many helpful comments and advice from Anthony Mann. APPRENTICESHIP IN ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM © OECD 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS │ 5 Table of contents Executive summary ............................................................................................................................... 7 1. Assessment and recommendations ................................................................................................... 9 Introduction: Why apprenticeship matters ......................................................................................... 10 The characteristics of English apprenticeship .................................................................................... 11 Policy development: Current and recent reforms .............................................................................. 16 Assessment: Strengths ....................................................................................................................... 18 Assessment: Challenges and policy pointers ..................................................................................... 20 Timescales and priorities for policy development and reform........................................................... 24 References .......................................................................................................................................... 26 2. Promoting and strengthening youth apprenticeships in England ............................................... 29 Introduction: Youth apprenticeships in England ............................................................................... 30 Policy Issue 2.1: Promoting youth apprenticeship ............................................................................. 31 Policy issue 2.2: Strengthening the general education component of youth apprenticeship ............. 38 References .......................................................................................................................................... 44 3. Developing work-based learning in England ................................................................................ 47 Introduction: Key elements of apprenticeships .................................................................................. 48 Policy issue 3.1: Developing work-based learning ............................................................................ 48 References .......................................................................................................................................... 56 4. Funding of apprenticeship and the levy in England ..................................................................... 59 Introduction: The apprenticeship levy in England ............................................................................. 60 How the apprenticeship levy in England compares with training levies around the world ............... 61 Implementing the apprenticeship levy: Messages from international experience ............................. 63 Policy issue 4.1: Giving priority to quality ........................................................................................ 69 Policy issue 4.2: Funding for an effective apprenticeship system ..................................................... 69 References .......................................................................................................................................... 72 5. Quality in appreticeship qualifications and assessment in England ........................................... 75 Introduction: The role of quality ........................................................................................................ 76 Policy issue 5.1: Delivering a coherent apprenticeship qualifications system ................................... 79 Policy issue 5.2: Ensuring reliable end-point assessments ................................................................ 85 References .......................................................................................................................................... 88 6. Equity and inclusion in apprenticeship in England ..................................................................... 91 Introduction: Equity and apprenticeship policy ................................................................................. 92 Policy issue 6.1: Developing pre-apprenticeships and special apprenticeship schemes .................... 95 Policy issue 6.2: Supporting apprentices to successful completion ................................................. 100 References ........................................................................................................................................ 105 APPRENTICESHIP IN ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM © OECD 2018 6 │ TABLE OF CONTENTS 7. Different sectors of apprenticeship in England .......................................................................... 107 Introduction: Focus on three sectors ................................................................................................ 108 Policy issue 7.1: Securing a constructive use of degree apprenticeships ........................................