Apprenticeships Of Today
Carla George (Doctoral Researcher) University Of Warwick (April 2019)
Apprenticeships Of Today Abstract: This paper explores current apprenticeships in all industries this is a follow up from my previous papers “Apprenticeship through the Apprentice’s eyes. This is a brief overview that will be explored further throughout my research.
Introduction: The Government set target of £3mil to create new apprenticeships by 2020 in accordance with Queens speech (2015) The welfare reform and Work Act 2016 placed obligation on the government to report annually on its progress towards meeting this target. The Government carried out a survey on apprentices and employers and explained that 85% of apprentices mentioned that since pursuing an apprenticeship their job performance has improved including their career opportunities. 82% of employers mentioned that they were pleased with the standard of apprenticeships and 70% of employers explained that the apprenticeships improved production and quality of practice. Baxter identifies why Employers are choosing apprenticeships based on the following reasons: • • • • •
To increase brand and value and increase a diverse workforce. They add value, produce new talent, high levels of engagement, knowledge transfer and professionalism. They can close the skills gaps and provide a wide skill based for productivity. Learning and demonstration of competence are taking place on the job without minimal intervention to class room training. Establishing partnerships with the appropriate institutes eg. Universities and schools for early careers support.
Why Apprenticeships? Feedback gathered from interviewing apprentices during their course of study in general this is an alternative to going to college as well as gaining work benefits. Candidate 1 “Apprenticeship I get to use hands on experience, and I am learning everyday if I don’t get help from colleagues, I get to use initiative and it helps in the future if you are using ICT even if you are away at a small site or IT companies. Eg. If you are in a car going to a holiday destination and sat nav is broken down and if I don’t try to use my own initiative this apprenticeship has helped me to use initiative and being proactive and improving confidence and not relying on colleagues. ”
Candidate 2 “My behavior has changed since I’ve joined my apprenticeship. I have become a lot more confident. This apprenticeship has allowed me to understand digital marketing and use it in my day to day duties, being able to use the knowledge when creating a case study.” Lucas, B. Spencer E. (2013) explains the benefits of an apprenticeship are that you are learning through an occupation, compared to attending full time education. Learners have the opportunity towards learning a variety of methods and are exposed to work practices. The main reasons that apprentices pursue apprenticeships: to improve skills and knowledge, find good salaried jobs, further training opportunities and career progression. Speaking with candidates about their reasons for pursing apprenticeships. I found this was related to obtaining experience and willingness to learn. Employers are aware that candidates may not have knowledge and experience relevant to the job occupation their expectations were that apprentices were able to adapt and accept challenges they are encouraged to support individual requirements.
Limitations There are some limitations of apprenticeships as every apprentices’ journey are unique some can learn in a situated event whilst those are able to learn in a nonsituated event. Apprentices are paid a low wage and their skills are limited towards job occupation only depending on company, size and policies. Eraut (2010) explains that apprenticeship learning is time consuming and complex. Apprentices need to be monitored continuously and this requires good working relationships and strong commitment. He notes barriers in relation to the above. The barriers concern HR processes, lack of resources, disorganisation of activities, inability to assess one’s work duties, conflicting relationships and poor performance. Assessment of workplace performance needs to be examined closely to understand what the apprentice goes through every day.
Summary Apprenticeships can support school to work transitions and can provide opportunities towards organisational change. Apprentices are willing to learn and share experiences, they thrive on new challenges boosting their career.
References Lucas, B. Spencer E. (2013). Remaking Apprenticeships Powerful Learning For Work and Life, ISBN: 9780851933375 Carnevale, A. P. (1990). Workplace basics: The essential skills employers want. astd best practices series: training for a changing work force. Jossey-Bass Inc., Publishers, 350 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA 94104.