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The take-up of apprenticeships by learners in Wales needs improving

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An Estyn survey of the reasons that discourage learners from applying for apprenticeships shows that 25% of work-based learning providers believe that language and cultural issues can be barriers to taking up apprenticeships, especially for black and minority ethnic groups and those with disabilities.

Estyn’s report on ‘Barriers to Apprenticeship’ explores the difficulties experienced by learners from black and minority ethnic groups and those with disabilities in relation to entering apprenticeship programmes. Analysis of the relevant data suggests that these learners might be under-represented in apprenticeships. The report also provides an overview of issues arising from gender stereotyping.

Ann Keane, Chief Inspector, says,

“There are many reasons why learners may be discouraged from applying for an apprenticeship, although some of the issues that prevent take-up are not always particular to black and minority ethnic groups. Some of these reasons include a lack of awareness among parents, learners and employers of what apprenticeships can offer. In addition, potential apprentices can sometimes experience difficulties in finding a work placement because employers believe they will need to organise additional support for them. Difficulties with language and communication can also contribute to a lack of engagement on all sides.

“Although work-based learning providers are generally aware of these barriers more needs to be done to promote awareness of apprenticeships more actively among all learners and to engage individuals from black and minority ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities and individuals from both genders so that they can consider whether they would benefit from an apprenticeship.”

Providers that have actively tackled barriers to apprenticeship are described in good practice case studies in the report. One of these is Associated Community Training (ACT) in Cardiff, a company which has worked with the local authority to deliver qualifications to address shortages in teaching assistants who speak minority ethnic languages. Their attainment rates are consistently good and several learners have entered teacher training or found employment as a result of training with ACT.

The report highlights recommendations for improving the take-up of apprenticeships, including that the Welsh Government should make sure that employers are aware of the support available to them when taking on apprentices with specific needs and that they work with providers to develop their equality and diversity policies. Work-based learning providers should work more closely with schools, employers and community leaders to improve awareness of what apprenticeships have to offer.

Notes to Editors:

About Barriers to apprenticeship – difficulties experienced by learners from black and minority ethnic groups and those with disabilities when entering apprenticeship programmes

This report is published in response to a request for advice about barriers to young people from specific groups taking up apprenticeships from the Welsh Government in the Minister’s annual remit letter to Estyn 2013-2014. This report is the first in a series of two reviews, the second of which will focus on case studies of good practice that can be used to inform improvement. The report is available in full here.

Good Practice case studies

  • Associated Community Training Ltd, Cardiff
  • CITB – construction skills, Bridgend

About Estyn

Estyn is the Education and Training Inspectorate for Wales. Our aim is to achieve excellence for all in learning in Wales. We do this by providing an independent, high-quality inspection and advice service.

Our vision is to be recognised through the expertise of our staff as an authoritative voice on learning in Wales.

We are independent from, but funded by the Welsh Assembly Government (under Section 104 of the Government of Wales Act 1998).

For further information please visit our website www.estyn.gov.uk