National Apprenticeship Vacancies System interim evaluation

CFE’s report from the first phase of an evaluation of the National Apprenticeship Service’s Apprenticeship vacancies system has been published by the LSC.

The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) launched the Apprenticeship vacancies system in January 2009. The system is a national online tool which employers can use to advertise their Apprenticeship vacancies and candidates can use to search and apply for them online.

CFE was commissioned by NAS and the Learning and Skills Council to undertake a longitudinal evaluation of the Apprenticeship vacancies system. The scope of the research is to evaluate the success of the Apprenticeship vacancies system, including the views of learners, employers and learning providers.

The findings from the first phase were:

For learners

  • The system is a useful introduction for those with limited previous knowledge of Apprenticeships
  • Learners find the site easy to use and useful for finding out and applying for Apprenticeships
  • The limited number of vacancies on offer has been off-putting for some learners

For employers

  • The Apprenticeship vacancies system has not been widely publicised or brought to the attention of many employers
  • Those that are aware of the system are happy with the service offered, particularly as an additional advertising route 
  • The system is seen as part of their overall approach to engaging apprentices, but not the sole route

For learning providers

  • The Apprenticeship vacancies system is valued as an additional means to recruit apprentices, and those who have had training are using the system 
  • Providers are assessing how to integrate it into their own systems and processes – but have had mixed success doing so
  • Initial usability issues have made the experience less positive for some

Other stakeholders

  • Connexions are most aware of the Apprenticeship vacancies system and find it a useful source of information to advise learners of Apprenticeship opportunities in their locality
  • Others, including Jobcentre Plus, nextstep, Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) and schools are much less aware of the Apprenticeship vacancies system.

The full report can be accessed here.


November 2009