National Apprenticeship Vacancies System evaluation

National Apprenticeship Service & Learning and Skills Council

CFE is currently undertaking further research on behalf of the LSC’s National Apprenticeship Service team, to evaluate the success of the national Apprenticeship vacancies system.

The Apprenticeship vacancies system was fully launched in January 2009, as part of the Government’s plans to expand Apprenticeships and increase employer engagement, by directly matching supply of potential apprentices with employers with Apprenticeship vacancies.

Phase 1 of the evaluation, an interim phase looking at early use of the system, was carried out between April and July 2009 and is now complete. The key findings and the full interim report can be downloaded here.

Phase 2 of the evaluation is now underway. This will build on the evidence from the Phase 1 research, and will include further consultation with end users and key stakeholders, including:

  • employers, learners and providers
  • Connexions, Jobcentre Plus and nextstep staff
  • representatives from Sector Skills Councils.

The research will include qualitative and quantitative research techniques, including online surveys, focus groups, in-depth telephone interviews and secondary data analysis.

The final report, due in March 2010, will evaluate the success of the Apprenticeship vacancies system from the perspective of the above key user groups. It will also:

  • identify any issues or difficulties with using the system (including accessibility issues faced by disabled users) and additional support needed to make best use of the system
  • consider the impact the system has had on overall Apprenticeship awareness and engagement levels, including the effect on the total number of Apprenticeship starts amongst candidates from diverse backgrounds, specifically BME candidates.

In addition to the evaluation, CFE was also commissioned by the National Apprenticeship Service to produce materials to help providers engage with the system, including four good practice case studies and a ‘top tips’ flyer based on providers’ experiences in using the system to date. These materials can be accessed below:

For more information please contact Jon Sheen on 0116 229 3300.