ETB backs apprenticeships and learning Bill

London - The Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) has hailed the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill as an opportunity for policymakers to reform the UK’s further education (FE) and apprenticeship schemes.

While it cautioned the Bill’s ambition for the universal provision of apprenticeships, the board approved the formation of a chief executive of skills funding – the ‘apprenticeships Tsar’ – and called for the post to demonstrate skills, experience and understanding relevant to engineering.

The Tsar’s role will be to ensure that there is always an active and senior voice within the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) on this issue.

The ETB said that careful consideration should be given to the proposals for a universal right to apprenticeships and advised that the target must not be allowed to have a detrimental effect on the quality, relevance and supply of apprenticeships, either by creating apprenticeships where there is no demand or by imposing extra administrative burdens on business.

It also called for increased employer involvement in setting the content and structure of FE in order to ensure courses are fit for purpose and to encourage students to be work ready.

According to the board, the provision of continuous professional development for FE lecturers is required to ensure that they maintain an up-to-date awareness and knowledge of current advances in the engineering sector.