Recommendation 32

HM Government · verbatim extract Accepted

ALREADY IN PLACE The government agrees with the Committee on the need to simplify the apprenticeships system and has already taken steps to make it easier for employers and providers to focus on delivering high-quality training for learners. We have introduced a one-click employer onboarding process which allows providers to complete the setup for an employer, who can then approve it in a single step. As a result, we have seen significant reductions to the on-boarding time for new employers, supporting apprentices to begin their training more quickly. We are also making changes to the apprenticeship payment system which will cut red tape by stopping the need for providers to log the same data multiple times. The government has also published a range of guidance, including on Gov.uk and YouTube, to help employers support their apprentices to make the most of their apprenticeship. This includes tips on how to support apprentices with mentoring, networking opportunities and wellbeing. On behalf of the government, the Learning and Work Institute has also produced a number of guides to support apprentices’ on-programme experience, including a Line Manager Guide to apprenticeships. Across government, ‘Backing Your Business – our plan for small and medium sized business’ commits the new Business Growth Service to promote and signpost the government’s skills offer to business. The Business Growth Service will work collectively with the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, 2,500 apprenticeship employer and apprentice who, as expert volunteers, commit to supporting small businesses take the first correct steps to employing an apprentice.