The All Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships is a cross-party group of MPs and Peers which provides a forum for parliamentarians and employers to discuss how to promote the role of high quality apprenticeships.
New report published
The APPG on Apprenticeships has today, Tuesday 11 July, launched its latest annual report, forming part of the APPG’s effort to ensure better access to apprenticeships for both learners and employers. This is critical as we begin the build-up to the next general election.
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Over the last year, the APPG has explored the opportunities and challenges currently facing apprenticeships provision in England. From the drive to net zero to reforming the Levy and encouraging more SMEs to take on apprentices, our topics have been varied and our speakers diverse.
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Their insights have informed the basis of the report, which presents a series of policy recommendations to improve the delivery of apprenticeships, support SMEs to provide opportunities and ensure better access to apprenticeships for learners and employers.
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Commenting on the report launch, Charlotte Nichols MP and Jonathan Gullis MP, Co-Chairs of the APPG, said:
“It is our pleasure to present the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships’ annual report for 2022-23.
“In a year that has brought us three Prime Ministers and three Secretaries of State for Education, it has been a fascinating time for us both to hear from the huge variety of speakers who have joined our meetings.
“This report gathers evidence from our sessions, in addition to data and case studies from some of the UK’s top apprentice employers, to look to the future of apprenticeships provision. It is clear from our findings that further flexibility is needed when it comes to the Levy if we are to continue to see businesses, particularly SMEs, employ and train apprentices to meet the skills needs of the future.
“We will continue in our work to promote best practice for apprenticeships policy, bringing diverse and experienced voices to the table and building cross-party consensus on this most vital of education debates.”
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About the Group
The Group works to ensure that apprenticeships serve as a pathway to a career and how the apprenticeship model can meet the changing skill demands from businesses. The Group has heard from all the top apprenticeship experts, including recent Ministers or Skills, top civil servants and business groups but most importantly from apprentices themselves.
Contact the Group
Connect provide the Secretariat to the Group on behalf of the Group sponsors. For information on Connect’s clients, please visit the PRCA Register.
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For further information please contact us on 0207 592 9592 or
ApprenticeshipsAPPG@connectpa.co.uk
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This is not an official website [or Feed] pf parliament. It has not been approved by either House. APPGs are informal groups of Parliamentarians with a common interest in particular issues. The views expressed are those of the group.
Officers
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Co-Chair: Jonathan Gullis MP
Jonathan was elected as the Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke in December 2019, having previously worked as a secondary school teacher in Birmingham. Jonathan was a Head of Year and was responsible for the achievement, behaviour and safety of over 250 student. Since being elected he previously sat on the Education Select Committee and recently served as Minister for School Standards in the Department for Education. Prior to his appointment as a Minister Jonathan was a long-standing officer of the APPG on Apprenticeships.
Co-Chair: Charlotte Nichols MP
Charlotte was elected as the MP for Warrington North in December 2019, having previously worked for the GMB trade union. In Parliament, she has been a passionate advocate for apprenticeships and skills, and served as Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities between November 2020 and September 2021. Prior to and since her stint on the Labour frontbench, she has served on the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee.
Vice Chair: Lord Baker of Dorking
Vice Chair: Theresa Villiers
Vice Chair: Andrew Jones MP
Vice Chair: Baroness Garden of Frognal
Officer: Karin Smyth MP
Officer: Jim McMahon MP
Officer: Catherine McKinnell MP
Officer: Lord Aberdare
Officer: Lord Fox
Officer: Lord Young of Norwood Green
Officer: Kim Johnson
Officer: James Daly
Officer: Baroness Bennett
Officer: Lord Haskel
Officer: Antony Higginbotham MP
Officer: Lord Blunkett
Officer: Emma Hardy MP
Officer: Baroness Redfern
Officer: Baroness Wolf
Upcoming event
Apprenticeships & Social Mobility – co-hosted with APPG for London
Date: Monday 13 November
Time: 15:30 – 16:30
Venue: House of Commons Committee Room 6 and via Zoom
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Apprenticeships are an important means of social mobility and have advantages in accessibility compared to other forms of education or employment. London has seen a decline in the number of young people starting apprenticeships since the introduction of apprenticeship levy. This is a concern given the higher than average youth unemployment levels in the city and the cost of living crisis, where earning whilst learning becomes increasingly important for Londoners on low incomes. The meeting will examine what can be done to ensure apprenticeships continue to be one way of boosting social mobility both in London and across the country.
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We would be delighted if you can join us for this special joint session. To register to attend, please use the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/j3SZF0bcDM
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Please note, spaces to attend this event are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
If you have any questions, please contact ApprenticeshipsAPPG@connectpa.co.uk.
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Group Sponsors
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