Today, a major training needs analysis survey is being launched, giving those involved in the delivery of apprenticeships the opportunity to shape the support they will be offered through the Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) programme.
Funded by:
Delivered by:
In partnership with:
Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), Association of Colleges (AoC), Strategic Development Network (SDN) and The University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC) supported by SQW as an independent evaluation partner.
The DfE-funded AWD programme initially launched in 2021 to support staff at all levels and roles delivering apprenticeships across Further and Higher Education settings. This second phase of the programme extends support to employers involved in apprenticeship delivery. It has been commissioned as a key part of the DfE’s strategy to drive quality improvement across apprenticeships.
The continuous professional development (CPD) offered through the AWD programme is being developed in partnership with the sector to ensure its training needs are met. From today, apprenticeship providers, managers/leaders, teaching/training staff, employers, and apprentices are invited to share their views on training needs by completing the newly launched survey. Survey participants, and others from across the sector, will also be invited to participate in focus groups as a further opportunity to share their specific training needs, insights, and experiences to help shape the AWD offer.
Based on the insights gained, a comprehensive package of industry-relevant CPD will be developed for apprenticeship providers, employers, and their workforces. This CPD will enable the delivery of high-quality teaching and training that equips apprentices with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for occupational competence.
Working with the sector to shape this programme, and to determine how this significant investment in the workforce is spent, will help tackle current challenges including apprentice retention and raising achievement rates.
“Through AWD, the Government is making a long-term investment in the apprenticeship workforce. We would urge you to respond to this survey and get involved with the forthcoming focus groups to shape the support you’ll be able to access through AWD.
We’ll be working hard with you and our partners, drawing on our work with over 1,000 apprenticeship providers and 1,500 employers, to help you deliver better apprenticeships and better results for apprentices and employers across the country.”