A new online course is today being launched to help apprenticeship staff engage and support a diverse range of apprentices (and their employers) right the way through the new apprenticeship standards journey.
The two-hour Education and Training Foundation course, which has been developed by the Strategic Development Network (SDN), helps teachers and trainers to work through equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) considerations at all stages of apprenticeship delivery – from marketing and business development, to employer engagement, induction, on-programme training, assessment and progression.
Sarah Gifford, from the Education and Training Foundation, said:
“The ETF supports staff through Future Apprenticeships to make significant changes to the way they deliver apprenticeships. Apprenticeships at every stage should be accessible and inclusive for all. In the midst of change, it is important that equality, diversity and inclusion are an integral part of the systems and processes. This course aims to equip front-line staff to do this in the context of the apprenticeship reforms.”
The course is primarily aimed at front-line staff who have daily interactions with apprentices. Starting with a self-assessment ‘confidence audit’, participants work through seven core modules reflecting the apprenticeship journey. Each module helps participants consider the prominent EDI barriers for apprentices and how these can be overcome.
The course provides participants with a ‘personal action plan’ template, to reflect how their practice will change. Links to ‘extended learning’ have been included to help those who need additional support or who want to explore these issues in more depth. The course allows participants to complete the confidence audit again at the end, to assess how their understanding and confidence has grown.
Colin Bentwood, Managing Director of SDN, said:
“For many, the inequalities and barriers of the current apprenticeship system are well known. But the apprenticeship reforms are ushering in significant changes to delivery practices, staff, systems and relationships. We have worked with over 2,000 apprenticeship staff to prepare for the reforms, giving us an insight into the barriers some apprentice will face in the new system. This course helps front-line staff to identify these barriers, find solutions and make improvements to their practice.”
Organisations and management teams have an important role to play in developing EDI strategies and fostering a culture of equality and inclusion. The course also includes an ‘organisation-level audit and action plan’ for participants to work through with line managers and/or senior staff – encouraging change from the ground up.
Book onto the course here, to receive the course access link and code
Press contact: Tim Chewter E: tim@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk T: 07495 345 591
Notes to editors
The Education and Training Foundation
The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) is the sector-owned, Government-backed improvement body for further education and training. Its purpose is to help deliver excellent teaching and training through the professional development of sector staff and leaders. Key priorities include maths and English; apprenticeship delivery; leadership and governance; and professionalism through the Society for Education and Training (SET).
The Strategic Development Network
The Strategic Development Network (SDN) brings together specialist from across the FE and skills system. We are leading experts in the apprenticeships reforms – working closely with employer groups developing new standards and assessment plans, whilst supporting hundreds of apprenticeship providers and employers to prepare for the reforms. We support sector organisations to deliver other training programmes too. We deliver national government support programmes, provide consultancy, host events, develop resources and conduct research.