From next week, September 1st, companies bidding for government contracts worth over £10 million will be required to demonstrate a clear commitment to apprenticeships, detailing the number of apprentices that they support.
Announced by the Prime Minister last week (left), this latest initiative is part of a government push to create three million more apprenticeship places by 2020 and, with £50 billion a year spent on government procurement contracts, will provide a significant contribution to boosting opportunities for apprenticeships.
David Cameron outlined radical plans to increase the number and choice of quality apprenticeships across England – from nuclear engineers, scientists to utility services for plumbers and electricians and skills such as tailors and butchers – and include businesses to ensure what is offered meets requirements and is administered correctly.
Employers have also been consulted regarding the introduction of an apprenticeship levy – set to be introduced in 2017 and designed to increase investment in training and apprenticeships.
Part of the government’s pledge to support 3 million apprenticeships by 2020, include a requirement to take a company’s apprenticeship offer into account when awarding large government contracts and publishing new ‘industry standards’ so that apprentices have the skills that companies need.
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