Today marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week. It's the perfect opportunity to reflect on the transformative power of apprenticeships and their impact on communities, businesses, and the wider economy. I’ve been working with The Recruitment Trailblazers Group, a dynamic initiative aimed at reshaping the landscape of recruitment apprenticeships.
I received an invitation to join The Recruitment Trailblazers Group, a collective effort focused on reviewing and evolving the standards for recruitment apprenticeships. The comprises employers recognised by the Institute of Apprenticeship and Technical Training (IfATE), offering a diverse representation of those employing individuals in their respective occupations, including small enterprises.
Typically spanning 12 months, recruitment apprenticeships are funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, providing a great way to deliver training that aligns with the evolving needs of employers.
Despite the potential, the uptake of recruitment apprenticeships has been disappointingly low. There are currently two standards for recruitment, Level 2 Recruitment Resourcer and Level 3 Recruitment Consultants. In 2022, just over 350 apprentices commenced Level 2, and approximately 450 began Level 3, with completion numbers significantly lower. This raises critical questions about accessibility, appeal, and the need for a comprehensive review of the existing standards.
Since our inaugural meeting in March 2023, the Recruitment Trailblazers Group has been dedicated to dissecting the current standards and formulating innovative proposals. Some of the key recommendations include:
Our monthly meetings are centred around meticulously examining the modern recruiter's role. We are diligently working on defining duties, knowledge, skills, behaviours, and qualifications required for the occupation. While our draft proposals have been submitted, there are still stages ahead. Currently, our focus is on securing approval from IfATE in May.
I aim to ensure that the new standards cater to the needs of the professional recruitment sector. As a representative of APSCo members, I am committed to ensuring that the future of apprenticeships aligns seamlessly with the evolving dynamics of the industry.
Over the past year, conversations with APSCo members have highlighted a keen interest in leveraging apprenticeships. While apprenticeships might not be the sole solution for all training needs, they undeniably contribute significantly to an overall people development strategy.
As we approach National Apprenticeship Week, let's not just celebrate the achievement of apprentices but ensure even greater success in the future by championing skills for life!
For more information on Apprenticeships and how you can utilise them in your organisation, head to our Apprenticeships section on our website.