Small businesses are set to benefit from increased productivity and higher skill levels under reforms to Modern Apprenticeship schemes announced by the government today.

At a re-launch in central London, education secretary Charles Clarke promised the reforms would allow more firms to get involved with the schemes and put employers “in the driving seat” in the design and development of Apprenticeships.

Under the new-style Apprenticeships, youngsters aged between 14 and 16 will be able to spend up to two days a week in a workplace learning a trade. Small businesses in the engineering, automotive, administration, logistics and arts sectors will be the first the benefit from this new move.

Modern Apprenticeships are seen as key in solving the skills crisis which hinders the progress of thousands of small firms.

Around a quarter of UK businesses complain their staff are poorly-trained, with the lack of skills undermining attempts by employers to take on more employees.

It is hoped the reforms will help boost productivity in firms and provide companies with a better quality workforce. The changes include:

  • Opening up of Apprenticeships to adults by scrapping the “arbitrary” 25-year old age limit.
  • A ‘pre-Apprenticeship’ offer for youngsters with potential but are not ready or able to take part in the scheme.
  • Apprenticeships at level 2 and Advanced Apprenticeships replacing the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship.

Clarke said that Apprenticeships are one of the best ways we can fill our skills gaps.

“They provide young people and adults with an ‘on the job’ training experience which gives them the direct skills needed in the workforce.

“But we need more employers to get involved which is why the Learning and Skills Council is today launching a specific marketing and advertising campaign to get more employers on board.

“Employers need to know they will now be in the driving seat. Working through Sector Skills Councils, they will now have more input into the design and development of Apprenticeships.

“They will help develop greater ‘portability’ so that an apprentice can take a part-completed Apprenticeship with them if they move employer.

“This is exactly the sort of flexibility that employers have been crying out for – and we have responded,” he said.

For more information on Modern Apprenticeships, go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk