Warning to employers as Milton Keynes Colleges launches Real Apprenticeships campaign

Employers are being warned to think very carefully before choosing apprenticeship providers offering cut-price deals.
MP Mark Lancaster with staff and apprentices at MK CollegeMP Mark Lancaster with staff and apprentices at MK College
MP Mark Lancaster with staff and apprentices at MK College

Tracey Matthews, assistant principal for apprenticeships at Milton Keynes College, said: “For many employers they see a saving for what appears to be the same training but usually it really isn’t. What looks like a short-cut can often end up being a dead end.

“For example, we know that some companies are being encouraged to think that apprenticeships can be done in less than the recommended time. The suggested programme durations are there for a reason; primarily they’re designed by employers in the sector to give the “time served” element to ensure the apprentice gains robust knowledge, skills and experience.”

Tracey made her comments as the college launches its Real Apprenticeships campaign.

She added: “We want employers and potential apprentices to realise that the path to these qualifications has been set out so that both sides reap the maximum benefit. Too often we hear from people who’ve been told they can save a lot of money by skirting round some of the rigorous processes around the way apprenticeships are supposed to be delivered. Too often the net result is poorly trained people without the skills for their chosen career failing to perform as their employer hoped they would. It’s a false economy.”

The government has thrown its weight behind apprenticeships as a vital tool in the fight to close the skills gap.

Tracey said: “At Milton Keynes College we have a success rate for apprenticeships 10% above the national average. 89% of employers say our service met or exceeded their expectations and found us easy to deal with and able to find them applicants of the highest quality. This is backed by our OFSTED assessment which found our apprentices make good progress and gain the valuable skills employers actually want. They also identified that our apprentices gain in confidence while we’re training them and are extremely proud of the standard of their work.

“Apprenticeships should be inspiring; they should be life-changing.”

Supporting the campaign, Milton Keynes North MP Mark Lancaster said: “I am always impressed by apprentices who bring so much to a workforce and the wider economy. The apprentices I met at MK College in March spoke highly of the benefits of “on the job learning”’ as opposed to “being stuck in a classroom at college or Uni.” Our young people deserve the very best start and cutting corners is most definitely not the answer.”

Any employer who would like to talk to someone about what an apprentice could do for their business should contact [email protected] or call 01908 637056.