The Bill states all apprenticeships must conform to apprenticeship standards and the government has produced the secondary legislation outlining these new rules.

Members are clear that the proposed standards – in particular a minimum time for off-the-job learning – doesn't recognise that apprentice training necessarily varies between firms and sectors, companies need to adapt their training programme according to an apprentice's age and individual needs and apprenticeships are a distinctive route from classroom based education.

We told government these standards risk reducing employer involvement – an essential component of high quality apprenticeship programmes. Our response is available here (PDF 164KB).

CBI/Nord Anglia education and skills survey 2009

The CBI/Nord Anglia education and skills survey 2009 provides authoritative information on employers' views of education and skills issues.

The survey found that employers remain committed to training to improve the performance of their business, with nine out of ten having a training and development plan. But in testing economic times, most firms (51%) were looking to target their training spend more effectively to achieve the greatest returns and emerge from the downturn in good shape. Skills remain essential to building the high-skilled, high-value added economy we need to stay ahead in the global marketplace, and it is concerning that two thirds (66%) of employers continue to experience difficulties recruiting staff with vital science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills.

The survey covers the full range of issues, including: employer and employee commitment to training, basic skills, apprenticeships, and business links with school and universities.

Download the CBI/Nord Anglia education and skills survey 2009 (PDF, 3MB)

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Watch videos from the launch of the report

Support for businesses in the downturn

Universities UK launched a leaflet highlighting what universities can offer to business in the downturn.

It includes practical support to help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) spot problems early, focusing on SMEs' top priorities - cash flow, access to finance, staff training, consultancy services, research support, staff development and training courses.
Contact: Lizzi.Holman@cbi.org.uk

Download: Standing together: Universities helping business through the downturn

LSC launches National Apprenticeship Awards

The Learning and Skills Council has launched its sixth annual Apprenticeship awards

The deadline for entries is 27 February. For more information visit apprenticeships.org.uk/awards

Company qualifications

The CBI has welcomed the government's announcement that Flybe, McDonald's and Network Rail will be able to award nationally recognised qualifications through their training programmes. John Cridland said: "Flybe, McDonalds and Network Rail deserve recognition for trail blazing this initiative and making it easier for companies wanting to follow in their footsteps."

Key issues in summary

For the latest CBI thinking on education and skills issues, see our business summaries.

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