THE Scottish Government is to undertake a review of the publicly-funded contribution rates paid to help deliver modern apprenticeships to ensure they continue to meet the country’s economy priorities and maximise public value.
Contributions are made to training costs for around 39,000 MAs each year from £90 million of Scottish Government funding. The review will look at the levels of contribution and will also assess how the current approach, delivered by Skills Development Scotland, operates across key sectors and age groups.
Ministers committed to the review when parliament was considering the Tertiary Education and Training (TET) Act – passed by MSPs earlier this year to simplify the funding system for post-16 education and skills. The first stage of this review will get underway later this month.
Scottish Government higher and further education minister Ben Macpherson said,“Apprenticeships help create positive futures for people, including many of our school leavers, as well as developing the skills required to meet the changing needs of the 21st century economy.
“The Scottish Government recognises that there are financial pressures surrounding the current apprenticeship model. That is why we are reviewing contribution rates, to look at whether current public funding for the modern apprenticeship programme is still appropriate and sustainable, as well as meeting our priorities and Scotland’s labour market needs.
“The Scottish Government will do more to help ensure that smaller employers can recruit more apprentices, for the benefit of their businesses and those in training.”
Scottish Training Federation chief executive Stuart McKenna added, “The Scottish Training Federation welcomes the Minister’s commitment to review funding rates for modern apprenticeships.
“To ensure the continued success of the programme, it is essential that we review the current funding model to ensure it remains fit for purpose.”
