CII launches apprenticeships manifesto
Professional body’s six-point plan to secure future growth in insurance and financial services apprenticeships
A new manifesto from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) on the future of apprenticeships in insurance and financial services calls for greater stability, clarity and a move away from a “one-size-fits-all” mind-set.
With momentum growing across the sector – with over 1,000 starts in 2012 for apprenticeships containing CII qualifications – the CII believes apprenticeships can continue to play a crucial role in insurance and financial services and agrees that the system can be improved against the backdrop of the Government’s proposed reform of the system. (Future of apprenticeships in England: Richard Review next steps: http://bit.ly/19R3Mj6)
The CII's manifesto calls for:
a. Standards and qualifications for apprenticeships to be created using the existing system of professional bodies working within the industry – rather than creating yet more processes or mechanisms.
b. Encouraging greater employer take-up of apprenticeships through a reduction in the complexity and bureaucracy that still exists, especially amongst SMEs (small and medium enterprises).
c. The apprenticeship system to be simplified and unnecessary costs removed for employers looking to hire an apprentice.
d. Apprenticeships to provide the foundation for a professional career.
e. Better information and guidance to help employers, schools, young people and parents understand that apprenticeships are not the poor relation to university study.
f. Funding of apprenticeships based on need rather than expertise in accessing funding.
Daniel Pedley, public affairs manager at the CII, explained: “Too often the role of professional bodies in supporting employers with apprenticeships has been overlooked. Professional bodies like the CII have so much to offer in terms of experience of, and expertise in, developing standards and examinations that meet the needs of employers. Our close and long-term relationships with employers of all sizes ensure this.
“The CII believes that the Government’s proposals, and those of the original Richard Review, do not provide the best platform for apprenticeship growth within insurance and financial services. The potential changes could disrupt the momentum we are currently seeing for technical apprenticeships and leave us with a system that employers within our sector have not asked for. We have yet to see a clamour from employers to create their own standards. SMEs in particular want clarity, simplicity and ease of access.”
Earlier this year the CII published a revised guide to help support employers who would like to get started with apprenticeships:
http://www.cii.co.uk/media/4417955/apprenticeships_guide_2013_vf_web.pdf
