Attended a webinar organised by ConCOVE to share the completed by Martin Jenkins consultancy, on issues and opportunities to support apprenticeship. Although the context of the study was based on participant responses from the construction and infrastructure sector, many of the findings and recommendations can be applied across other industries.
The webinar undertook an overview. The full report provides deeper coverage including the research approach - primary through literature scan and interviews with apprentices, (8) employers (6) and representatives from various government ministries, work development councils (WDC), NZ Construction Industry Council and other industry groups.
Notes taken from the webinar -
Katherine Hall hosts the session, with Sarah Baddeley (Martin Jenkins consulting) and Alex Vranyac-Wheller (CEO Master Electricians).
Sarah provided a brief summary - apprentice completion numbers, diversity, fragmented system, complexity with too many parts, entry points, too many agencies involved etc.
She also summarised policy changes required - clear vision and strategy, need to define and understand pastoral care (currently very mixed), provision for workplace learning also inconsistent.
Alex provided the industry perspective. Change has been disruptive. 80% plus of training/learning takes place in the workplace. Institutions are audited for work-integrated learning but there is no quality assurance. Employers play a critical role but are not recognised. Investment required for capability development for employers.
At present, providers sign off apprentices. However, employers are not empowered by the process.
Referred to another piece of research undertaken by ConCOVE to find out the workplace experience which found similar.
Employers need to be the driver of workplace learning. Industry perspectives required through the system, so that employers are greater buy in, recognised for their contributions, and provided support for capability development to support workplace training.
An apprenticeship strategy to define roles, responsibilities, funding measures etc. will be useful to bring clarity and improvement to the system.
Conversation continued to the apprenticeship boost to find out whether it has been effective. This was established as a CoVID action and was effective. At the moment, with different economic/social conditions, it is a good time to relook at it's efficacy. Boost has been good to bring people into industry however, there are challenges with bringing in the right people into industry.
Sarah summarised apprentices' perspectives. The unique nature of apprenticeships. There are difficulties when apprentices first begin as access to support available agencies (Study Link). Matching employers and apprentices always also can be difficult. Continued devaluing of trades qualifications vs university not helpful. Older apprentices are usually more successful.
Alex shared there is a 6000 worker requirement for the electrical industry. It is a world-wide shortage. In general, business are 5 -6 years behind new technology as it is introduced and has to be put in place! This lag seriously impacts on industry productivity.
Conversation moved to the importance of vocational education and its critical role. Partnership between all the stakeholders is crucial. Simplification of the system and clear direction for apprenticeship will help industries move forward.
Q & A ensued.
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