Government moves to cut the red tape around apprenticeships, announced this week, which could create over 10,000 more apprenticeships per year, have been welcomed by the RHA.
Under the government changes, the minimum length of an apprenticeship in England will be reduced from 12 months to eight months.
In addition, businesses will now be able to decide whether adult learners, who are over the age of 19 when they start their apprenticeship course, need to complete a Level Two English and maths qualification, which is equivalent to GCSE, in order to pass it.
The RHA said it has “long campaigned” for these changes, adding that firms will now have more choice on courses and that barriers to the successful completion of some apprenticeships will be removed.
Sally Gilson, RHA policy manager for skills, said: “We’re delighted at today’s announcement which will ensure we can get more people behind the wheel and into other roles in our industry.
“This is particularly pertinent given that our industry will need 200,000 new lorry drivers in the next five years to service demand and drive growth.
“There are many instances where apprentices have got through the technical aspects of their courses but were held back because they didn’t pass the Maths and English elements. We’re therefore pleased that this move will remove those barriers and support people into rewarding new careers in our industry.”
The RHA also pledged this week to continue to campaign for greater flexibility for short courses to be added alongside apprenticeships within the Growth and Skills Levy.
This latest news comes just one week after RHA launched its Lorry Drivers: The Vital Link report, setting out its vision to future-proof the industry and drive economic growth through HGV driver recruitment, training and retention.
Announcing the changes yesterday (11 February), Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said the move could see over 10,000 extra apprenticeships created per year.
She added: “Growing the economy and opportunity for all are fundamental missions of our Plan for Change, and we are determined to support apprentices throughout this National Apprenticeship Week and beyond.
“Businesses have been calling out for change to the apprenticeship system and these reforms show that we are listening.
“Our new offer of shorter apprenticeships and less red tape strikes the right balance between speed and quality, helping achieve our number one mission to grow the economy.
“Skills England will be a major driver in addressing the skills gaps needed to support employers up and down the country and I look forward to working with the new leadership.
Craig Beaumont, Federation of Small Businesses executive director, added: “It’s encouraging to see government shorten the length of apprenticeships, and give employers the right to decide whether Level Two English and Maths is needed. These flexibilities should help SME employers fill skills gaps faster.
The government announcement was made as the Education Secretary kicked off National Apprenticeship Week, which celebrates the achievements of apprentices around the country and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses, and the wider economy.
