The first phase of Trailblazers, involving more than 80 employers, was announced in October 2013. These employers in eight sectors have led the development of clear and concise Apprenticeship standards that will form the blueprint for new Apprenticeships. Government has published the first eleven standards today.
The Prime Minister was speaking at The Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry today and welcomed the publication of these standards as well as announcing that our reforms are gathering pace with a second phase of 29 Trailblazers in areas including Law, Media and Hospitality and Tourism. More than 340 employers are involved in the second phase of Trailblazers, responsible for at least 45,000 Apprenticeship starts during 2012/13.
Following the announcement, Matthew Hancock, Skills and Enterprise Minister said: “I am delighted that the first phase of Trailblazers continues to be such a success and that leading employers in so many sectors can see the benefit of shaping Apprenticeships in their area. I would like to thank them for their commitment and look forward to the first delivery of these new employer-led Apprenticeships in 2014/15.
“We want to see Apprenticeships become the new norm for all ambitious young people, and for employers who are dedicated to growing their own talent and increasing the skills base of the nation. These trailblazers are helping to make this a reality.”
David Lynch, Head of Engineering at GSK, who are part of the first phase of Trailblazers said: “The Trailblazer initiative has given GSK the confidence to continue to invest heavily in both the quality and quantity of our Higher Apprenticeships.
“Rapidly evolving technologies across our industry require our people to be equipped with new hi-tech skills and capabilities if we are to compete in the global economy.
“Now through Trailblazers we have been able to prioritise and direct specific skills training critical to our business success and at the same time support young people to develop and build towards sustainable graduate careers through our Higher Apprenticeships”
