Apprenticeship in Scotland: an OECD review looks to strategy beyond the COVID-19 crisis

The COVID-19 crisis has created huge challenges for apprenticeship systems worldwide. But, as an institution that has survived and flourished since Babylonian times, apprenticeship will eventually see off this crisis. So keeping an eye on the long-term requirements of apprenticeship, as well as the immediate challenges, makes sense. In Scotland, the apprenticeship system has been developing fast in recent years, with initiatives such as the development of graduate apprenticeships in collaboration with universities, and foundation apprenticeships offering a workbased programme in collaboration with upper secondary schools.

A just-published OECD review, Strengthening Skills in Scotland, reflects what has been achieved in the Scottish apprenticeship system, and, drawing on European experience and looking beyond the COVID-19 crisis, makes proposals to further strengthen the system. It argues for a new demand-led funding system that would give apprenticeship funding parity with higher education as well as responding better and faster to labour market needs, and for new minimum standards in terms of programme length and the proportion of off-the-job training. It also proposes that apprenticeship qualifications might be obtained through non-apprenticeship routes, including through recognition of prior learning.  This last option might be particularly suited to those who have had their apprenticeship or employment drastically disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis.

I was honoured to be involved in this OECD exercise. 

Simon Field

www.skillspolicy.org