Ofsted is to become the single body responsible for the inspection of the quality of apprenticeship training, education secretary Gavin Williamson has said. The change will take effect from 1 April 2021, and cover all apprenticeship levels, including non-degree and degree apprenticeships at levels 6 and 7. The inspectorate already inspects apprenticeship training provision at levels 2 to 5.
In a letter to chief inspector Amanda Spielman, Mr Williamson said it was essential to maintain momentum so that every apprenticeship provided “the high-quality work-based training necessary to meet the needs of employers and support individuals to progress in their careers”.
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He said this was “more important than ever” if the potential of apprenticeships, including higher and degree level apprenticeships, was to be maximised to support economic recovery from Covid-19.
“I am clear that every apprentice and employer deserves a quality experience from their apprenticeship training provider. It is therefore vital that there is a consistent approach to quality assurance across apprenticeships. To enable this, following careful consideration the department has decided to accept the Augar review’s recommendation that Ofsted become the single body for the inspection of apprenticeship training at all levels,” said Mr Williamson.
Ensuring consistency
He added the change would ensure “consistency and parity in quality standards across apprenticeships, so that employers and apprentices can have confidence that apprenticeship training is subject to a consistent and rigorous approach to quality assurance, regardless of provider type or the level of the apprenticeship”.
Mr Williamson said: “It is vital every apprentice receives high-quality training that helps them to get ahead and meets the needs of their employer.
“Apprenticeships, including higher and degree-level apprenticeships, drive productivity and support social mobility. They will play a crucial role in growing and rebuilding our economy post coronavirus.
“We have accepted the Augar review’s recommendation that Ofsted become the single body responsible for the inspection of apprenticeship training provision at all levels to ensure consistency, regardless of the provider or the level of the apprenticeship.”
An Ofsted spokesperson said: “We are very pleased to take on new responsibility for inspecting the quality of higher and degree-level apprenticeships from April 2021. This will ensure consistency in quality standards across apprenticeships at all levels.
“Employers and apprentices can be assured that training will be held to the same rigorous standards regardless of provider type or apprenticeship level.
“To make sure our inspection workforce has the right experience and knowledge, we will recruit new inspectors with expertise in higher education and train existing inspectors so that inspections and visits take into account the context in which training is delivered.”
