The Commission joined forces with the Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network (AAN) to produce a new business guide to promoting diversity in Apprenticeships. We launched this at a conference on 12th December 2007 in London.
The aim of the Conference was to:
- Launch the new EHRC/AAN guide for employers on the business case for diversity in apprenticeships
- Hear first hand from some employers about how they are putting diversity into practice and why they are doing it
- Learn about the Government’s new agenda for skills and diversity in apprenticeships
- Disseminate practical tips and case studies
- Share with delegates the Commission’s approach and focus on apprenticeships and the skills agenda
- Hear from apprentices about how it feels to be an apprentice in a non-traditional job.
Delegates heard keynote presentations from Sir Roy Gardner, Chair of the AAN, Trevor Phillips, Chair of the EHRC and David Lammy MP, minister with responsibility for apprenticeships and diversity.
Practical experience of diversity and apprenticeships came from employers and apprentices themselves, including:
- Employers - British Gas, Kesslers International Ltd, Ministry of Defence, Puffins of Exeter Childcare Centres
- Apprentices - British Gas, BAE Systems Ltd, Puffins of Exeter Childcare Centres and Dukeries Building Company
- Delegates also heard from Kay Carberry of the TUC and Rod Kenyon, OBE from the British Gas Engineering Academy.
Why focus on diversity and apprenticeships?
In the autumn of 2007, the Prime Minister announced a major expansion of the apprenticeship scheme, with:
- a doubling of places by 2020,
- more funding for apprentice employers,
- a place for every young person who wants one by 2013, and
- a UCAS-style matching service to bring budding apprentices and businesses together.
- Apprenticeships are destined to become a key routeway of choice for young people, and more employers need to get on board.
Many employers are already wise to the positive returns from offering apprenticeships.
The best employers also recognise the additional gains from increasing the diversity of their apprentices and workforces.
What are the business benefits?
- Recruiting the best – a wider pool of applicants
- Enhancing skill sets – bringing in new skills essential to efficiency and competitiveness
- Employers of choice – enhancing local and national reputation
- Meeting customer needs through a more representative workforce
- Employee satisfaction, development, retention and cost savings.
Find out about updates on apprenticeship and diversity since this conference