How can we improve apprenticeship delivery? The results of a national workforce development program

Despite apprenticeships being a UK ministerial priority for further education and skills, in 2022-2023, only one in four apprenticeships were taken by learners aged 16-19, while a majority came from adult learners aged over 25. Partnership work between the Department for Education and the Education and Training Foundation (ETF), which began two years ago, has focused on addressing some of the barriers facing 16-19 year olds, including those related to learner engagement and retention. This paper reflects on the lessons learned from ETF's national Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) program. It discusses both the factors underpinning success in Apprenticeship delivery and impact, and an emerging model of vocational pedagogy for apprenticeship programs.