The Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee has agreed to undertake an inquiry into Apprenticeships in Wales 2017.

Summary

The aim of this Inquiry is to provide an opportunity for the Committee to follow-up Apprenticeship related issues. Some of these matters were raised during the recent Apprenticeship Levy Inquiry but were not directly related to the Apprenticeship Levy

The Committee is looking at the following issues:

• To review progress since the 2012 report of the Enterprise and Business Committee: Apprenticeships in Wales (PDF 403KB)
• Including looking at the role of key players: the Regional Skills Partnerships; the Wales Employment and Skills Board (WESB); and Sector Skills Councils
• To scrutinise the accessibility of independent careers advice on Apprenticeships and other vocational options?
• Particularly for young people, either in school, from Careers Wales, online or from other sources?
• Is the Careers Wales’ Apprenticeship Matching Service fit for purpose?
• How can better parity of esteem between vocational and academic routes be achieved?
• To investigate the main barriers to taking up Apprenticeships?
• How accessible are Apprenticeships for people with disabilities (all ages)?
• How can people from the lowest income families be supported to take-up Apprenticeships?
• What good practice exists and what more can be done to address gender stereotyping?
• To scrutinise the development of higher level Apprenticeships, with the support of further and higher education institutions?
• How effective is progression between other work-based learning and Apprenticeships and between Levels 2, 3, 4 and above Apprenticeships?
• How can employer engagement with Apprenticeships be improved?