Modern apprenticeships: improving completion rates

This report describes the development and structure of Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) in Scotland. This research was commissioned by the Scottish Executive Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Department to inform the development of policy and practice for MAs. The research addressed the following questions: What are the factors that create barriers to completion? What benefits are lost to employees and employers from non-completion? How can the numbers of employees not completing a MA be minimised? What improvements could the Enterprise Network make to the quality of MA delivery, working with training providers? How can other stakeholders help improve completion rates, for example through more relevant MA frameworks (Sector Skills Councils) and more relevant qualifications (SQA). The research applies only to those aged 16-24 at the time of registering for the MA, and who were registered for a MA through a Local Enterprise Company. The research reveals that while the MA program has grown quickly in Scotland, a significant proportion (52%) of apprentices leave without completing their MA, and there are considerable variations between frameworks in terms of completion rates. Although the factors associated with non-completion and completion are complex, a supportive workplace context emerged as a key factor in completion from all of the interview datasets. The report sets out a number of recommendations for change in relation to the roles of employers and training providers, recruitment and induction, the nature and extent of training within MAs, improvements in frameworks, quality assurance and contract management, data collection and monitoring, and review of targets for the MA program. Show less