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The Skills Commission was established in 2004 and acts as a steering body for the UK National Skills Forum and Associate Parliamentary Skills Group. This inquiry into apprenticeships was established following a navigational seminar held in July 2008. As a result of a strong drive from the UK government, employers and the skills sector, there has been a significant improvement in apprenticeship provision over the last decade. However, it became clear during the seminar that further investigation of certain aspects of apprenticeships policy was needed. Concerns were expressed at the low levels of young people taking up apprenticeships and the lack of progression within the apprenticeship system. In light of the government’s plans to expand apprenticeships, it was decided that these issues warranted further investigation. During the course of this inquiry, the Skills Commission has explored: ways to encourage more young people, of all abilities, to take up apprenticeships; the progression routes between apprenticeships and other vocational pathways; how to ensure a far greater proportion of apprentices progress on to advanced apprenticeships and higher levels of learning. This report outlines the inquiry’s findings and makes a series of policy recommendations to help ensure the future prosperity of apprenticeships.

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