The Dept of Skills has confirmed that the launch of its new apprenticeship provider register will be delayed. The original plan, to launch the register on 3 October has now been shelved to allow authorities to ‘finalise the approach’.
The Dept released a statement on its official website to confirm the news: “In August, we launched the above proposal for the new register of apprenticeship training providers to invite your feedback. Our proposals stated we planned to open the register for applications on Monday, 3 October.
In order to make changes to the register proposals and finalise the approach, reflecting your comments and feedback, the opening of the new register will be delayed. We will announce the revised timetable shortly.”
‘A tough call’
Reaction has been predictably downbeat. Chief executive of the Association of Colleges David Hughes said: “The changes being proposed to apprenticeship funding and regulation are complex and risk undermining the high quality provision already in place. If there is a delay in opening the register or confirming funding rates, I would like to see a more phased implementation.
Hughes went on to say that colleges, providers and employers need certainty and confidence about the changes, “With a timetable they can rely on to plan how they will continue to deliver apprenticeships.
“It is a tough call for the minister for apprenticeships and skills, Robert Halfon MP, but perhaps now a delay in implementing the new arrangements would be the most prudent.”
