Statistics for 2001/2002 released by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) at the end of last month revealed that completion rates for advanced modern apprenticeships across the health, social care and public services sector were very low, at just 22 per cent. The figure was even lower for foundation modern apprenticeships, with only 15 per cent successfully completing the full framework, which consists of the appropriate NVQ plus key skills in English and maths. However, 35 per cent of advanced modern apprentices and 28 per cent of foundation modern apprentices in this category had achieved either the full framework or the appropriate NVQ.
The LSC was unable to provide a breakdown of the figures for childcare trainees. Helen Mardell, operations director for SMART Training, confirmed that low completion rates were a concern for the sector and suggested that the requirement for early years students to meet key skills requirements before completing the framework was responsible for dragging the numbers down. In 2001/2002, the year covered by the LSC data, SMART Training recorded completion rates of 61 per cent for frameworks and 76 per cent for NVQs for its trainees.
Ms Mardell said, 'We're working hard to persuade the Government to take away the key skills tests. However, at present the Government has decided to keep them in place despite pressure to reconsider, so training providers simply have to get better at getting people through them.'
A spokesperson for the LSC defended the key skills element of the frameworks. 'This is the first time we have published the completion rates in this form and while the picture for some sectors is good, we acknowledge that in others it is poor. We are not resting on our laurels and we are actively examining the poorer performing sectors.
'These statistics don't always show the complete picture. If students don't complete, they are not necessarily unsuccessful. They might stop doing the modern apprenticeship but go on to do a career in that particular area. The statistics can conceal varying circumstances and we are measuring this.'
Chris Pritchard, director of Jace Training, said that the key skills requirement for foundation modern apprenticeships had initially been set too high at level 2 - grade C and above at GCSE - but had now been readjusted to level 1, covering grades G to D. She said, 'Now the framework is better. It's been lowered to level 1 and we'll start getting the frameworks again, but we won't see the results until next year.'
