Aptem News Archives - Page 6 of 9 - Aptem - enabling skills development and employability

Reframing apprenticeships: the importance of level 2 and 3 apprenticeships

Delivered by employers in partnership with training providers, level two and three apprenticeships offer a concrete and reliable path into employment, and a steady supply of new recruits to companies that can train them in the specific skills they require. However, these lower-level apprenticeships have been overshadowed in recent years by the higher- and degree-level apprenticeships that offer an alternative to university education. The declining uptake in level two and three apprenticeships reflects a missed opportunity for employers and employees alike. Here, we explore why.

Understanding the skills deficit now

The skills deficit in the UK is not a new challenge. As reported in our recent skills-focused white paper, in 2019 a quarter of all vacancies were skills-deficit related, with 60% of these in medium- and high-skilled roles. ONS data from October 2021 reveals a record high number of job vacancies between July and September 2021, indicating the re-opening of many sectors. Yet, as pointed out in the Big Issue, much of the positive news around employment relates to low-skilled, temporary and insecure work; a gap is preventing people from finding secure employment to match their skillset and their needs.

This article explores a pan-sector skills gap, the influence of Brexit and coronavirus on the skills gap, the current talent pool, and the future of employment in the UK.

How have the government schemes performed at a local level?

The government has taken a sector- and skills-specific approach to tackling unemployment across the UK, rather than forming their response to specifically meet challenges as they are presented at a local level. So, how have these schemes performed locally? Have local authorities and businesses been provided with the tools they need to successfully kick-start local economies? And what should their next steps be?

Sunak’s Autumn Budget and Employability Services

Announced on 27 October, Rishi Sunak’s autumn budget is as interesting for what it includes as for what is omitted. Given the proximity of the announcement to COP26, the budget has been criticised for a lack of emphasis on green initiatives and the government’s net-zero plan. The cost of long-haul flights is set to rise (with climate change cited as the reason), yet duty on domestic flights has been cut. Overall, as reflected in this particular example, the budget is a mixed bag, offering some causes for celebration, and others for commiseration.

Degree apprenticeships white paper says mandated qualifications should stay

The white paper, which includes perspectives from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), the University Vocational Awards Council, former business secretary and leader of the Liberal Democrats Vince Cable and university-based apprenticeship managers, was written to inform the IfATE’s consultation and review of integration and standards in degree apprenticeships.

The white paper found that the function of mandated degrees went far beyond shaping an apprenticeship’s off-the-job training. While much work is needed to ensure degree apprenticeships deliver widening participation, the evidence shows degree qualifications enhance productivity, increase social mobility, and offer enhanced and transferrable skills to graduates and employers.

The Challenge of College Enrolment

Colleges are experiencing higher rates of enrolment than ever before and as we approach winter, it’s still unclear whether we’ll be forced to re-introduce measures to control the spread of coronavirus. This means enrolment processes may need to be conducted remotely and thanks to digital solutions, like Aptem Enrol, this is easily done.

Our latest article looks at the challenge of college enrolment and how colleges, students, and employers nationwide benefit from a single, remote enrolment solution.

Coaching support at a distance – using data analytics to enhance employability programmes

The Institute of Employability Professionals, Digital Technology Conference took place in September. Mark Abrahams, Head of Research and Analytics at Aptem, presented a data masterclass about utilising data insights from the jobseeker journey. Click to read the highlights from the session and download the webinar content.

Digitalising employment services to survive local authority budget cuts

Local authorities around the country are struggling to meet budget-cut demands as they struggle to make do with much less and residents feel the impact. The digitalisation of employability services will be key as local authorities and housing associations struggle to provide the same support as they did pre-pandemic, and for an increased number of jobseekers.

First findings ahead of the furlough scheme ending

The government’s furlough scheme is scheduled to finish at the end of September. As we near that date, we take a look at hopes, fears and predictions for the millions of people still being supported by the scheme, and the steps the government can take to safeguard the recovery of our economy.

MWS Technology secures funding from existing investors keen to accelerate the growth of Aptem

MWS Technology is the company behind the award-winning Aptem vocational training and employability products. It has secured additional funding from existing investors, 24Haymarket and Guinness Asset Management, and Chris Bell, the Company’s recently appointed Chair. This capital will accelerate the growth of the business.

The opportunity

MWS Technology is one of the fastest-growing providers of SaaS software to manage vocational training, skills and employability programmes. Chris Bell explains the opportunity: “The large-scale demand for high quality Education and Employability technology has grown significantly over the pandemic period. Providers sought to source technology solutions to support remote delivery and maintain compliance and quality. Aptem were already a market leader in apprenticeships and vocational training, pre-pandemic. Over the pandemic period, the MWS Technology team was quickly able to mobilise an employability solution. This is now used to deliver multiple government employment contracts and supports local authorities, housing associations and colleges. This agility and ability to respond to multiple concurrent opportunities, alongside a market that is full of opportunity, was an attractive prospect for our existing investors.”

With each of the company’s target markets experiencing considerable growth, MWS’s existing investors are keen to ensure the company has ample resources to proceed at pace.

Project delivery

“Delivering large scale programmes is inherently complex,” explains Michael Jackson, 24Haymarket Investor Director. “Providers need to manage onboarding, delivery, quality and compliance whilst also ensuring an effective, personalised experience for programme participants. A technology solution that enables this has tremendous prospects and we wanted to ensure that MWS Technology has all the resources it needs.”

Richard Alberg, CEO, and the Management Team at MWS Technology have identified several adjacent opportunities. These closely aligned to existing offerings. “Our sectors offer tremendous opportunities and having the financial firepower to pursue several concurrently puts us in a great position. We have an embedded culture of innovation, a superb team and significant momentum. I thank our shareholders for their support and am confident we can build upon our already substantial achievements.”

For more information about MWS Technology and Aptem products please contact: Isla Lightfoot, Chief Marketing Officer, Isla.lightfoot@aptem.co.uk.

24Haymarket is a private capital firm focused on disruptive, early-stage venture and growth equity investments in the UK. We invest aligned, patient capital in partnership with outstanding entrepreneurs to build the leading companies of the future. For more information, please visit: www.24haymarket.com.