Mr. Andrew Brownlee:

On the point about public sector organisations employing apprentices, we have three in SOLAS. We walk the walk in that regard. I will answer the Deputy’s question about assessment first, and then Dr. Trant can answer the Deputy’s wider questions around apprenticeships.

Some issues have been raised with us regarding craft apprenticeship assessment, particularly at level 4 and level 6, which is when the provision is delivered by our technological universities. Essentially, we work on a paper-based exam system as the Deputy might have read in the press. I think that was what he alluded to. Somehow, some of those papers are leaked in advance of assessments. This is a major concern. As soon as we heard about it, we took action to revise and update the papers, but clearly there is a systematic flaw. They go in and somehow find a way out.

As part of that revalidation process we are moving to an assessment bank approach. It was part of the plan anyway, because we acknowledge that a paper-based system has to be more robust. Students will do their assessments via an online platform. Nobody will know what questions they will be asked until they walk into the exam hall. This is a much more modern, technology-centred approach. That was in train anyway, but obviously, given the reports that have been raised with us, we are trying to fast track it as soon as possible.

They are exams in phase 4 and phase 6 of off-the-job training. The Deputy asked how many phases there are. There are seven apprenticeship phases. In an electrical apprenticeship, there are 49 different points at which we check in on skills, competencies, demonstrations or tests to ensure people have the right competencies to be able to function effectively as tradespeople. It is only a small part of the journey, but it is very important and we are trying to sort it out.