Doncaster Chamber comments on flexi-job apprenticeship scheme

The new flexi-job apprenticeships scheme was announced by the chancellor Rishi Sunak at his budget in March and will involve a £7million fund to create and test them ahead of a formal launch in January 2022.

The consultation seeks views on how new apprenticeship schemes could be run.

Several industries where project-based employment is standard, and those with flexible employment patterns, such as agriculture, construction, TV film and theatre production have historically struggled to create enough opportunities.

To tackle the issue, and to further the Government’s skills agenda, the new flexi-job apprenticeships will let apprentices work with a range of employers across different projects to insure they get the full skills and experience that is required to complete the programme.

Under the current apprenticeships scheme, apprentices must complete a 12 month placement with a single employer to meet the duration requirement.

But in the TV and film sector, for example, most roles are freelance and usually only run for three months.

Education Director at Doncaster Chamber, Suzy Broadhead said, “Flexible apprenticeships will be critical for the future of sectors that faces problems under the current scheme.

“Apprenticeships have been severely impacted by the pandemic and are a vital part of the further education offer. They grow skills base and expertise whilst also serving to open up industries to people from a wide range of backgrounds, which is great for the industry and for mobility.

“We would urge interested parties across the industries affected to respond and help guide the next step of the process to ensure that it works for business.”