The Institute of the Motor Industry has supported an independent of apprenticeships which has called on the Government to improve the quality of the programme and make them more focused on the needs of employers.

The IMI said many of the conclusions and recommendations align with the IMI’s own published manifesto ‘Our vision for the UK automotive retail industry’.

Linda Stansfield, IMI chief operating officer, said: “We will see changes to development and delivery of apprenticeships as a result of this review.

“We support the differentiation between apprenticeships and vocational learning, agreeing with the statement that ‘everything is not an apprenticeship.’ Apprenticeships require a new job role, a role new to the individual that requires them to learn a substantial amount before they can do that job effectively. Training without a job is simply a form of vocational training or upskilling.”

The Richard Review of Apprenticeships by Doug Richards is available to download in full here.

Here are the key points:

• Redefining apprenticeships - Apprenticeships should be targeted only at those who are new to a job or role that requires sustained and substantial training.

• Focusing with greater rigour on the outcome of an apprenticeship - what the apprentice can do when they complete their training – and freeing up the process by which they get there. Trusted, independent assessment is key.

• Recognised industry standards should form the basis of every apprenticeship. Employers and other organisations with relevant industry expertise should be invited to design and develop new apprenticeship qualifications for their sectors.

• All apprentices should reach a good level in English and maths before they can complete their apprenticeship.

• Government funding must create the right incentives for apprenticeship training. The purchasing power for investing in apprenticeship training should lie with the employer.

• Far greater diversity and innovation in training should be encouraged – with employers and government taking a more active role in safeguarding quality.