Based on a detailed survey of key SME employers and qualitative interviews with a number of SME business leaders, the Unlocking the value of apprenticeships for engineering and manufacturing SMEs report was commissioned by Enginuity to understand why apprenticeship achievement rates in England are falling below the government’s target of 67 per cent, and uncover some suggestions on how this situation can be improved.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT

The report also explores why some firms maintain achievement rates that are consistently higher than average. Indeed, although all the SMEs taking part in the research reported some issues with the apprenticeship system, 61 per cent of those responding to the survey reported completion rates greater than 65%.

By comparing survey responses from SMEs which have achieved good achievement rates with those that have achieved lower achievement rates, the report identifies a number of priority areas for business including the importance of mentoring, benchmarking apprenticeship schemes and working closely in partnership with training providers and colleges.

The report, which can read in full here offers 10 recommendations, highlighting a series of practical measures that can be taken by employers, training providers and policymakers. 

Enginuity is encouraging organisations across industry to download the report and act on its recommendations.