National Apprenticeship Service

The National Apprenticeship Service, part of the Skills Funding Agency, is the government agency that coordinates apprenticeships in England, enabling young people to enter the skilled trades.

At the beginning of February 2008 the Labour Government published a document called Strategy for the Future of Apprenticeships in England. It introduced a quango, the National Apprenticeship Service. The National Skills Director of the Learning and Skills Council was to be in charge of the NAS. The LSC at the time had had most of its funding farmed out to local authorities. The NAS was to be part of the LSC, as outlined in the government's 2008 document on apprenticeships. Two new divisions in the LSC were formed at the same time - one for young people headed by Rob Wye, and one for adult education and training headed by Chris Roberts. All of the three new divisions were still at this stage part of the LSC, and not separate entities. At the time six government agencies had some responsibility for apprenticeships, but there was no overall leadership.

At the time of its formation, the Labour Government up to that point had been heavily focused on persuading 50% of under-18s to attend university. In other European countries, much more focus is placed on apprenticeships; only 6% of English companies offer apprenticeships compared to 30% in Germany. In England, those who by age of 25 had been on an apprenticeship are likely to earn much more than those who do not, for similar qualifications (£100,000 over a career). A university degree is often quoted as improving earning potential, but is highly dependent on choice of degree, and apprenticeships have a much higher success rate on earning potential.

Apprenticeships are demand-led. Government funds Apprenticeship training, in full for 16- to 19-year-olds and in part for adults but relies on employers and providers to work together to offer sufficient opportunities in the context of the greater freedoms and flexibilities created in the further education system. Therefore, Government does not plan Apprenticeship places but provides funding and forecasts the number of places that may be afforded as a result.

• Apprentices are employees within a company and are paid a wage • All apprentices receive training for a specific job and gain recognised qualifications • Apprenticeships are open to all age groups above 16 years old from school leavers to those who have been working for years or are seeking to start a new career • Apprentices must be living in England and not taking part in full-time education • Employment will be for at least 30 hours per week. In cases where the learner cannot complete the full 30 hours, employment must be for more than 16 hours per week