“Generic vocational qualifications in the past did not deliver the core competencies that employers require and, in response, employers have developed bespoke training packages.
“Accrediting these in-house programmes results in more relevant qualifications and gives businesses the recognition they deserve in investing in skills.”
Anne Seaman, chief executive of Skillsmart Retail, said: “We welcome any moves by the Government to encourage skills development in the sector.
“Employers’ formal accreditation of their training is an important part of raising skill levels and we commend the commitment to expand and strengthen the apprenticeship programme in England.
But the two groups are keen to ensure the plans are appropriate for the sector.
On the apprenticeship plan, Milne said: “While we are supportive of measures to increase the number of apprenticeships available, the Government must not sacrifice quality.
“Apprenticeships must be relevant and structured to ensure they are genuinely viewed as a useful alternative to traditional “academic” qualifications. It is also imperative that businesses are able to adapt their apprenticeship programmes to suit changing business needs.”
Seaman added ““The proposed threshold for ‘suitably qualified’ entrants to a level 2 or level 3 apprenticeship could create barriers to recruitment within the retail sector.
“Although some retail apprentices join the programme with low academic achievement, they thrive in a supportive working environment and many go on to progress to higher level positions within their companies. We would also seek to set our own requirements for a realistic minimum off-workstation learning time and not have a minimum imposed upon the sector.”
