Apprenticeships have taken many forms over the years, some more successful than others. Regardless of how those apprenticeships have taken shape, the theme of quality learning has always been an important one and is one of the few true ways that employers can develop the skills and knowledge needed to grow and evolve their business in an ever changing economy.

More than that, it allows a new generation of young people to enter the labour market and receive the experience and knowledge of their mentor, like an inheritance of skills to be passed on from generation to generation.

The apprenticeship landscape is changing and in the midst of current reforms, Trailblazer groups across the land are developing the next iteration of apprenticeships and, amongst other motives for this movement, improving quality is a key driver for this. This supports the idea that employer engagement is key to having successful apprenticeships.

The Apprenticeship Information Ambassador Network, including Barking and Dagenham College, fully endorse quality as being the heart of an apprenticeship, which is why only Grade 1 and Grade 2 providers are able to be part of this cause. We work hard to support the promotion of high quality apprenticeships to young people, creating a supply to meet the ever growing employer demand for good quality apprenticeship candidates, and then we deliver on this.

We work with employers to develop training that meets their needs while maintaining quality standards set out by awarding bodies and Ofsted and support the development of skills across London and the surrounding areas. We do this across a multitude of sectors, from construction to finance and from care to digital media and maintain this chalice of skills for businesses to drink from, gaining nourishment to help them stabilise and grow.

Many of these businesses are small and medium and a good quality training provider is more than just a provision of services; in many cases we are partners, advocates, supporters and friends. We are a sounding board to discuss ideas and a source of Information, Advice and Guidance to business leaders, parents and young people alike.

Through all of the evolutions of apprenticeships, we are the people who keep it simple for you and I am lucky to be able to be part of the network which offers all of this support.

Why do I think high quality apprenticeship programs are so important?

Try a poor quality one and come back to me.