In England, the topic of apprenticeships is a major issue in education policy. To address the challenges around apprenticeships and ensure that policymaking is evidence-based, the global apprenticeship expert Prof. Dr. Stefan C. Wolter explores alternative delivery models for apprenticeships in England.
The report Apprenticeship in England – a cost-effective model for firms? analyses what the benefit would be if a Swiss-style apprenticeship model were to be adopted by companies in England. The Swiss model is recognised for making the transition from school to the labour market a smoother process, and helping the country outperform most EU countries for a number of skills-related indicators. Variations of the same model were tested to check under which conditions firms in England would be able to obtain net benefits from training apprentices. The purpose of such an ex ante simulation is to provide companies with economic arguments for offering apprenticeship placements, and triggering a nuanced discussion about introducing apprenticeship training.
