Institute for Apprenticeships brings together experts from all sectors

The Institute for Apprenticeships yesterday (8 Feb) brought together, for the first time, its Route Panel Members from across all 15 routes. They were joined by a diverse collection of highly skilled apprentices to meet and share their perspectives on apprenticeships at a membership launch event. Minister for Skills Anne Milton spoke, alongside the Chair and new CEO of the Institute for Apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships, The Institute and You, which took place at the Royal Institute for British Architecture, Marylebone, provided an opportunity for leading independent experts, from a wide range of backgrounds, to meet and to talk about the Institute’s work and the broader development of skills. Attendees enjoyed practical skills demonstrations from prize-winning apprentices.

Speaking at the event, the Institute’s chair, Antony Jenkins said:

“We have come a long way, and are learning and improving all the time. We have listened to all those we work with and are becoming faster and better. We need to provide the best possible help to employers wanting to develop high quality apprenticeship standards.”

Speaking at the event, Minister for Skills Anne Milton said:

“It is quite extraordinary for the Institute to have started from ground zero and get to where they have in this short time. The progress has been fantastic.

“Now we are at a tipping point in apprenticeships, things are changing for the better. It is about providing quality apprenticeships, and the Institute is absolutely critical in that.”

Speaking at the event, Kath Geraghty, Head of Apprenticeships at the National Theatre and member of the Institute’s Creative and Design route panel said:

“Our Route Panel is made up of some really interesting people. It is very clear in that we room are there to get the job done. We bring specialist and sectoral knowledge to the space and interrogate each other, in a positive way, to ensure we get the best possible response out to the trailblazers.”

The Institute’s Route Panels play a vital role in the development of new apprenticeship standards. The 15 occupational panels are made up of over 100 leading employers, each an expert in their industry or sector.