The net benefits to employers’ investments in apprenticeships : case study evidence from the UK

In a flexible labour market where people can move relatively easily between jobs and employers, there can be disincentives to train. Employers will be reluctant to train if they are, other things being equal, unsure about the extent to which they will be able to recoup their training costs. In the UK, public policy is committed to increasing the number of people completing apprenticeships in recognition of the benefits this form of training confers on both employers and individual apprentices. Considerable efforts are being made by the public agencies responsible for apprenticeships to persuade employers to participate in this form of training by persuading them of the benefits of doing so. Based on a limited number of employer case studies, this paper outlines the net costs borne by employers in training apprentices and the period over which these costs are recouped by the employer. It demonstrates that employers are able to recoup their costs over one to two years in many instances

The wider benefits of education and training : a comparative longitudinal study

"This report presents findings from a comparative longitudinal study of the changing relationship between education, training and various measures of employability and well-being. The aim of this study was to explore the extent to which education and/or work-related training confer employmentrelated benefits over and above the now well-established positive effects these have on earnings and employment. In so doing, it examines the concept of ‘employability’ and considers how this might be extended to incorporate some notion of well-being. The study investigates the links between education, training, employment, earnings and well-being and reveals the changing situation experienced by young adults over the past decade" -- page 1

The UK skills system: how aligned are public policy and employer views of training provision?

Examines UK skills policy, focusing on employer views on training and the challenges of moving to an employer-led skills system. Explains that this review was commissioned as part of Foresight's future of skills and lifelong learning project (see further reports at B47283-5). Describes the role of public policy in skills and current trends in skills development. Considers employer decision-making on training and views on its provision. Explores the challenges in implementing an employer-led skills system. Provides conclusion, highlighting the direction of travel towards a more employer-led system and the challenges involved