Creating a 'Modern Apprenticeship': A critique of the UK's multi-sector, social inclusion approach

This article critiques the UK's approach to the development of a contemporary apprenticeship programme initially designed to increase the supply of intermediate level skills. Since 1994, when the Modern Apprenticeship programme was introduced, it has struggled to meet expectations and in many occupational sectors, apprentices leave without completing the prescribed qualifications. The programme's performance is worst in sectors which previously had no history of apprenticeship. A key problem for the programme is the lack of employer demand and commitment, yet the government wants the Modern Apprenticeship to expand so that it can provide a pathway for as many young people as possible. The article explores the structure, content and implementation of the Modern Apprenticeship and argues that the government is more concerned with the programme's social inclusion potential than with developing a high quality work-based route.