Modern apprentices in college: ‘something old, something new’

Abstract

This article explores the potential role of further education (FE) colleges in the delivery of Modern Apprenticeships. It reflects upon FE's role in traditional apprenticeships and examines, through a case study of Modern Apprenticeships in a large manufacturing company in partnership with two FE colleges, the extent to which that role has been redefined. The case study draws upon the responses of apprentices, work-place supervisors, company young people development personnel and college staff. It identifies differences from and similarities to traditional apprenticeships and suggests ways in which Modern Apprenticeships can help to forge closer relationships between college and work-place. It further suggests that FE is well placed to make a contribution to the successful delivery of Modern Apprenticeships but that, at the moment, insufficient evidence is available on the extent of the sector's involvement nationally.