Baltic Apprenticeships Appointed as an Expert Training Provider by the DfE
We’re pleased to announce that Baltic Apprenticeships have been successfully appointed as an ‘Expert Training Provider’ in a 12-month pilot scheme by the Department of Education.
The DfE unveiled this programme on 13th September 2023 and strict entry requirements meant that only 6% of apprenticeship training providers in England could apply. Eligibility criteria included:
- Hold a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ Ofsted grade
- Have an apprenticeship achievement rate of 51% in 2021/22
- Have at least a 4-star employer feedback rating
- Be in good financial health
- Delivered apprenticeships for more than 5 years
As 1 out of 7 independent training providers chosen, Baltic will act as an apprenticeship programme ambassador, influencing positive and effective changes to the current apprenticeship service on behalf of SMEs.
Brooke Urwin, Chief Operating Officer, said: “2023 has been a fast-paced, challenging but extremely rewarding year for Baltic Apprenticeships with the achievement of our Outstanding Ofsted Grade. The news that we were successful in the Expert Training Provider Pilot for the Department of Education is another testament to the incredible work our people do to deliver high-quality education.
“Our goal for this programme is to use our knowledge and expertise to make positive and effective changes to the wider apprenticeship sector, and we can’t wait to get started.”
As an expert training provider, Baltic will act as an apprenticeship programme ambassador and help to drive positive and effective changes across the wider apprenticeship sector.
Increase Engagement Between SMEs and Apprenticeships
Through this programme, Baltic aim to work with the wider expert group to dramatically streamline the apprenticeship hiring process for SMEs, removing the number of administrative duties, time, and resources it takes to navigate the apprenticeship service.
By transforming the apprentice hiring process for SMEs, Baltic hope this will lead to increased engagement with the apprenticeship scheme and encourage them to future-proof their businesses and the wider economy by hiring more young people.
Grow Apprenticeship Starts, Focusing on Young People
Baltic Apprenticeships are passionate about launching the careers of young people across England and ensuring they have a fair, accessible chance to secure long-term employment while receiving high-quality education.
72% of their apprentices are in the 16-24 age bracket, this is 20% higher than the current national average. However, they aim to increase this further through the expert provider scheme. By enabling more SMEs to take on apprentices, this will lead to more vacancies in towns and rural areas, allowing more young people to secure a local apprenticeship and encouraging social mobility.
The Expert Provider Pilot will begin on the 31st of October 2023 and will run until October 2024. For more information about the scheme, please visit the Department of Education.
To learn more about Baltic Apprenticeships and our involvement in the scheme, please contact megan.hussey@balticapprenticeships.com.