Mediating apprenticeship learning for young people: the role of training providers

This article reports research designed to increase knowledge of the ways in which the training provider sector works in England. The research focused upon the role of the providers in relation to government-funded apprenticeship programmes. Although training providers enrol only a small percentage of 16-18 year-old learners it is significant because of the importance attached by all political parties to expanding the quantity and improving the quality of apprenticeships. With over 50% of current apprenticeships being run through training providers these political aims will only be met where providers participate effectively. Case study methods were used in six providers offering training in engineering, hairdressing and customer care. The research showed that despite restrictions imposed by funding regimes and curriculum regulation the providers were not passive deliverers of apprenticeship programmes but brought values and interests to their work which helped to shape apprenticeship programmes.