Multi-skills apprenticeship mooted to span disciplines

By Lauren Higgs Thursday, 01 October 2009

The Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) is considering proposals to introduce a cross-sector apprenticeship for the children and young people's workforce.

Early years worker and children. Credit: Jason Bye

The plans, which were presented at a meeting of the Children's Workforce Network (CWN) earlier this month, are designed to improve entry routes to the workforce.

Apprentices would have the chance to train across a range of disciplines. The qualification would also make it easier for young people to start a career in the sector.

Catherine Fitt, strategic director of children's services at the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services, and member of CWN, described the plans as "an excellent idea".

She said: "Anything that brings young people into the workforce has to be welcomed. Young people are very passionate about working with other young people and they can be extremely good at the job. What's also good is that it gives people a chance to get trained across the workforce."

A spokesman for CWDC was unable to confirm a timescale for the potential introduction of the new apprenticeship, but said a decision would be made "at a later date".

Meanwhile, CWN is to cease meeting, as part of changes that could see the organisation wound down over the next nine months.

Hilary Emery, executive director of the Training and Development Agency for Schools, who chairs CWN, said the network has "achieved much of what it set out to do".

The new National Children's Workforce Partnership, which was created as part of the government's 2020 Children and Young People's Workforce Strategy, is now meeting regularly and will be responsible for supporting integrated workforce development, she said.

Emery explained: "Changes in the workforce environment and the strength of partnerships created through CWN's current and future work can be delivered successfully through different arrangements. We believe that there is no longer any need for regular CWN board meetings."

Fitt claimed the very existence of the new National Partnership is a testament to the success of CWN.

A formal decision on the future of the CWN will be made in December 2009.