Responding to comments by Ofsted on the quality of apprenticeships Shadow Skills Minister Gordon Marsden MP said:

“Ofsted head Michael Wilshaw’s strong criticisms of the nature and quality of some apprenticeships  underlines how the Government’s push for quick targets risks short changing our young people’s future jobs and careers.

"His criticisms echo what we and a range of bodies have said, including the Government’s own review three years ago, about shortcomings in their strategy for expanding apprenticeships. A focus on high level training, skills and progression, not tick box accreditation in a race for numbers, is what we need now.”

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