Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Apprenticeships go hi-tech

by Ethos public relations

The Government wants one out of every five young people to be undertaking an Apprenticeship programme by 2020. Traditional HR and training can be costly but using technology such as webinars and iPhone apps in an e-Apprenticeship could encourage businesses, particularly SME’s, to meet these ambitious targets.

Lesley Ord is Director of Virtual College: “Face-to-face or classroom delivery can be expensive but embracing new technology makes delivery more efficient,” she said.

The e-Apprenticeship system allows learners to access their foundation induction and key skills set on the Internet. It includes an e-portfolio so that apprentices can collect evidence in the workplace and upload it remotely for the assessors/mentors to easily check on progress. This evidence can include written assignments, answering questions or even taking photographs or videos and uploading.

Apprentices are further supported via webinars, iPhone apps, mobile phone games and e-learning.

“An e-Apprenticeship delivered using our system uses technology that most young people are familiar with,” said Lesley. “It means they can work at their own pace and the system allows them creativity in their preferred learning style. It also naturally improves levels of IT literacy which the Government is keen to push.”

In January Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning Minister John Hayes announced new measures to guarantee the quality of the Apprenticeship programme, ensuring every apprenticeship delivers training that directly meets the needs of employers and learners which includes structured learning.

“Structured learning is important – but it doesn’t have to be delivered in a traditional environment,” said Lesley. “Face-to-face support and delivery while still used, is cut right down thereby making the process much leaner.

“The benefits of an Apprenticeship programme are well documented and in today’s business environment where every pound counts an e-Apprenticeship represents an efficient use of resources for any organisation.”

For more information about e-learning call 01943 605976 or email info@virtual-college.co.uk.

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 3^rd February 2011