Autumn Statement response

Following the Autumn Statement, Efficiency North chief executive Lee Parkinson has welcomed the government’s continued focus on skills and access to apprenticeships – the tipping point he believes to making apprenticeships truly viable.

Efficiency North operating company EN:Able Futures CIC is an award-winning flexi job apprenticeship service, which supports host businesses in the built environment sector and individuals in the North of England to ensure value to both parties from apprenticeships.

Lee said: “As ever, it’s encouraging to see additional measures put in place during the autumn budget to ensure further uptake and reach of apprenticeships across all sectors. I believe we’ve passed a tipping point whereby apprenticeships are now a truly viable option particularly for advanced and managerial roles; however, this is only achieved through proper flexibility.

“Having successfully employed 500 apprentices over a 10-year period through EN:Able Futures, we’re acutely aware of the need for constant innovation in apprenticeship models to make it an attractive option for both apprentices and businesses. Without the right flexibility and support, such as the EN:Able Futures model, many wouldn’t even consider the route.

“The proposed £50m investment in the two-year pilot is welcomed, but it must be used to address barriers to these training opportunities through innovative solutions, especially for higher level training at level 4 and above.”

Full autumn budget statement here