How to prevent your apprentices dropping out.

How to prevent your apprentices dropping out.

Dropout rates are the most persistent problem facing the apprenticeship sector today. Regardless of specialism, be it hairdressing, construction or accountancy, dropout rates are one of the most significant barriers to achievement. 

Here’s the proof: currently, 35% of all apprentices dropout.  

“Whilst non-completers left for a variety of reasons, it is important to acknowledge that a significant number were driven to drop out by poor quality provision.” (Department for Education) 

If we are serious about levelling up skills and providing a lifetime skills guarantee, we need to ensure every apprentice receives the same high quality experience and an equal opportunity of success. Especially now, with a widening disadvantage gap, we must provide greater support and opportunities for those at risk of dropping out.  

According to the National Achievement Rates Tables (NARTs), learners with identified learning difficulties and disabilities (LDD) are more likely to dropout of their apprenticeship. The higher dropout rate for LDD apprentices is even more disheartening because the NARTs data also shows that when LDD learners are retained, they have the same pass rate as learners without LDD. 

At Cognassist, we have always said that with the right support, learners who might typically struggle in education can go on to achieve alongside their peers. Providers need to take active steps to improve retention and support learners’ needs throughout their entire learning journey. It takes commitment from organisations to identify weak points and ensure a joined up approach, but many in the sector understand what’s at stake and are more than willing to drive positive changes. 

The move towards a blended approach will also require providers to make reasonable adjustments and build in flexibilities from day one to ensure consistent and fully integrated learner support. Of course, with high caseloads and already stretched resources, this is a big ask.  

Yet there are ways to provide personalised learner support and ensure staff have the correct training and tools to achieve this. The alternative risks failing to support learners until it’s too late in their programme, and the last thing anyone wants is for a learner to drop out when it could have been avoided. 

This handbook will dive into existing research and data on how to provide best practice learner support, improve confidence and increase retention. As well as providing actionable steps that apprenticeship providers can take to improve the quality of their support provision and demonstrate impact to ensure no learner is left behind.