In Gordon Brown’s 2004 statement on Apprenticeships he announced that development work would commence on a new Adult Apprenticeship, for those aged over 25.

An initial £1 million of funding allowed 7 regions to participate in pilot programmes, which commenced in January 2005 working with three Sector Skills Councils - SEMTA, CITB-Construction Skills and Skills for Health.

The initial cohorts amounted to 450 learners.

Funding was due to end in 2006 although many of the first cohort were not expected to complete their frameworks until 2007. However, because of the success of the programme, a further £16.7 million was allocated for 2006/7.

The LSC prioritised four groups of learners:

• Those without employment who wish to develop the skills needed for a new career (including adults on incapacity benefits)
• Those in employment who have existing skills but lack formal qualifications
• Members of ethnic minority groups (who are currently under-represented in Apprenticeships)

• Women seeking to enter the workforce after the age of 25

A further eligible group were to be those who have completed an NVQ2 or NVQ3 under the Train to Gain initiative and expressed an interest in gaining an Apprenticeship. Stephen Gardner, Director of Apprenticeships at the LSC said recently:

“The trials have shown that adults can complete all the required elements of the Apprenticeship programme - often in a shorter time than young people if they are given the correct level of support that recognises their existing skills.”

In the LSC’s November 2007 Statement of Priorities it confirmed that there would be a budget of £25 million for Apprenticeships for those aged 25 or over in 2007/08, rising to £30 million from 2008/09. This funding will be prioritised to local and regional skills shortage areas, helping learners from under-represented groups to access Apprenticeships. In addition, employees who have successfully completed an NVQ through Train to Gain will be funded to go on to achieve a full Apprenticeship.