Level 4 and 5 Higher Technical Qualifications: call for evidence

Policymakers and regulators need to do more to recognise, embrace and encourage the shift to online distance learning provision. This means appropriately funding and recognising such provision.

Policymakers should carefully consider the merits of scrapping the lower rate apprenticeship wage. This would mean replacing the apprenticeship wage with the higher standard minimum wage rates.

The recognition of prior learning is an important means of attracting and motivating some learners. It encourages commitment and completion as learners can see that they are already some way down the path to completion rather than facing what for some can be a rather daunting prospect of starting from scratch.

There continues to be a considerable lack of awareness about apprenticeships, numerous misconceptions about their value and that higher education is a route regretted by many.

AAT supports both the applicability of the Gatsby benchmarks and the common sense requirements of the Baker clause. However, AAT has concerns about the apparent failure of many institutions to adopt all of the Gatsby benchmarks and the failure of many institutions to adequately meet the requirements of the Baker clause, although AAT does note both have recently been strengthened.