Public sector apprenticeship framework launched by YPO

An apprenticeship framework that will allow the UK public sector, including schools, to access apprenticeship training from a range of suppliers has been launched.

The framework, developed by public sector procurement organisation YPO, has been designed to help all public sector organisations make better use of apprenticeship levy funds. Schools are being encouraged to access apprenticeship training to benefit their workforce.

YPO has worked with over 78 apprenticeship providers to create a national database of compliant providers across a wide range of sectors. This provider list will constantly grow each quarter dependent on market needs.

The YPO Apprenticeship Framework is intended to reduce administration costs and enable apprenticeship levy created funds to be spent more effectively. Every quarter, the framework will also be updated as new apprenticeship standards come into effect, ensuring new providers can bid with ease for live and new standards.

Lizzy Grayson, Category Manager for Corporate Services at YPO, said, “The Apprenticeship Levy has been in effect for well over a year now and continues to be a contentious piece of legislation for the public sector as the government looks to meet its target of 3 million apprenticeship starts by 2020. All public sector organisations must purchase their goods and services via compliant procurement regulations and apprenticeship schemes are no different.

"Following the launch of the YPO Apprenticeship Framework, public sector organisations will have access to a range of compliant providers. Using a framework like YPO’s ensures a high standard of apprenticeship provider with a simple route of procurement.”