Delay announced in opening of apprenticeship training provider register

Reponding to the announcement from the Skills Funding Agency that there will be a delay to the opening of the register of apprenticeship training providers, David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges (AoC) said: "The changes being proposed to apprenticeship funding and regulation are complex and risk undermining the high quality provision already in place. “If there is a delay in opening the register or confirming funding rates, we would like to see a more phased implementation. More than anything colleges, providers and employers need certainty and confidence about the changes, with a timetable they can rely on to plan how they will continue to deliver apprenticeships. “It is a tough call for the Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, Robert Halfon MP, but perhaps now a delay in implementing the new arrangements would be the most prudent."