Work-based learning, training and skills
IER has an established track record in researching Apprenticeships, workplace learning and training. Our research in this field is focused around:
- Apprenticeship training and comparative research on vocational education and training
- Costs and benefits of training
- Training and organisational performance
- Institutional arrangements for the delivery of work-based learning and training across the EU
A major feature of IER work in this area has been the assessment of the costs and benefits of investment in training and apprenticeships, including an evaluation of the impact of skills development and training on organisational performance, recruitment and retention, and the economic contribution of investing in skills development and training. Since the mid-1990s, IER has undertaken the Net Costs of Training series, which has estimated the net cost to the employer of providing Apprenticeship and other forms of work-based learning . These studies have estimated the overall contribution of the employer and the State of providing training through apprenticeships and provided an indication of the time taken by employers to recoup their investment in this type of training. As well as estimating the net costs and benefits of training, IER work has also looked at the rationales that guide individuals and employers to engage in initial vocational training and education of various types. In particular, this has looked at the policies and institutional structures to deliver initial vocational education and training across the EU with a view to understanding what mixes work best in different labour market settings.
There are a variety of options available to employers and learners when deciding to invest in vocational education and training. IER has undertaken evaluation studies, which compare, from an economic perspective, different approaches to the delivery of training and the returns they confer on employers and learners. IER has substantial experience in the analysis of apprenticeship training and comparative research on vocational education and training both in the UK and throughout the European Union (EU). Over the recent past, apprenticeships systems across the UK and European Union have been subject to reform with respect to: whether a sufficient number of young people are entering apprenticeships; and whether current systems are suitably aligned to the future needs of the economy.
Publications
- Hogarth T. and Gambin L. (2014) 'Employer investment in Apprenticeships in England: an exploration of the sensitivity of employers in the construction sector to the net costs of training', Construction Management And Economics, 1 - 12 (online).
- Hogarth T, Adams L, Gambin L, Garnett E, Winterbotham M (2014) 'Employer Routed Funding: Employer Responses to Funding Reform', BIS Research Paper Number 161, i - 73, London: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
- McCaig C., Hogarth T., Gambin L. and Clague L.(2014) 'Research into the need for and capacity to deliver STEM related apprenticeship provision in England', BIS Research Paper Number 171, i - 100, London: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
- Beaven, R., May-Gillings, M., Long, K., Hogarth, T. and L. Gambin(2013) 'Measuring Additionality in Apprenticeships', BIS Research Paper Number 138, 1 - 89. London: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
- Gambin, L. (2013) 'Review of Apprenticeships Final Report: An updated review'. Coventry: National Apprenticeship Service.
- Beaven, R., May-Gillings, M., Hogarth, T., Gambin, L., and K. Long(2013) 'Review of the Economic Benefits of Training and Qualifications, as shown by research on Cross-Sectional and Administrative Data', BIS Research Paper Number 105. London: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
- Hogarth, T., Gambin, L., Winterbotham, M., Baldauf, B., Briscoe, G., Gunstone, B., Hasluck, C., Koerbitz, C. and Taylor, C. (2012). Employer Investment in Apprenticeships and Workplace Learning: The Fifth Net Benefits of Training to Employers Study (BIS Research Paper Number 67). London: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
- Hogarth, T., Gambin, L., Winterbotham, M., Hasluck, C., Vivian, D., Huckle, C., Skone James, A., (2012). Evaluation of Apprenticeships: Employers (BIS Research Paper Number 77). London: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
- Hogarth, T., Gambin, L., Vivian, D., Winterbotham, M., Godwin, L. and Morris, S. (2012). Evaluation of Apprenticeships: Learners (BIS Research Paper Number 76). London: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
- Gambin, L., Hasluck, C. and Hogarth, T. (2011). Maximizing Apprenticeship completion in England. Canadian Apprenticeship Journal, 4(Spring).
- Gambin, L., Hasluck, C., Hogarth, T., Ryan, P. and Elias, P. (2011). Options Study for the Long-term Evaluation of Apprenticeship (BIS Research Paper No. 56). London: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
- Gambin, L., Hasluck, C. and Hogarth, T. (2010). Recouping the costs of apprenticeship training: employer case study evidence from England. Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training, 2(2), pp. 127-146.
- Hogarth T., and Hasluck C., (2010). The Net Benefits to Employers' Investments in Apprenticeships: Case study evidence from the UK. Canadian Apprenticeship Journal, 2(Summer).
- Brown, A. (2009). Higher skills development at work: A Commentary by the Teaching and Learning Research Programme. London: ESRC, TLRP.
- Hogarth, T., Hasluck, C., Gambin, L., de Hoyos, M., Owen, D. (2009). Maximising Apprenticeship Completion Rates. Coventry: Learning and Skills Council.
- Hasluck, C. and Hogarth, T. (2009). The Value of Apprentices to Engineering Employers. In: Kumar, A. and Buglass, E. eds. Engineering UK 2009/10. London: EngineeringUK, pp. 88-90.
- IFF Research Ltd. / IER (Hasluck C., Hogarth T. and Gambin, L.) (2009). Train to Gain Employer Evaluation: Sweep 4 Research Report. Coventry: Learning and Skills Council.
- Hasluck, C., Hogarth T. and Adam, D. (2009). The Net Benefit to Employer Investment in Apprenticeship Training:IT Apprenticeships, A Report for the Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network. Coventry: Warwick Institute for Employment Research, University of Warwick.
- Hasluck, C., Hogarth, T., Baldauf, B. and Briscoe, G. (2008). The Net Benefit to Employer Investment in Apprenticeship Training, A Report for the Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network. Coventry: Warwick Institute for Employment Research, University of Warwick.
- Baldauf, B., Hogarth, T. and de Hoyos, M. (2008). Going Global? UK FE/TVVET - Opportunities in the International Market. Coventry: Association of Colleges/Warwick Institute for Employment Research, University of Warwick.
- Hogarth, T., de Hoyos, M., Gambin, L., Wilson, R.A. and Brown, A. (2008). Initial Vocational and Education Training (IVET) in Europe: Review. Brussels: Cedefop.
Recent selected projects
- Additionality in Apprenticeships and Work Based Learning, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (2012-13) More Details
- Advanced and Higher Level Apprenticeship Study in Worcestershire, Worcestershire County Council (2013) More Details
- Review of the economic benefits of training and qualifications, Deparment for Business, Innovation and Skills (2012) More Details
- Study on employment policy priorities including development of a methodological capacity to strengthen employment dimension of the EU 2020 agenda, European Commission More Details
- Review of Apprenticeship Research, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (2012 - 2013) More Details
- Economic and social benefit of vocational, education training and analysis of skills mismatch, Cedefop (2009-2011) More Details
- Apprenticeships: Evaluation Surveys of Employers and Individuals, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (2011) More Details
- Employer Investment in Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning, Skills Funding Agency (2011 - 2012) More Details
- Evaluation of apprenticeships in Telefonica, Telefonica (12/12/2011 - 31/10/2012) More Details
- Best Practice Approaches to the Development of Intermediate Level Skills and the Role of Apprenticeships, Economix Research & Consulting (2010 - 2011) More Details
- Options Study for the Long Term Evaluation of Apprenticeships, Skills Funding Agency (2010 - 2011) More Details
- Assessing the Impact of Apprenticeship Training Delivered to Bus Drivers, Transport for London (2010 - 2011) More Details
- Employers' Business Case for Recruiting Apprentices, Apprentice Task Force (2005) More Details
Key contacts
Apprenticeships and Skills Commentary
Apprenticeships & Gender -
just the statistics
In their latest research note, Lynn Gambin and Terence Hogarth provide an overview of participation in Apprenticeships by gender, highlighting differences between men and women and how these may factor into observed differences in the labour market more widely, especially the gender pay gap.
Download: Apprenticeships and Gender: Just the statistics
