The government is to give individual employers the power to design and develop their own apprenticeships standards and qualifications to address growth-threatening skills shortages, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has today announced.

This comes as part of the government’s response to entrepreneur Doug Richard's review of apprenticeships, which recommended they be more focused on the needs of employers. Some businesses find they are not tailored enough to individual requirements, with many citing this as the main barrier to taking on an apprentice.

The plans announced by Clegg include the proposal that training and accreditation of existing workers already fully competent in their jobs should be delivered separately, rather than them being re-employed as an apprentice. It also suggests that apprenticeships be outcome-focused, targeted at a skilled job and work towards a Level 2 qualification of some form, if apprentices do not already have these.

‘The Future of Apprenticeships in England: Next Steps from the Richard Review’ is available online.

Vince Cable, business secretary, comments: “When I travel around the country, businesses frequently tell me that if they are not able to respond quickly to skills shortages they lose out on vital business.

“These plans will radically change the way we deliver apprenticeships. They will put employers in the driving seat, so they can develop the workforce they need to grow their business.”

Education secretary Michael Gove adds: “Only serious reform will allow us to raise the status of apprenticeships. I am very grateful to Doug for his review and look forward to receiving the views of the public on the proposals.”

Are these changes moving in the right direction? We’d be keen to hear your thoughts through the comments box below, or through a letter to the editor via [email protected].

• Click for previous news from Recruiter on apprenticeships and early-career talent and recruitment, including prior coverage from 2013’s ongoing National Apprenticeship Week.