Ofqual Employer Perceptions Survey

Ofqual have just released the report and findings of their Employer Perceptions Survey. One finding is that ‘65% of employers who recruit staff to skilled or supervisory roles consider it essential for applicants to hold a relevant vocational or technical qualification’. 

There is some interesting responses on how employers select the qualifications to offer staff, 28% consider the reputation of the AO. Relevance and sector recognised being the main reason for selection of a qualification. 

Also amongst headline findings is that there was a high level of agreement (67%) that End Point Assessments prepare learners well for the workplace too, compared to vocational qualifications (59%). Personally I found this as odd - for me EPAs are still to be properly established and any real knowledge of them is still very patchy. As Pye Tate say ‘Nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents report that they are familiar with end point assessments of apprenticeships. This figure appears high in comparison with the number of end point assessments that have actually been delivered, however depth interview feedback suggests that it is likely that some respondents answered the questions in relation to apprenticeships more generally’.

Here’s a link through to the survey so you may see for yourself what is said LINK

Heather Venis

Principal, Awarding First

E: Heather@awardingfirst.co.uk

T: 01588 650 152

M: 0789 479 6262

Heather at Awarding First supports Awarding Organisations with professional backup, guidance and skills development on regulatory requirements, compliance, AO development, qualifications and quality assurance arrangement. Heather has a breadth and depth of experience in the sector and works with a range of AOs.