Written Question · S5W-32444 · Session 5
What the findings were of the analysis by it and Skills Development Scotland regarding the number of (a) workplace and (b) student modern a…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what the findings were of the analysis by it and Skills Development Scotland regarding the number of (a) workplace and (b) student modern apprenticeships that were not completed following maternity leave.
The answer
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) consist of on-the-job training for current or new employees that leads to an industry approved qualification. All Modern Apprentices are employees, rather than a student or on a work placement.
The published minutes of the Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination Working Group in September 2019 noted that analysis of pregnancy and maternity MA data from 2012-13 to 2018-19 showed more people on MAs taking maternity leave, an increase of 89%, and higher levels returning to their apprenticeship (16%).
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) agreed to carry out further analysis to identify any barriers preventing MAs returning to complete their apprenticeship following maternity/ paternity leave. This was actioned by SDS, however they have stated that there were too few apprentices who did not continue with their apprenticeship due to pregnancy/maternity for this information to be statistically viable.
Building on the work already carried out to support apprentices who are pregnant or on maternity leave, SDS have shaped work in this area committing within their Equality Impact Assessment for Work Based Learning to:Promote good practice in supporting pregnant employees to employers and providersUpdate provider guidance on supporting individuals to complete their apprenticeship following maternity leave
The published minutes of the Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination Working Group in September 2019 noted that analysis of pregnancy and maternity MA data from 2012-13 to 2018-19 showed more people on MAs taking maternity leave, an increase of 89%, and higher levels returning to their apprenticeship (16%).
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) agreed to carry out further analysis to identify any barriers preventing MAs returning to complete their apprenticeship following maternity/ paternity leave. This was actioned by SDS, however they have stated that there were too few apprentices who did not continue with their apprenticeship due to pregnancy/maternity for this information to be statistically viable.
Building on the work already carried out to support apprentices who are pregnant or on maternity leave, SDS have shaped work in this area committing within their Equality Impact Assessment for Work Based Learning to:Promote good practice in supporting pregnant employees to employers and providersUpdate provider guidance on supporting individuals to complete their apprenticeship following maternity leave
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-32444 by reference.