Jason Holt urges jewellers to contribute to government apprenticeships review

In February, Jason Holt, CEO of the Holts Group of Companies was asked by the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) and the Department for Education (DfE) to review what can be done to make apprenticeships more accessible to SMEs, for example, looking at how to cut red tape to further speed up and simplify the process of taking on and training apprentices.

Holt, who runs a jewellery business in Hatton Garden, London, and Holts Academy of Jewellery – a not-for-profit training academy – has been heading up an employer-led review examining what can be done to help SMEs take on apprenticeships. The apprenticeships review is being carried out at part a commitment made in the Education and Skills Growth Review in November 2011.

In his quest to review what would help businesses incorporate apprenticeship schemes into their working arrangements, Holt is appealing for feedback from jewellery industry insiders

“I’ve had the unique experience of speaking to a very eclectic group of people, from government ministers and training providers to trade associations and businesses,” said Holt. “While my thoughts are still forming, I am beginning to realise just how critical it is to crack this nut. In truth, the majority of people in business are at best confused and at worst clueless about how to go about recruiting an apprentice. And yet, those who have taken the leap speak of the immense benefit, value and satisfaction in investing in their future. There is clear empirical data to show the correlation between business success and a policy of apprentice recruitment.”

Holt is urging jewellers to add their thoughts to how apprenticeship schemes can be made to work for businesses.

He added: “Potentially, if ministers accept all – or any – of my recommendations, the jewellery industry has the chance to be the first in line to have a say in what should change. So I would love to hear from you to find out what you think the government should do to make it easier for you to take on an apprentice.”

To contribute to the review, complete a short survey, by visiting: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JMVMJVP

Alternatively, please contact David Sampson at the BIS, who is supporting Jason on his review, by emailing david.sampson@bis.gsi.gov.uk or calling 020 7215 1609.

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