Steps and tips: Evaluation of quality apprenticeship programmes

The regulatory body or working group overseeing the implementation of apprenticeships should take the following steps, facilitated by social dialogue:

  • Identify a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring the outcomes of the apprenticeship system and programmes at national, regional, local or enterprise levels, while allowing enterprises the flexibility to adapt the KPIs to their particular circumstances.
  • Develop detailed guidelines for evaluation, indicating the roles of various stakeholders, methodologies (for example, tracer studies, employers’ and apprentices’ opinion surveys), frequency and data requirements. In particular, support employers in carrying out a cost–benefit analysis of their apprenticeship programmes.
  • Assign the responsibility for evaluation to a specific entity (for example, a quality assurance body).
  • Ensure transparency and quality in the evaluation processes.
  • Discuss the findings of the evaluation in a social dialogue working group and propose recommendations.
  • Compile the findings and data from the evaluation systematically and produce an annual report on apprenticeship programmes. Ideally, the report should be made available to the public.
  • Widely disseminate the report among relevant stakeholders, so that they can use the evaluation results effectively to improve the regulatory framework, programme design and provision of vocational guidance and counselling services.

TIPS

  • The use of technology can significantly reduce the cost of evaluation. For example, mobile-based applications, such as KoBoToolbox (www.kobotoolbox.org), can be used to conduct tracer studies free of charge, while the use of block chain technology can allow the career progression of apprentices to be monitored after they have completed their programmes.
  • In addition to quantitative data, qualitative information can be collected to evaluate the satisfaction of various apprenticeship stakeholders, including enterprises, parents, apprentices, TVET providers, ministries and employers’ and workers’ organizations.