AELP achievement rate and accountability Mini Commission reaches new milestone

The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP)’s second Mini Commission looking at Qualification Achievement Rate (QAR) methodology and the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework (AAF) has reached a new milestone: the publication of research into the issue.

The report calls for significant reform of QAR methodology and accountability frameworks – and the Mini Commission now moves to its next stage where AELP representatives will work with government officials to set out how this should work.

The Mini Commission research follows the publication of the 2023/24 apprenticeship QAR data (28 March 2025), which shows a promising increase in the national QAR to 60.5%, up from 54.3% in 2022/23. While this progress edges closer to the 67% target set at the AELP National Conference in 2022, challenges remain: from delayed assessments and complex reporting rules to off-the-job training inconsistencies.

AELP’s Mini Commission highlights three critical takeaways:

Outdated systems need a reset. The current QAR and AAF frameworks must evolve to reflect the changing face of modern apprenticeships.

Flexibility and insight are key. A more agile, data-led, and sector-sensitive approach is vital to better support training providers, employers, and most importantly learners.

Quality over quotas. Sharper guidance, smarter assessment collaboration, and a rebalanced emphasis on learner success over raw numbers will drive better outcomes across the board.

To address these systemic hurdles, AELP’s latest research delivers eight powerful recommendations to strengthen accountability and unlock a more accurate, equitable, and sustainable apprenticeship model. These recommendations are built on rich insights from across the sector, including:

A national survey of apprenticeship providers.

In-depth case studies and roundtable discussions.

Direct feedback from employer providers, training providers, and wider key stakeholders.

The full Mini Commission report, written by Cheryl Swales, AELP Head of Strategic Projects, is now available, offering a clear roadmap for policymakers and sector leaders to revisit how apprenticeship success is measured and reported, for providers and employers. AELP thanks everyone who contributed to the research survey and roundtable sessions and also, the providers who allowed us to visit them to talk in more depth during the case studies.

AELP’s series of Mini Commissions are designed to test and explore a new way of working with its members to deliver a collective voice to help tackle the big issues currently facing the skills sector.

This research has been shared with Department for Education officials and the next steps will be to meet with them to define, design and deliver realistic and sustainable solutions. AELP will also be formally launching the research at a fringe event at their National Conference which takes place on 23-24 June 2025 at the Novotel, London West in Hammersmith. Registration closes at midday on Friday 20 June.

Ben Rowland, AELP CEO, said:

“Our Mini Commission sets out that - although the apprenticeship sector has come a long way - the way we measure success hasn’t kept up. The current QAR methodology and Accountability Framework are too blunt to reflect the reality of modern apprenticeship delivery. We need a smarter, fairer approach which recognises completions, yes, but also positive outcomes like progression into work or successful transitions between providers.

Apprenticeship success isn’t always linear, and our systems should reflect that. Our report sets out practical, evidence-based reforms built on real insight from across the sector. Together, they point to a more accurate, responsive and learner-centred model of accountability. I look forward to working with government, as we did on English and Maths in apprenticeships in our first mini-commission, to make concrete and beneficial changes for everyone across the system.”

Cheryl Swales, Head of Strategic Projects at AELP and the report’s author, said:

“Our Mini Commission report reflects months of engagement with providers, employer providers and assessment organisations. Their message is clear: the system needs to evolve. Too often, the numbers we rely on fail to capture the full picture of learner progress or provider quality.

By proposing practical reforms, from improved milestone tracking to clearer roles in assessment delivery, we aim to shape a more meaningful and supportive model for achievement rates and accountability. This isn’t about adding complexity, but about creating a framework that genuinely reflects the diversity of learner experiences and drives real improvement.”

The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) is a national membership body, proudly representing organisations operating in the skills sector. AELP members deliver a range of training and vocational learning – including the majority of apprenticeships as well as Skills Bootcamps, 16-19 Study Programme, Adult Education Budget and more.

For further information or interviews please contact Matt Strong, Communications Manager, AELP, on 07920 161685 or [email protected]