The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has unveiled a guidebook aimed at helping UK employers to boost the quality of apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships that Work seeks to ensure that government funding for apprenticeships delivers for employers, individuals and society. The guidance, which is designed to cement high quality apprenticeships as a viable alternative route into professions and occupations and give employers greater ownership of their delivery, is being launched ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, taking in pace in England from 6-10 February.

The guide was developed by a working group including representatives from employers including Rolls Royce and Siemens, as well as trade unions, the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES).

Said Katerina Rüdiger, skills adviser at the CIPD, "Good quality apprenticeships can offer an alternative, high-quality route into work and help improve youth employability. They are also a useful tool to achieve a more balanced skills profile in the UK and respond to employer skills needs.

"Recent government policy has been to encourage more employers to offer apprenticeships but if employers who've never hired apprentices before are being incentivised to do so, it's vital that they get the guidance they need to ensure the apprenticeships serve the needs of employers and employees alike."

John Hayes, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, also expressed his support for the guide: "Evidence shows that apprentices help boost productivity and give businesses a competitive edge, with most recouping their investment in less than three years. This new guide will help employers who haven't previously employed an apprentice take full advantage of all they can offer."