The primary goal of training providers has always been to deliver high-quality apprenticeship programmes. The achievement of this goal is recognised and celebrated during National Apprenticeship Week, which highlights the value of apprentices in the modern workforce and the scope of the work that providers deliver.
Today, to effectively serve the requirements of the workforce, those delivering the training are adopting cutting-edge technology—such as AI, automation and machine learning — to achieve this mission. By streamlining workloads and freeing up tutors’ schedules, these tools allow educators to focus on what they do best: teaching.
The role of automation
As the digital revolution matures and professionals become more confident in technology’s capabilities, providers can automate an ever-expanding range of tasks. By handling processes such as tracking learner progress, answering queries 24/7, marking assignments, and summarising teaching interactions, technology saves tutors hours every week. Tutors can reinvest this reclaimed time into the personal, one-on-one interactions, which are vital for producing high-performing employees.
Research has shown that technology-driven efficiency gains can improve apprenticeship completion rates and engagement. For example, automated compliance tracking and enrolment features reduce the administrative burden and ensure learners remain on track with their studies. The time- and cost-saving benefits of automation are just the tip of the iceberg regarding the potential of technology. It’s important to remember that primary goal of delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes. This goal is the key driver behind our suite of AI-powered features, Aptem Enhance. Tools such as the virtual assistant and Checkpoint can do more than serve as a barometer for learner engagement – they can actively improve it. By empowering learners to take control of their studies, these features help learners and tutors alike. Tutors can view each learner’s engagement, progress and understanding and tailor their one-to-one support accordingly.
Personalisation: the key to success
Apprentices are highly diverse, each with unique goals and needs. Personalisation is crucial to their success, and while automation may initially seem at odds with this training concept, it plays a vital role. Reducing administrative tasks and paper-based processes can free tutors to adjust the pace of learning and foster deeper, more meaningful interactions with each learner. Features currently in development within Aptem Enhance include enhanced reviews, which will automate notetaking, including providing a summary and SMART goals, and allow the tutor to focus on the one-to-one interaction.
In addition to reducing the administrative burden through automation, AI tools can also curate customised learning materials for each apprentice. For example, the virtual assistant from Aptem Enhance allows learners to gain clarification on challenging areas and dive deeper into topics in which they have a particular interest. Aligned to the apprenticeship standard, the virtual assistant can also provide support in tasks and topics specific to their role and industry. With more personalised support from a tutor and the tools to take control of the pace and depth of their learning, every apprentice is well placed to deliver immediate value to their organisation.
Elevating human expertise
At Aptem, we are passionate about the potential of technology to support high-quality apprenticeship delivery. However, we understand concerns about whether technology could remove the all-important personal touch. In practice, the right technology can elevate the human impact of tutors. With technology providing increasing support, tutors can use their available time to share their experience with learners, an essential aspect of their work.
Efficiency-driven solutions such as Aptem Apprentice and Aptem Enhance can help to streamline workflows and optimise processes. The reporting available within these solutions doesn’t just support compliance requirements; it can drive smarter, data-driven decisions about the business. This, in turn, helps providers to maximise their impact and unlock operational economies of scale. The right training automation tools can support scalability, in terms of learner volumes and breadth of offering.
We are proud to pioneer this person-centric approach to apprenticeship management technology. Aptem Enhance, available within Aptem Apprentice, is helping to reshape the apprenticeship landscape dramatically, significantly boosting the rates of retention, engagement and success whilst also facilitating more with available budgets. This increasingly makes apprenticeships – already a critical part of the workforce development strategy, even more effective.
