The new Institute for Apprenticeships will play “a key role in taking forward the next generation of apprenticeships”, the organisation’s new interim chief executive has said. 

Peter Lauener, currently already chief executive of the Skills Funding Agency and the Education Funding Agency, was announced today as the institute’s new “shadow” chief executive. 

He said he was “delighted to be joining the leadership of the Institute for Apprenticeships at this important time in its development”, adding that the organisation “will play a key role in taking forward the next generation of apprenticeships, making sure they continue to provide the opportunities learners want and skills employers need”.

Mr Lauener will fulfil his new role on a part-time basis, while also continuing in his existing positions. “I see this as complementary to my continuing roles at SFA and EFA, allowing me to contribute to a joined-up approach to skills and education that will bring benefits to learners, business and the economy,” he said.

A permanent chief executive for the new body, which was announced by the chancellor last year, is to be appointed next year, according to the Department for Education.

‘Deep knowledge of skills’

The institute will lie at the heart of ensuring the quality of apprenticeships in England, added the DfE, explaining that it would be the ultimate decision-maker on approving apprenticeship standards and assessment plans.

Mr Lauener will work closely with shadow chair Antony Jenkins, the former group chief executive of Barclays and the current chair of Business in the Community, it said.

DfE permanent secretary Jonathan Slater said Mr Lauener would be able to apply his deep knowledge of skills and apprenticeships, as well as his senior experience as a chief executive, “to great effect” in establishing the Institute for Apprenticeships before its launch next year.

Mr Lauener took on the role of chief executive of the SFA in 2014, and has been chief executive of the EFA since it was formed in 2012. 

David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “Congratulations to Peter on his appointment as shadow chief executive of the new Institute for Apprenticeships. We look forward to supporting and working with him and his team to implement the apprenticeship and Skills Plan proposals. There is a big job to be done and we need a phased, manageable implementation which does not destabilise the system.”

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