Apprenticeship Improvement with Andy Hillerby
I help apprenticeship providers strengthen the system that makes apprenticeship progress reliable - so apprentices develop real workplace competence, stay on track throughout the programme and complete with confidence.
My work is practical, people‑focused and designed to complement (not compete with) quality, curriculum and compliance. I strengthen the underlying apprenticeship system - the part of progress no one owns, but everyone depends on.
High‑performing providers do not rely on pressure, luck or end‑loading.
They build systems where apprentices:
These behaviours sit at the heart of Apprenticeship Improvement - my focus.
Most teams are already stretched delivering day‑to‑day.
Strengthening the system that makes all of this work is rarely anyone’s dedicated role - and that is exactly where I help.
Assessment is moving into the programme
Revised assessment plans (phasing in from October 2025) are shorter, clearer and allow assessment to take place during delivery, with plan‑specified elements that may be delivered by providers under AO oversight.
Readiness must now be built steadily - not squeezed into the final weeks.
Planned end‑date risk is sharper
The January 2026 Accountability Framework update refined APPED and suspended several supplementary indicators, making on‑programme slippage more visible and more consequential.
Even one day past planned end contributes to provider risk.
If your system relies on late rescue, these changes will expose it.
Above‑national achievement is positive - but even at 75% achievement, 1 in 4 apprentices did not complete.
No CEO wants to defend that in a boardroom.
Achievement shows the ending, not the journey.
It will not reveal:
Strengthening the system underneath delivery makes achievement reliable, not hopeful.
An impartial, whole‑journey review of your apprenticeship system from sign‑up → delivery → workplace application → readiness → gateway.
You receive:
Low effort for teams. High clarity for leaders.
Once system issues are clear, I work alongside your teams to co‑design and embed the tools, structures and behaviours that strengthen delivery.
This is not a template or ABC formula.
Solutions are shaped collaboratively so they fit your people, your culture and your operating reality.
Clear briefings show what “good” looks like.
Practical support turns this into daily practice.
Steady, co‑designed implementation raises consistency without adding pressure and ensures the system works every week - not just at the end.
Strong systems rely on rhythm.
Weekly, monthly and quarterly checks prevent drift.
Early‑warning signals highlight planned‑end‑date (APPED) exposure.
Simple, meaningful measures give leaders confidence.
Ongoing optimisation keeps performance strong and evidenced.
Your system becomes reliable, stable and confidently led.
If you want independent clarity, a practical route to stronger, on‑track delivery, and support that strengthens the system underneath everything, the first step is a confidential conversation.
Start the conversation
What is the challenge you want to fix first?