Apprenticeships Business Definition 2008/2009

DEFINITION

1. Apprenticeships are a framework consisting of an NVQ, Key Skills qualification and a technical certificate. Learning takes place both in the workplace and with a local learning provider.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

2. There are over 180 Apprenticeships available across more than 80 industry sectors. They are a framework of qualifications where the main Aim is NVQ level 2, while the aim of Advanced Apprenticeships is NVQ level 3. Most also include a technical certificate such as a BTEC National Diploma or a City and Guilds Progression Award.

3. Frameworks are developed by the relevant sector body and incorporate the set criteria, outcomes and good practice that are approved by the Skills for Business Apprenticeships Approval group.

4. The Apprenticeships Framework Completion Certificate complies with national requirements and is approved by the relevant sector body or Sector Skills Council. It is issued to the apprentice on completion of learning to attest that the minimum requirements of the Apprenticeship have been achieved.

5. The apprenticeship programme is primarily intended for young people in employment, however the number of applicants to Apprenticeship programmes continues to be greater than the number of employed places available. This creates a need for a programme-led route, whereby the learner can undertake parts of the apprenticeship in advance (for example, the technical certificate and key skills) with a view to taking up an employer-led apprenticeship when a place becomes available. In exceptional cases, the learner could take the NVQ in a non-employed placement or off-the-job setting.

6. Programme-led apprenticeships are funded under the Learner Responsive model when the learner is studying only parts of the framework, however an employer-led placement must be actively sought, and once achieved, must be funded under the Employer Responsive model. Where the entire framework is studied in a programme-led setting, funding would be Employer Responsive.

LINKS

7. For further details see the Apprenticeships website at www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

Last date modified: 7th November 2008