What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a programme of industry developed and quality assured work-based learning. It is an excellent way for an individual to earn as they learn; to gain qualifications and build workplace knowledge and skills.
From a business’s point of view, apprenticeships enable your business to ensure your employees are thoroughly trained to become the highly skilled and motivated specialists you need to be successful in the competitive marketplace.
Who uses apprenticeships?
The number of apprenticeships in the UK is rising year on year, as businesses of all types see the benefits of taking on and training apprentices. There is currently a major push by the UK Government to increase the availability of apprenticeships for young people; as part of this they are offering businesses enhanced funding arrangements and wage subsidy for eligible businesses.
Businesses of all types and sizes are getting involved with apprenticeships and reaping the benefits. It doesn’t matter whether you have less than 5 employees or more than 5,000. It is also important to appreciate that apprenticeships are not just appropriate for manual roles; they are becoming more popular for businesses training people in ‘professional’ roles such as management or law.
What qualifications make up an apprenticeship framework?
An apprenticeship is essentially a package of learning, made up of a number of different qualifications. The make-up of an apprenticeship varies depending on the level.
Generally an apprenticeship includes 5 elements:
• Competence based element
• Knowledge based element
• Key skills/functional skills
• Employment responsibilities and rights
• Additional employer requirements
To find out more visit the National Apprenticeship Service: http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/
Frameworks in the four nations
Each of the four nations - England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales - has different frameworks for their apprenticeships; these frameworks are different because they must meet the needs of the individual nation’s governments and of their employers. The frameworks described below are suitable for England only. Frameworks for the other nations must be viewed separately, links are provided.
The types of apprenticeships we offer
Details of the apprenticeships we offer are available via this link.