Apprenticeship Reforms

Frameworks & Standards

An Apprenticeship is one of the post 16 education and skills choices available to young people aged 16 + years who have completed compulsory education. It is a mechanism for individuals to continue learning skills and knowledge for their chosen vocation and gain valuable workplace experience. The Apprenticeship is also designed to validate the softer skills individuals develop though their programme of learning.

All Apprentices are entitled to 20% ‘off-the-job training’ away from their day to day working environment, which can include formal workshop/classroom teaching, online learning and internal/external courses organised by their employer

An Apprenticeship Framework currently consists of several qualification-based components:

• Competency Element – NVQ and work-based Assessments
• Knowledge Element – Practical and Theory based learning taught at the Vogal Training Centre
• Functional Skills English – Classroom teaching at the Vogal Training Centre
• Functional Skills Maths – Classroom teaching at the Vogal Training Centre
• Functional Skills ICT – Classroom teaching at the Vogal Training Centre
• Employment Rights & Responsibilities – Completion of a sector-based workbook
• Personal Learning & Thinking Skills (PLTS) – Completion of a sector-based workbook

Personal Learning & Thinking Skills

• Independent Enquiry
• Creative Thinking
• Reflective Learning
• Teamworking
• Effective Participation
• Self -Management

Each Apprenticeship Standard consists of;

• Apprenticeship Standards were introduced a couple of years ago and colleges & providers have been gradually teaching these alongside frameworks
• They are the ONLY option for new Apprentices from 01^st August 2020
• Apprenticeship Standards have been created as a result of the Richards Review of Apprenticeships completed in 2012
• Standards do not always include qualifications
• These Apprenticeships are achieved through demonstration of competence and not through completion of a qualification
• Each Apprenticeship has an outline of the Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours (SKB) required for the role
• These Apprenticeships are assessed by an independent organisation at the end of the Apprenticeship and graded – Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction
• Some Standards only allow the Apprentice 2 opportunities to pass the End Point Assessment
• The Standard requirements – Skills, Knowledge & behaviours (SKB)
• An Assessment Plan
• End Point Assessment (EPA)

It is the Training Provider’s responsibility to

• Interpret the requirements of the Standard
• Create an overarching Delivery plan for the full duration of the Apprenticeship
• Create an operational Assessment Plan 
• Teach Apprentices the SKB required for the Apprenticeship Standard
• Prepare Apprentices to successfully undertake their End Point Assessment
• Support Employers and their understanding of Apprenticeship Standards
• Liaise meaningfully with Apprenticeship Assessments Organisations (AAOs) to understand the End Point Assessment process and manage this effectively]
• Agree with the employer when the Apprentice is ready for their EPA to take place

It is the Employer’s responsibility to;

• Provide workplace activities and experience linked to the job role
• Contribute to the assessment and individual learning plan of the Apprentice
• Monitor and support the Apprentice and their progress
• Liaise with the training provider to ensure the success of the Apprentice
• Contribute to training as required for a successful Apprenticeship
• Facilitate 20% off the job time for learning within the Apprenticeship

It is the Apprentice’s responsibility to;

• Attend employment and training punctually and regularly (min. 85% attendance)
• Undertake workplace training
• Comply with workplace rules & regulations
• Complete all learning requirements set by the training provider
• Prepare for the end point assessment activities
• Pass their Apprenticeship to the highest level they are able to

• Apprenticeship Standards have been designed by employers to deliver training for Apprentices which meet business and industry needs (reviewed every 3 years for ongoing validity)
• They test the quality of teaching provided to students and the ability of students to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours they have developed through their programme of learning
• The new Apprenticeships are much more comprehensive than previously and contain more learning
• Apprenticeship Standards have become more specialised in their nature as they have been created for each vocation and the role/career for which the individual is training
• Employers are required and encouraged to participate in the Apprenticeship – it is about working in partnership with training providers and being in control of the training their Apprentice receives especially for levy paying employers who control the funding for training their Apprentices