Apprenticeships

”Apprenticeships are at the heart of our skills strategy because they are valued by employers and sought after by learners". John Hayes Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning Minister January 2011.

Apprenticeships are growing in popularity. Statistics released in June 2011 show the Government’s ambition to deliver 50,000 additional apprenticeships has been substantially exceeded and has actually delivered over 103,000 additional adult apprenticeship starts over the 2010-11 financial year. Provisional data shows that there were a total of 257,000 adult apprenticeship starts have been delivered between April 2010 and March 2011.

Apprenticeships can offer high-quality training for jobs and careers across a range of industries. Here's how they could benefit you:

· For Centres - Apprenticeships are at the heart of the skills strategy in England and with the rise in tuition fees, apprenticeships are seen as a real alternative to university education. Funding is available for delivering apprenticeship frameworks and qualifications

· For employers – either take on a new starter as an apprentice or develop your existing staff by enrolling them onto a programme. Benefits could include reduced staff turnover, new ideas and innovation and potentially a high return on investment after the initial period of training

· For employees – ‘earn while you learn’. Gain skills and qualifications as you continue to work. There's statistical evidence of improved job prospects, wage increases and improved lifetime earnings for employees who have completed apprenticeships

Apprenticeships allow learners to gain real workplace experience while at the same time gaining a nationally recognised qualification. Devised by Sector Skills Councils and Standard Setting Bodies in consultation with employers, Apprenticeships in England and Wales contain the following elements:

· Competence-based element (CBQ) - for example, a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) or QCF equivalent

· Knowledge-based element - for example, a Technical Certificate

· Transferable skills - for example, the Functional Skills (or Key Skills) of English, Mathematics and ICT

· Employment rights and responsibilities (ERR) - determined by the Sector Skills Council or Standard Setting Body

Apprenticeships cover the following sectors:

· Health, Public Services and Care

· Retail and Commercial Enterprise

· Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies

· Leisure, Travel and Tourism

· Business Administration and Law