HOW ARE APPRENTICESHIPS
CHANGING?
New apprenticeship standards – due to land in Spring 2016 – are replacing the existing ‘apprenticeship
frameworks’.
The new apprenticeships are based on new professional standards which define the knowledge, skills and
behaviours that apprentices must achieve to prove they are fully competent to do their job. The standards have
been set by employers and are therefore totally relevant to the workplace.
THE BENEFITS OF THE NEW APPRENTICESHIP STANDARDS
Fit for purpose
•The standards are set by employers to meet industry skills needs
• They clearly define competence in three sections – ‘know it’, ‘show it’,
and ‘live it’
• Both employers and apprentices will be clear on what must be achieved
• The new apprenticeships are clearly linked to demonstrate how
an individual can progress through to a skilled, supervisory or
management position
Flexible training
•Training does not have to include an accredited qualification
• English and maths is still included
• Employers decide which training and development to use to get their
apprentices to the point of competence
Employers can:
Use their own in-house training (employers must be registered with the Skills Funding Agency
(SFA) and are subject to OFSTED inspection)
Select a registered training provider to deliver their chosen training
Decide if they want to incorporate the use of vocational qualifications with either of the
above options – advice on which qualifications are ‘endorsed’ will be available to employers
in Spring 2016
Quality and consistent standards
Quality assured apprenticeships are important to ensure that apprentices, parents, teachers and the public in
general value them as high quality learning options. Therefore, robust assessment is an essential part of the
new apprenticeships:
• For each apprenticeship standard, all apprentices will undertake the same independent end assessment
• The assessment is carried out by an assessor that has not had direct contact in the training or line
management of the apprentice
• Using a mix of practical observations, on-demand/scenario-based tests, business challenges
and professional discussions, the independent end assessment provides a combined view of the
apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours
• The assessment must be managed by a licensed assessment quality assurance agent (typically
awarding organisations)
• The new apprenticeships will be graded based on the outcomes of the independent end assessment,
allowing apprentices in travel to achieve either a ‘pass’ or a ‘distinction’, recognising the dedication and
achievement of apprentices performing at a higher level
Full details of the independent assessment for each apprenticeship standard are covered in the
assessment plans.
WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?
We will be providing more guidance to help employers decide how to offer apprenticeships within their
business over the coming months. In the meantime, the most important thing is to:
• Start looking at the apprenticeship standards and think about what method of training and
development would work for your business
• Talk to training providers and awarding organisations. Remember the new apprenticeship system is
different. It’s up to you as an employer to outline your business needs and see how external services can
best meet them.
FURTHER QUESTIONS
Please see our FAQs to seek further guidance or to post questions.
Telephone: 020 3074 1222
E-mail: info@people1st.co.uk
Twitter: @p1stgroup
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Website: www.people1st.co.uk