Welcome to Issue 2 of the new local service for Connexions and Schools
from FE Sussex and SCTP - June 2009
FE Sussex and SCTP (Sussex Council of Training Providers) represent the
colleges and independent training providers that deliver Apprenticeships and e2e
in Sussex. We want to make sure that you know what is going on with these two
important programmes and that you have all the appropriate information you need
to help you to explain the benefits to young people and employers.
We are also keen to answer your questions and offer support via the 47
organisations that are members of our networks. Each month we will issue a short
information update, which we hope you will find of help and interest.
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New DVD - 'Apprenticeships In Sussex'
A new apprenticeship DVD has just been released by SCTP and FE Sussex. It
features real Sussex apprentices and their employers talking about why they
chose apprenticeships and the benefits they have discovered. The DVD has the
following sections:
- Apprenticeship Overview - ideal for careers guidance sessions for students
- Benefits to Employers - for employer focussed presentations
- Rolls Royce Case Study - an example of how one high profile employer has
successfully implemented an apprenticeship programme
- Separate occupational case studies featuring apprentices and employers in
- Carpentry
- Electrical Installation
- Hairdressing
- Health & Social Care
- Horse Management
- Leisure Operations
- Veterinary Nursing.
We are planning a wide distribution of the DVD but to order your copy right now
please contact Anna Barry at Anna@fesussex.org.uk giving your name and full
postal address.

Apprenticeships - getting the right level - and the right name!
There are two main levels of post-16 apprenticeship - known as 'Apprenticeship'
and 'Advanced Apprenticeship'.
An 'Apprenticeship' is aimed at people entering the workplace at a fairly junior
level and is typically where a young person would start if they were 16-18 years
old. Educationally it is a level 2 programme, equivalent to 5 good GCSE passes
although a comparison between the skills and attitudes required in the workplace
with academic achievement is by no means exact.
An 'Advanced Apprenticeship' is usually aimed at people who have progressed to
a slightly more senior level at work and are taking on more responsibility.
Educationally it is a level 3 programme equivalent to 2 'A'-level passes.
'Apprenticeships' and 'Advanced Apprenticeships' are post-16 qualifications and
shouldn't be confused with 'Young Apprenticeships’, which are available to pre-16
students while still at school. Young Apprenticeships provide an excellent
grounding for moving on to the post-16 variety explained above.
Just for the record 'Modern' Apprenticeships were only really different in name
with the 'Modern' being dropped some years ago.

Apprentices - how much do they really get paid?
Well, everybody can usually quote the minimum of £80 per week and this is
increasing to £95 per week from 1st August 2009. In practice many apprentices
and nearly all advanced apprentices would receive more than the minimum. The
average weekly wage across the country is about £170 a week. Good employers
will pay a decent starting rate with regular increases based on performance.
Otherwise they will lose their apprentice to an employer who is offering more!

What do you want to know?
I'm very grateful to those of you who contacted me saying that Issue 1 was useful.
We want to be as helpful as possible so please send me your questions and we'll
cover the answers in subsequent issues, if not immediately!
Thanks
Paul Mitchell
FE Sussex/SCTP
01273 891232
www.sctp.org.uk
www.fesussex.org.uk