ANNEX C - MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS
Modern Apprenticeships offer those aged over sixteen paid employment combined with the opportunity to train for jobs at craft, technician and management level. All Modern Apprenticeship ( MA) frameworks are developed by the industry or sector in which they will be implemented. Apprentices will be employed from the start of their training.
History
Modern Apprenticeships were originally developed to meet employers' demands for vocationally related qualifications with a job-specific content which could largely be delivered through workplace-based training.
Modern Apprenticeships are aimed at those aged 16 and above and capable of achieving a vocational qualification at Level 2 or higher. The programme can be used to train existing employees or new employees. Any company in Scotland - whatever its size - can take part in the programme. Potential trainees need to be employed to take part in the programme. Young people 18 and under without a job can currently consider Skillseekers or Get Ready for Work as a vocational training alternative.
What is a Modern Apprenticeship Framework?
A Modern Apprenticeship is a vocational training award. It is not a qualification in itself - each MA framework contains separately assessed elements around knowledge-based, competence-based, and core skills. Most MA Frameworks are underpinned by Scottish or National Vocational Qualifications (S/ NVQs), which are built on National Occupational Standards.
Although each Modern Apprenticeship framework is specific to a particular sector, they are all made up of three parts -
1. Scottish Vocational Qualifications - although some frameworks specify NVQs where there are no equivalent SVQs.
2. Core Skills - these are Communication, Working With Others, Numeracy, Information Technology and Problem Solving
3. Industry Specific Training - this may include additional units from other SVQs, industry-specific qualifications or academic qualifications such as Higher National Certificates and Diplomas.
To complete their MA, candidates must achieve an S/ NVQ (or appropriate accredited vocational qualification) at Level 2 or above and all 5 core skills.
Who Does What?
The Scottish Government develops policy in relation to vocational training.
Skills Development Scotland ( SDS) delivers of the Modern Apprenticeship Programme and sets levels for and provides funding.
Sector Skills Councils ( SSCs) and Sector Skills Bodies -
- develop suitable and appropriate structure and content of frameworks for their sector;
- promote and encourage MA recruitment amongst employers,
- certify the final MA award.
The Modern Apprenticeship Group approves MA frameworks and provides advice and guidance to SSCs developing frameworks
Employers themselves can carry out the training. However, some parts of the training are often provided by private training providers, colleges or voluntary organisations. There are many different models for supplying training to new apprentices to maximise flexibility within the programme.
Framework Development
Modern Apprenticeship frameworks are owned by the respective Sector Skills Council or Sector Skills Body ( SSB) which is responsible for ensuring that the content meets employers' needs and is kept relevant and up to date. National Occupational Standards are also owned by SSCs and SSBs, which are also responsible for the design of S/ NVQs.
The Modern Apprenticeship Group pays particular attention to the evidence submitted in relation to employer engagement and evidenced demand from employers for any given framework.
Framework Level
Almost all apprentices currently in training in Scotland are working towards Level 3 Frameworks. In Skills for Scotland: A Lifelong Skills Strategy the Scottish Government committed to implement the conclusions of the Modern Apprenticeship Consultation and in particular extend MAs to S/ NVQ Level 2. The first MA frameworks at Level 2 were approved in October 2008 in Construction and Food & Drink, with Hospitality due soon. This extension of the MA programme provides increased training opportunities for employers.
Employed Status
In Scotland, all individuals pursuing the award of a Modern Apprenticeship must currently be employed. This offers the opportunity for individuals to train to a supervisory or craft level whilst receiving a wage. There was overwhelming support for the continuation of the employed status requirement in Scotland as part of the Modern Apprenticeship Consultation in 2006 and at the Scottish Government Apprenticeship Summit on 28 April 2009.
Employer Led
Demand for skills ultimately flows from the business strategy being pursued by employers and their decision to provide training for employees. Skills demands are affected by ever-changing market conditions and the key challenge for Modern Apprenticeships is being able to adapt to these market-driven changes.
Public Sector Support
The current focus for public funding for Modern Apprenticeships is to support young people entering the workforce from school. Support is also targeted to reflect the Scottish Government's economic policy and traditional sectors where the value of an MA is recognised by employers.
Funding policy in Scotland is based on making a market-tested contribution towards the costs of achieving an MA award with the balance of funding being provided by the employer.
Contracting Process
To maximise flexibility on the programme there are a number of routes employers can follow to supply training for their apprentices. Skills Development Scotland contract on an annual basis with a range of employers, industry bodies, private training providers and colleges for the delivery of training and assessment services in the workplace. This activity is mainly directed towards the completion of Modern Apprenticeship in key sectors and groups in the Scottish workforce.
The contracted training provider is also responsible for securing the agreement of an employer to providing the required level of support for those working towards the achievement of a Modern Apprenticeship award.
Funding Contributions
Funding contributions made available by SDS vary between £1,500 to £9,000 depending on the level and type of MA award being undertaken and the age of the apprentice.
Completion Rates
Apprenticeship completion rates in Scotland are 70%.