Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship Frameworks
There are 2 levels of apprenticeship that allow young people to study at NVQ Level 2 (Apprenticeship) or NVQ Level 3 (Advanced Apprenticeship). At each level there is a framework which specifies the qualifications that must be achieved – these will include an NVQ, Key Skills and usually a Technical Certificate.
- National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) – designed around the skills that people use at work, each NVQ is made up of a number of units which set out what an individual must be able to do in a given area and to what standard. Each individual unit is assessed and credited and an NVQ is awarded when all of the required units have been achieved. Assessment activities normally take place within the workplace by a qualified assessor.
- Key Skills – these address the personal development of an individual and cover essential skills that learners need to support their vocational skills. They include Communication, Application of Number, Information Technology, Working with Others, Improving own Learning and Problem Solving.
- Technical Certificate – taught off-the-job this qualification delivers the underpinning knowledge relevant to the NVQ.
The framework may also include other qualifications and training requirements defined for that particular occupation eg AM2 for electrotechnical. National standards are set by national employer-led bodies (Sector Skills Councils). Completion of an apprenticeship is recognised by the awarding of an Apprenticeship certificate.
