The Government's 'Apprenticeship family' aims to offer vocational skills-based learning opportunities for all. Young Apprenticeships linked with schools, catering for 14-16 year olds; Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships available for 16-24 year olds; with Adult Apprenticeships in key skill shortage areas and Professional Apprenticeships at Level 4 under development.

Apprenticeships are high quality, work-based learning programmes open to anyone aged 16-24 living in England and not in full-time education. They give the opportunity to build-up knowledge, skills and experience, learning on the job with an employer whilst gaining nationally recognised qualifications and earning money all at the same time.

Apprenticeships Available to 16-24 year olds, an Apprenticeship enables you to achieve an NVQ Level 2 qualification, plus Key Skills and Technical Certificate. Linked to an employer, you will receive a weekly allowance or wage. On average, completion is possible between 12-18 months, at which time you have the opportunity to progress onto an Advanced Apprenticeship.

Advanced Apprenticeships Available to 16-24 year olds, an Advanced Apprenticeship enables you to work towards an NVQ Level 3 or 4 qualification, plus Key Skills and Technical Certificate. In full time employment, with an appropriate wage, you will have the potential to become one of the managers or supervisors of the future, or use your qualification as a stepping-stone, progressing onto university via a Foundation Degree. On average, completion is possible between 26-30 months.

What are the entry requirements? With flexible entry requirements, Apprenticeships attract capable young people with a mix of qualifications who possess the ability and motivation to complete an agreed training programme, however employers select the candidates they feel are most suited to their working environment. Employers value keenness to work and keenness to learn.

What are NVQ's? National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ's) offer quality and consistency in recognising a young persons ability to carry out actual work tasks. Acknowledged by employers and awarded by well-known examining bodies. Visit - www.qca.org for more information.

Level 2 = 5 GCSEs at grades A-C
Level 3 = 2 A Levels/1 Vocational A Level

What are Key Skills? A range of essential skills valued by employers and needed by learners to support them in their job. All Apprentices receive Key Skill training as required by their chosen industry - working in teams, problem-solving, communication, application of number and using new technology.

Visit - www.dfes.gov.uk for more information.

What are Technical Certificates? They are qualifications to assess vocational knowledge and understanding, delivered through a taught programme of off-the-job learning, unlike NVQ's, which are delivered through on-the-job learning. Technical Certificates may be an existing qualification - for example an Edexcel BTEC National Award or City & Guilds Diploma - or a qualification newly developed to meet the needs of a particular sector.

Visit - www.qca.org.uk for more information.

Apprenticeship Awards 2008              

Now in their 5th year the Apprenticeship Awards have been designed to recognise and reward both employers and apprentices who are successfully using Apprenticeships to improve their business performance and tackle skills shortages.  For more information about last years winners and an application form, visit -

www.apprenticeships.org.uk/awards

29th February 2008 is the deadline for applications - not long now!!!!

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