Apprenticeship FAQs
- What is the apprenticeship pathfinder and why are you running it?
- Why don't you just evaluate the apprenticeships we already have in government?
- Who will pay for the apprenticeship pathfinder?
- Why would I choose to do an apprenticeship when I can already do an NVQ?
- Is there a new apprenticeship for government framework?
- How long does an apprenticeship last under the pathfinder?
1. What is the apprenticeship pathfinder and why are you running it?
Government Skills is running the apprenticeship pathfinder as part of the Skills Strategy. We are working with departments to deliver the pathfinder, which will involve 500 new apprenticeships for staff in central government, starting in September 2008.
2. Why don’t you just evaluate the apprenticeships we already have in government?
Government apprenticeships have typically:
- taught traditional skills such as engineering
- been targeted at young people under 25
- been targeted at new rather than existing staff.
The pathfinder will test more flexible apprenticeships and help staff to get skills for their current role or redeployment. The main differences are that the apprenticeship qualification will:
- have no age limit and will be open to staff of any age
- be open to existing staff.
3. Who will pay for the apprenticeship pathfinder?
The pathfinder is funded by the Learning and Skills Council.
4. Why would I choose to do an apprenticeship when I can already do an NVQ?
An apprenticeship is a mix of work-based learning and training and you can get more out of it than an NVQ on its own. It offers you a vocational qualification which consists of:
- an NVQ at Level 2 or Level 3
- key skills – generic skills including communication, application of number (numeracy), information and communication technology (ICT), and teamwork
- a technical certificate, which provides the underpinning knowledge required.
5. Is there a new apprenticeship for government framework?
No. We will use apprenticeships that are already in existence in general skills areas such as customer service, business administration, team leader and first line management.
6. How long does an apprenticeship last under the pathfinder?
Apprenticeships are very much tailored to the individual’s need. However, the average time for completing an administration apprenticeship is 12–18 months.
