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Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes that consist of:

• an NVQ at Level 2 or Level 3
• key skills, for example, communication, application of number (numeracy), information and communication technology (ICT), or teamwork
• a technical certificate, which provides the underpinning knowledge required
• other qualifications or requirements as specified by the particular occupation.

Apprenticeships have been a significant part of skills policy for some time. The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills use the number achieving an apprenticeship as an indicator of success in meeting their Public Service Agreement target on skills.

In the past, apprenticeships have been geared towards young people between the ages of 16 and 24. More recently, they have become available to 14 to 16 year olds and to adults aged 25 and above.

Government Skills apprenticeship pathfinder

Government Skills is currently planning a pathfinder covering apprenticeships in central government, building on the pockets of practice that already exist. The pathfinder will create 500 new apprenticeships and will:

• be open to staff of any age who are already employed
• equip these staff with skills within their current roles or aid redeployment.

Government Skills intends to use apprenticeship frameworks that already exist in areas such as business administration, customer service, first line management and team leadership. Participants are due to begin their apprenticeship training programmes in September 2008.

More information

For more information please:

• see Apprenticeship FAQs
• see Apprenticeship case studies
• contact Brigid Feeny – 0203 300 8960