Changes to Apprenticeship Standards

There have been some recent changes to apprenticeship standards that will have an impact on training that is delivered.

Apprenticeship Standards

When the new apprenticeship standards were introduced there was a very clear strategy of removing the accredited qualifications that had made up the old apprenticeship frameworks. The only qualifications that were allowed were mandatory qualifications needed to operate in a particular job or sector. The idea was to deliver training that focused entirely on the End Point Assessment.

As a concept this makes sense – let’s not get bogged down in just delivering NVQ Diplomas but instead look to deliver training with more breadth. However, it is clear that many still do not know what endpoint assessment looks like and offering training with more breadth could actually lose focus.

Reintroduction of Qualifications

The vocational training sector welcomed an announcement last week by the Institute for Apprenticeships that technical qualifications can once more be introduced as part of an apprenticeship. We at Yorkshire Apprentice think this is a good thing. The apprenticeship standards are a major development as it does allow a different type of training to be delivered but the feedback we have found is that those on standards programmes would like to receive certificates from recognised awarding bodies, such as City and Guilds.

It also gives parents and employers confidence that accredited qualifications are being delivered as part of a programme. The vocational training sector spent years ensuring that courses were being delivered where attendees received properly accredited certificates that were recognised by all employers. It made great efforts to demonstrate that it was better to receive an accredited qualification rather than “Mikes Management Course” or “Diane’s Digital Training” certificates.

What does it now mean?

The apprenticeship standards all have a mechanism to be reviewed and we suspect that there will be changes to existing standards and to those in development. Once we have details of changes we will publish them on this site.