Apprenticeship Programme
What is an apprenticeship?
According to Gov.uk, an apprenticeship is:
A job that requires substantial and sustained training, leading to the achievement of an Apprenticeship standard and the development of transferable skills... Apprentices cannot be employed solely to deliver an apprenticeship; there must be a genuine job available after they have completed their apprenticeship. Apprentices gain the technical knowledge, practical experience and wider skills they need for their immediate job and future career. The apprentice gains this through a wide mix of learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training and the opportunity to practise new skills in a real work environment.
This definition is underpinned by four principles of future apprenticeships:
- an apprenticeship is a job, in a skilled occupation
- an apprenticeship requires substantial and sustained training, lasting a minimum of 12 months and including off-the-job training
- an apprenticeship leads to full competency in an occupation, demonstrated by the achievement of an apprenticeship standard that is defined by employers
- an apprenticeship develops transferable skills, including English and maths, to progress careers.
The new apprenticeship standards have been developed by employer groups known as 'trailblazers'. Standards are designed to show what an apprentice will undertake and the skills required to achieve the job role. A number of standards have already been approved for delivery, whilst others are currently being developed.
Apprenticeship levels
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels:
| Name | Level | Equivalent educational level |
|---|
| Intermediate |
2 |
5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C/9 to 4 |
| Advanced |
3 |
2 A level passes |
| Higher |
4, 5, 6 and 7 |
Foundation degree and above |
| Degree |
6 and 7 |
Bachelor’s or master’s degree |
Each standard sets out the requirements of the apprenticeship. Typically, a standard will include:
- An occupational profile
- Core knowledge requirements
- Core skill requirements
- Core behaviour requirements
- Duration of apprenticeship
- Level of apprenticeship
- Entry requirements
- Qualifications gained
- English and mathematics requirements
- Links to professional registration and progression
- Assessment plans
Please visit our standards page for more information:
Standards
How do apprentices and trainee technicians differ?
Apprentices are required to complete a competence-based qualification in the relevant area, plus attend college either once a week or once a month, depending on the apprenticeship undertaken. The duration of an apprenticeship will vary according to the standard they are working towards.
The trainee technician program ensures young technicians gain a level of technical expertise to build upon. These skills enable the University to give valuable practical support to the academics, researchers and students across the varied degree courses on offer. Trainee technicians are generally employed for 4 years and are required to undertake a learning pathway, which leads to an HNC in the relevant area.
Maths and English Requirement
All apprentices will be required to achieve a certain standard of English and maths in order to complete their Apprenticeship. The English and maths requirements will be stronger in future Apprenticeships. This reflects the importance of these skills to an apprentice’s employability and to their career progression within a sector or across sectors. We are not setting any minimum entry requirements relating to an apprentice’s English and maths skills, and expect employers to be flexible in recruiting apprentices with lower initial English and maths skills.