UK Fact-File Part 6:
Individual Business Employment Issues

6.3 UK Apprenticeship and Work Experience Schemes

Apprenticeship schemes

The National Apprenticeship Service co-ordinates apprenticeships in the UK, helps with funding, and is effectively the ‘governing body’ for apprenticeships. The National Apprenticeship Service works with learning providers in local areas and Sector Skills Councils, who run the apprenticeship schemes. 100% funding is available for these schemes for 16-18 year-olds, and up to 50% funding is available for those over aged 19.

It is possible that the new Conservative-Liberal Democrat government will amend the treatment of apprenticeships and work experience schemes, and the National Apprenticeship Service warns on its website that: "A new UK Government took office on 11 May 2010. As a result the content on this site may not reflect current Government policy." However, no further detail was available in autumn 2010; it is possible that the spending review expected later in 2010 will provide clarity.

There are three levels of apprenticeship available for those over age 16:

• Apprenticeship Where an apprentice strives towards work-based qualifications such as NVQ Level 2, Key Skills and a knowledge-based qualification such as BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council). This apprenticeship is equivalent to five GCSE passes.
• Advanced Apprenticeship This is the next level of apprenticeship and works towards NVQ Level 3 qualification and a BTEC qualification. Those who have completed the Apprenticeship scheme can progress to this level (or anyone with a minimum of five GCSEs may also qualify).
• Higher Apprenticeship Working towards NVQ Level 4 or a foundation degree.

To complement the on-the-job training that an apprentice must undergo, it is usual to arrange part-time training at a local college – day release is common. There, an apprentice can supplement and hone the skills they require.

There are almost 200 different types of apprenticeship across a range of business sectors. These include:

• Agriculture and Horticulture
  • Livestock, animal care, environmental conservation, equine, fencing, floristry, veterinary nursing
• Arts, Media & Publishing
  • creative arts, design, photography
• Business, Administration & Law
  • accounting, financial services, business administration, customer service, marketing, payroll, retail motor industry, sales
• Construction
  • electrical, plumbing, surveying, heating & ventilation, engineering
• Education
• Engineering & Manufacturing
  • haulage of goods, driving goods vehicles, electricity supply, engineering, food manufacture, furniture & interiors, gas supply, marine industry, public transport (driving), printing & packaging, rail transport (engineering & operations)
• Health Care & Public Services
  • child care, advice & guidance, dental nursing, fire service, health & social care, housing, laboratory technicians, optical, pharmaceutical, youth work
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Leisure, Travel & Tourism
  • leisure & learning, aviation operations, cabin crew, sporting excellence, travel & tourism
• Retail & Commercial Enterprise
• Hairdressing, beauty therapy, cleaning services, hospitality & catering, logistics operations management, mailing services, property services, purchasing & supply, retail, spa therapy, warehousing & storage

The National Apprenticeship Service also offers an online service where employers and learning providers can advertise their vacancies.

From October 2010, a new minimum wage requirement (previously, the minimum payment level was set at GBP95 per week) is put in place for all apprentices aged under 19, and those aged over 19 that are in the first year of their apprenticeship. Under the new scheme, employers are obliged to pay their apprentices a minimum of GBP2.50 per hour spent working, or on work-related training.

Work experience schemes

The National Council for Work Experience (http://www.work-experience.org) promotes and supports work experience and assists students and employers alike. Guides are available on their website giving information on various schemes.

Legally, students may only carry out work experience in their last two years of compulsory schooling, or by students taking courses after the age of 16. The placements must occur on an employer’s premises. Local schools and colleges work closely with the local education authorities and employers to arrange such placements, which are intended to be ‘hands-on’ experiences.

Introductory Guides

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