Improving Modern Apprenticeships

Modern Apprenticeships provide work related learning for employees so they can gain the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to do their job efficiently and productively. Employers gain a committed and skilled workforce that contributes to the success of their business, through increased productivity and profitability.

Jo-Anne Bryan, Project Manager for Apprenticeship Frameworks, said: “Well-trained employees are more important than ever to businesses as they aim to meet today’s many challenges. Modern Apprenticeships are a great way for employers to ensure their workforce has the practical skills and qualifications they need now, and in the future.”

Modern Apprenticeships offer work-based learning, specific to the needs of the industry, which can be delivered entirely in the workplace or a combination of workplace and an approved college or training provider. An additional feature is that the Modern Apprenticeship framework includes ‘core skills’ that employers need - communication, working with others, problem solving, IT and numeracy.

Ms Bryan continued: “Lantra is responsible for making sure that employers have a say in the design of qualifications and learning, so we would encourage employers to take part in a consultation to ensure the Modern Apprenticeships are relevant and up-to-date. The aquaculture Modern Apprenticeship needs to meet the many changing needs of the aquaculture industry and we are inviting employers and other industry representatives to comment on the framework that sets out what the Modern Apprenticeship will involve.”

The consultation process is starting with a questionnaire, available online throughout November 2009 until Sunday 6 December 2009. Currently in aquaculture there is only a Modern Apprenticeship at Level 3, so employers are being asked whether there is a need for a Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship. Lantra will use this information to feedback and make sure the framework encompasses all the skills required by today’s employers, and determine the need for a Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship. Modern Apprenticeships at Level 2 are also now eligible for funding as the Skillseekers programme is being phased out.

Ms Bryan added: “These questionnaires will be a great opportunity for employers to let us know what they need from a Modern Apprenticeship. However, if you’re unable to take part in the online consultation, there are other ways to get involved as further consultation meetings will take place later this year in various UK locations. One of the meetings will take place in Inverness, Scotland on Thursday 10 December 2009.

To complete the questionnaire please visit http://www.lantra.co.uk/stakeholders/apprenticeships/phase-three-reviews/aquaculture-apprenticeship-framework/ .