Modern Apprenticeships - for experienced staff

I want to get my more experienced staff onto a Modern Apprenticeship.

What is the first thing to sort out?

Check that the job role (the level of work and the range of the work) of the person, will enable them to be able to meet the standards set out by your sector industry body.

How do you do that?

Contact a training provider / college, experienced in working in your industry sector, and ask them to carry out a "matching exercise" – they will match the content of your employee’s job with the industry standards and advise you.

This matching may not always be necessary as some jobs (for example electrician/technician) are widely recognised for the content of the learning involved in achieving the industry standard. Matching may be a good option if you are considering a Management Modern Apprenticeship, for example.

(Some examples of contacts are at the end of this leaflet – further information may be obtained from HIE Caithness and Sutherland Skills Development team – tel: 01847 805203)

OK, we get that sorted out, what next?

Your chosen training provider / college will be responsible for registering the person as a Modern Apprentice with the appropriate sector industry body – this should be done within the period stipulated by the sector. You should expect that an Assessor from your chosen Training Provider will visit your member of staff from time to time, "on the job", to assess workplace competence and to liaise with you as the employer, about progress, off-the-job training, conditions.

So, where does HIE Caithness and Sutherland come in?

HIE Caithness and Sutherland is a source of information and advice about all the issues around Modern Apprenticeships.

Is there a set period for a Modern Apprenticeship?

The period of time taken to achieve a Modern Apprenticeship depends on factors such as industry sector, age and previous experience of Modern Apprentice, any specific requirements of the industry modern apprenticeship "framework" - for example in the construction sector, Modern Apprentices are required to complete one year on-the-job following their final assessment.

More experienced workers will generally take less time to achieve their Modern Apprenticeship certification than younger workers.

So, it’s all plain sailing?

You are strongly recommended to liaise closely with your Modern Apprentice and Training Provider throughout the apprenticeship period, to make sure that you know about progress and to pre-empt any possible problems or difficulties – this protects your investment in your employee.