English apprenticeships today are based on Standards, developed by employer groups. These Standards are replacing the SASE frameworks, which are being phased out. The Standards are also known as ‘Trailblazer Apprenticeships’
What’s different about the Trailblazer Apprenticeships?
Nobody knows which skills, knowledge and behaviours are needed in a job better than the employer. Food industry employers need apprenticeship training that delivers ‘work ready’ employees. Apprenticeship standards are designed to do just that!
This means employers now have the freedom to choose their own apprenticeship training providers and end-point assessment organisations. What’s more, they also have the flexibility to negotiate apprenticeship training costs and details with a provider or even deliver their own food training.
Trailblazer Apprenticeships have raised the bar on the standards of food skills training. The apprenticeships are challenging and require apprentices to undertake a series of tests, called end-point assessment, or EPA, at the end of their apprenticeship. End-point assessment is one of the biggest changes in apprenticeships. Succeeding at EPA gives both apprentice and employer confidence in their abilities.
Apprenticeships provide more than simply basic training in an occupation. There are now higher level apprenticeships, meaning that businesses can take on apprentices from intermediate level (level 2) right up to a degree level (level 6-7) depending on the nature of the skills required. Also apprenticeships are now graded, which motivates apprentices to work hard and reach for the top grades.
Employing an apprentice within the food industry can be good for your business in a whole host of ways. Apprenticeships not only bring young, professionally trained and qualified people into your company but can also be a cost-effective way of up-skilling existing staff. Add to that the halo effect of having employees motivated by their apprenticeship training – and those new skills can end up being cascaded throughout the business. Better skills combined with increased confidence and motivation are all vital ingredients for business growth. What do employers think? A Department for Education survey of over 4000 employers revealed that:
Interested in taking on an apprentice? Contact us for helpful advice on what the changes to apprenticeships will mean for you – from government funding for apprenticeships to end point assessments.
