Apprenticeships

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?

Developed by employers for employers 

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!

Government funding for apprenticeships is managed by employers

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.

Apprentices need to prove their skills at end-point assessment

To successfully complete their apprenticeship an apprentice must pass their end-point assessment (EPA). EPA consists of a series of approved tests directly related to the job which are rigorously examined by an independent end point assessor. Succeeding at EPA gives both apprentice and employer confidence in their abilities.

Different levels of apprenticeships to suit different business needs

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.

“Apprentices bring a new energy to the business, a new way of thinking”

Troup Bywaters & Anders, SME Employer of the Year National Apprenticeship awards 2020
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‘The best way of learning about anything is by doing’

Sir Richard Branson
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How could my business benefit from taking on an apprentice?

Employing apprentices within the food industry can be good for your business in a whole host of ways. Here’s three for starters:

Attracts new talent into the business which generates fresh ideas and sometimes better ways of working

Upskills existing staff providing career progression opportunities and boosting staff morale and retention

Develops cutting edge skills filling any skills gaps and helping to drive your business forward

What do employers think?

A recent Department for Education survey* of over 4000 employers revealed that:

  • 78% find their productivity has increased as a result of employing apprentices 
  • Over a third are planning to expand their apprenticeship programme in the next 2-3 years
  • 85% find apprenticeship(s) develop relevant skills for their organisation 
  • Over 3 in 4 say apprenticeships improve staff retention
  • End-point assessment is considered a good test of competence by almost 9 out of 10 employers

* Department for Education 2021 Apprenticeships Evaluation Survey

Interested in taking on an apprentice? You’re in good company – 85% of employers would recommend apprenticeships to other employers. Check out the apprenticeship pages to find the right food industry apprenticeship for your business

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