Better staff retention, a vibrant development culture, financial gains… it sounds like a dream come true for every modern business. These are just some benefits of investing in a new generation of talent via apprenticeship schemes.
Apprenticeships help you reach out to young people entering the world of work and talented professionals who need a boost to bring out their skills. In this article, we’ll cover everything employers need to know about apprenticeship standards, including setup, fees and more.
What are apprenticeship standards and where do employers come in?
Apprenticeship standards define what apprentices will do during their contract and what’s expected from them. They’re based on Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) required for the job at hand. As an employer, you’ll need to use KSBs to define the expectations of the job role, the skills the apprentice will learn and how they’ll be assessed.
There are (at the time of writing) over 800 different apprenticeship standards available, so you have plenty of choice when selecting what might work best for your role. If you’re working with a training provider as part of your apprenticeship, then they will also have preferred standards that they already work to.
For most employers, this is enough information. However, if you find yourself in a position where none of the current standards meet the specification of the role you want to fulfil via apprenticeship, then you can get involved directly.
Here’s how that works:
6 Employer Responsibilities for Apprenticeship Standards
Ready to set up an apprenticeship standard? Follow these steps.
Join or Set Up a Trailblazer Group
Trailblazer groups are groups of companies responsible for developing apprenticeship standards. To join or set one up, you must be part of a group of employers recognised by the IfATE (the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education).
Submit an Enquiry
First, your business must submit an enquiry to the IfATE, which will decide whether the apprenticeship proposal is suitable. If a similar apprenticeship standard already exists, yours may be rejected. (If this is the case, consider getting involved with the existing standard instead.)
Develop the KSBs
The core curriculum will consist of the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) required from the apprentices. This task also includes defining the qualifications the learners need to pass the apprenticeship to prove they’ve achieved the KSBs.
Define the Assessments and EPA
Your apprentices will complete the end-point assessment (EPA) at the end of their contract. The IfATE expects you to create an EPA that clearly demonstrates whether the learner has achieved the KSBs. Keep in mind that the ETA will be assessed by an independent third-party organisation, which you’ll need to get in touch with.
Define the Grading
Next up, your business must outline clear grading criteria for each assessment. Generally, these align with ‘pass,’ ‘merit’ and ‘distinction’ guidelines. Remember that an independent third party will assess the learner’s end-point assessment (EPA), meaning you should also define what the assessment organisation should look for.
Hit ‘Submit’
The IfATE has an online apprenticeship builder where you’ll make your submission. It includes templates and guidance for uploading all the necessary info: EPA plans, initial proposals, funding evidence and more. You’ll have the chance to make changes if it’s rejected, and the approval process usually takes eight weeks.
Rules for Apprenticeship Standards Every Employer Should Know
- The apprenticeship must last at least 12 months.
- As the employer, you’ll need to co-sign an apprenticeship training plan with the learner and the training provider.
- You’ll need to keep a record of the apprentice’s workplace attendance.
- Be sure to agree on a total price for the cost of training and assessments within your organisation.
- All employers must pay the training provider directly. You should agree on a payment schedule contract beforehand.
Apprentices Can Make Your Business Boom
The financial and cultural benefits of offering apprenticeship training positively outweigh the investment needed to set up the programme.
Want to get your apprenticeship scheme off the ground and find fresh new talent? Advertise your apprenticeships to thousands of potential learners by getting in touch with us.
