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Apprenticeships

What is the Apprenticeships Vacancy Matching Service (AVMS)?

Your quick guide to Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship is a way to continue learning while working and gaining National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).


There are two levels of Apprenticeships:

  • Apprenticeships. Training for skilled and craft jobs.
    This level is also suitable for those new to the industry.
  • Advanced Apprenticeships.Training for technician and supervisory jobs.

What does an Apprenticeship include?
Most of the training for an Apprenticeship is given through a training provider. A training provider works with young people and employers to identify the training required. Some qualifications are delivered in the workplace, others at college or a training centre. Qualifications include:

  • National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) provide practical skills in specific occupational areas.
  • Key Skills qualifications are transferable work-related skills. These include information technology and communication, application of number, problem solving, teamwork and improving learning and performance.
  • Technical certificates are vocationally related qualifications that support the NVQ.

Who can do an Apprenticeship?
Funding for Apprenticeships is available to:

  • young people aged from 16 to 25 years; and
  • existing or new employees.

Connexions help young people aged 16 to 19 years, and up to 25 for young people who have learning difficulties and disabilities, to find Apprenticeships.

How long is an Apprenticeship?
This depends on the individual, but usually 12-36 months.
Some individuals may need additional support to achieve their qualifications. We can explain what help is available.

How Apprenticeships compare with other qualifications

Apprenticeship NVQ Level 2
Equal to:

  • 5 GCSEs at grade A to C; or
  • GNVQ (intermediate level); or
  • Edexcel or BTEC First Diploma.

Advanced Apprenticeship NVQ Level 3
Equal to:

  • 2 A2 levels; or
  • Edexcel or BTEC National Diploma; or
  • vocational A level (AVCE) or GNVQ (advanced level); or
  • an International Baccalaureate qualification.

Apprenticeships Vacancy Matching Service (AVMS)

AVMS is an internet based service accessible at www.apprenticeships.org.uk

AVMS offers the following features;

  • provides a range of information about Apprenticeships for young people and employers.
  • enables employers, through training provider links, to promote specific vacancies fo Apprentices and decide at what stage they sift the applications.
  • enables young people to search for and apply for vacancies.
  • enables young people to submit an expression of interest form to the Apprenticeships Team if there are no current vacancies to interest them. This will result in updates and alerts to these young people as opportunities arise.
  • enables the Apprenticeships Team to monitor the progress of all applications.
  • supports LSC approved training providers to manage the recruitment process within pre-set time frames.

How does it work?
Employers interested in offering Apprenticeships can either use their existing training provider, or a new one can be assigned to provide support throughout the Apprenticeship. The training provider will work closely with you to customise training, assessment and the overall framework to specifically meet your needs. The application and assessment processes are managed in line with your specifications so that you can choose to see all of the applications or only interview selected applicants, who have been shortlisted according to your criteria.

What next?
If you are interested in learning more about the Vacancy Matching Service, please contact the Apprenticeships Team for an informal discussion or go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk for detailed information for employers on how to place a vacancy.

The Vacancy Matching Service will be able to put you in contact with an experienced training provider who will discuss your needs and the opportunities you have to offer, so that we can then promote your opportunities online.

 

Page updated: Saturday June 20, 2009 9:03 AM