SVQs and Modern Apprenticeships

What is a Modern Apprenticeship?

Modern Apprenticeships offer those aged over sixteen paid employment combined with the opportunity to train for jobs at craft, technician and management level. They are an exciting way of gaining skills and qualifications that will help to start a career without having to study full-time, and are available now across a wide range of industries.

Designed to help create a high-calibre work force and to strengthen the training system in Scotland, Modern Apprenticeships were developed in 1994 by employer-led partnerships between National Training Organisations (NTOs) and Local Enterprise Companies (LECs). They are supported by the Confederation of Business and Industry, the Trade Union Congress and a wide range of employers. All the Modern Apprenticeship frameworks are developed by the industry or sector in which they will be implemented and therefore encompass all the skills you require to become a craftsman, technician or manager in that area. Modern Apprenticeship frameworks can also be used as the basis for training of more mature employees.

What do they offer?

As a Modern Apprentice you will be employed from the very start of your training and receive a wage from your employer. You will then be given the chance to develop expertise and knowledge through on-the-job assessment as well as gaining vital skills such as team work and problem solving. Many Modern Apprentices also attend colleges or training centres to study the theory relating to their chosen occupation. To make sure the combination of theory and practice is right for you a Training Agreement will be drawn up that is unique to you. Through your Training Agreement, you, your employer and LEC are all committed to your development. With the right combination of theory and practice your career will be on track and you will gain a nationally recognised, high level qualification - a SVQ at Level 3.

What will the training consist of and what qualifications are available?

Although each Modern Apprenticeship framework is specific to a particular industry or sector, they are all made up of three parts:

SVQ Level 3

The occupational SVQ/NVQs for the sector at Level 3 are the core of every framework. Some frameworks may specify progression routes, which allow apprentices to work towards a Level 2 initially, and then progress to the Level 3 and Level 4 SVQ.

Core Skills

Everyone, regardless of the job they are doing, needs certain skills which help them to become a more flexible employee, able to adapt to constantly changing work situations. These skills are known as Core Skills and are:

Communication
Working With Others
Numeracy
Information Technology
Problem Solving

Additional Components

To encourage employees development and broaden training, some Modern Apprenticeships also contain additional components that vary from industry to industry. They may include additional units from other SVQ, industry-specific qualifications or academic qualifications such as Higher National Certificates and Diplomas.

More Information

If you think a Modern Apprenticeship could be the right choice for you, speak to your Careers Adviser or Guidance Teacher or contact your local Careers Office. You will be able to discuss all the options and find out what you can achieve through Modern Apprenticeship training. So get moving - recruitment has already started and the right job could be waiting for you!