MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS (MAS)

Modern Apprenticeships are mainly for 16 and 17 year old school and college leavers with the ability to gain high levels of skills and qualifications. They are available at Foundation and Advanced Level. The training leads to work-based nationally recognised qualifications at National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 or 3. Trainees also have to complete Key Skills and a Technical Certificate that provides them a wide range of broader work skills. A nationally recognised Modern Apprenticeship Certificate can be awarded at the discretion of the Print & Graphic Communication NTO. Soon to be a Sector Skills Council.

AVAILABLE APPRENTICESHIPS

There are two apprenticeships available to screen and pad printers:

• The Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (FMA) is for those whose medium term aim is to become a skilled machine operator and will have a good understanding of the technical aspects of their chosen profession.
• The Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (AMA) is aimed at those who are more academic and wish to progress to supervisory, team leading and technical roles in the near future. Obtaining a Level 3 NVQ means that they will have a comprehensive technical knowledge of their discipline.

The apprenticeships are made up of 3 basics elements:

NVQS

The candidate will need to complete the relevant NVQ dependant on the occupational route chosen. The NVQs are detailed previously.

TECHNICAL CERTIFICATES

The Technical Certificate required depends on the occupational route chosen. The Technical Certificate will require the apprentice to attend a formal college course with written examinations. Details of the precise Technical Certificates that are available to apprentices will be made available once the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority have agreed them.

KEY SKILLS

Key Skills are essential skills which apprentices need in order to function effectively as members of a flexible, adaptable and competitive workforce. The apprentice must achieve the key skills at the relevant levels as indicated in the qualification matrix above.

Candidates who have achieved a good (A-C) GCSE in English or Maths may not be asked to attempt levels 1 or 2 in key skill qualifications in communication or application of number. In this instance a maximum of three years will be allowed between the award of the GCSE and the registration date of the MA programme.

• The approximate time to complete a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship is 18 – 24 months.
• The approximate time to complete an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship is 24 – 36 months.

APPROXIMATE COST

Depending on the number of candidates in the company, company location and existing level of competence the approximate delivery cost from the SPA Print Qualification Centre is:

Foundation Modern Apprenticeship £7,000 - £10,000
Advanced Modern Apprenticeship £12,000 - £15,000

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

The LSCs (Learning and Skills Councils) will provide funding to support employers wishing to take on apprentices in the right age group. This funding will be subject to criteria agreed by the parties involved. These criteria will include milestones for certain achievements and be dependent on the candidate passing the relevant examinations. Apprenticeships can be completed by anyone of any age but funding is unlikely to be available for mature candidates.

Consideration is being given to the possibility of candidates over 25 years of age being given financial support. Your LSC will be able to give information on this issue.

PDS Consulting will be pleased to give you guidance on accessing funding.