Welcome Apprenticeship Reforms Skills Funding Agency 27 th February 2015 Edwina Donelan Employer & Delivery Services Manager

What are the main aims? High quality Higher expectations of English and maths, more assessment at end of apprenticeship and introducing grading Employer driven Ensuring rigorous training that will support economic growth Simple Complex frameworks to be replaced by standards of around two pages written by employers

Trailblazers led the way in implementing the reforms Large and small employers developing new apprenticeship standards and assessment approaches for key occupations in their sectors More than 1,000 employers are directly involved so far, others responding to consultations Training organisations, awarding organisations and professional bodies also supporting the groups Employer groups

Development phases Phase 1 8 employer groups 20 standards and 13 assessment plans published Starts in 14/15 Phase 2 29 groups 31 standards, now developing assessment plans Potential starts in 14/15 Phase 3 37 groups announced in Oct more standards being developed These were prioritised from 100+ EOIs Ongoing rounds of development thereafter

More information Keep up to date: Published standards and those in development: Guidance: guidance-for-trailblazers

Get involved… Providers interested in getting involved, can (AoC, AELP and UVAC co-ordinating support) Employers interested in getting involved, can

The Trailblazers will pave the way for full implementation of the reforms during 2015/16 and 2016/17 The aim is that all new apprenticeship starts from 2017/18 will be on the new programme Dual running in the interim, with potential switch off of some frameworks/pathways earlier Transitional arrangements

Designed and written by employers Clear and concise, no more than two pages long Includes: occupation title, occupational profile, ‘knowledge, skills and behaviours,’ duration, qualifications, entry requirements, professional recognition, level, review date, high-level assessment strategy Standards

English and mathematics All apprenticeships will last a minimum of 12 months Core and options Consultation Standards

Assessment plans – what, how and who should assess Synoptic, end-point assessment Grading – at least two levels Independent and consistent Assessment plans

On-going formative assessment based on performance management systems, one qualification from six options End-point assessment: work-based project, portfolio, panel interview/viva (third party assessor), co-ordinated by provider Pass or distinction English and mathematics at level 2 Pathway to professional recognition Example: Financial Services Administrator – level 3

Two occupations: Installation Electrician, Maintenance Electrician New qualification with some on-going assessment, pre- requisite to AM2 synoptic end-point assessment Eligible for EngTech registration (professional body) Grading English and mathematics at level 2 Example: Electrotechnical - level 3

Benefits Employers in the driving seat Simplified apprenticeship standards Increased quality of apprenticeships Recognition for apprentices who demonstrate high level performance Increased flexibility for training delivery

Getting ready The apprenticeship reforms are significant, changing the relationship between employers and those delivering training Training organisations will need to adapt to deliver the new apprenticeship standards

Support Utilise training and support: Education and Training Foundation, Apprenticeship Staff Support Programme Agency workshops Provider networks Trailblazer events and product launches

Employers will select a lead provider to coordinate their training and assessment delivery Employers will agree a price for their delivery with their chosen providers. Providers can include many of the services they offer as part of their price Government will pay £2 for every £1 of this price invested by an employer up to the cap for the standard Employer Incentive Payments are paid: for year old - 50% at 3 months and 50% at 12 months For small businesses – 100% at 3 months For completion - at the end of the Apprenticeship Employers have complete flexibility on what they use any incentive payments for Trailblazer funding model trial 2014/15

Final model for mainstream not yet decided (implementation 2016/2017) Minister committed to current trailblazer model for 14/15 starts The Trailblazers funding model for AY 14/15 is a commitment for starts up to 31 st July 2015 only Full implementation of the funding reforms is currently planned for 2016/17 The aim is that all new apprenticeship starts from 2017/18 will be on the new programme Timetable for funding reform

Implications The delivery of training and assessment is a commercial agreement between employer and provider Government £2 payment is a triggered payment - by provider receipt of employer £1 contribution Delivery milestones and payment schedules agreed need to reflect balance and timing of cost/expenditure Provider services for employers, particularly for SMEs remain an important part of the provider offer Payment schedules may differ from employer to employer

Funding flow & dual running Dual Running 2014/15 – Mainstream Frameworks & Trailblazer standards both funded via current systems: 1.Learner separately identified as a Trailblazer on the ILR 2.Lead provider will administer all funding for all (employer chosen) providers including the assessment organisation. Payment by employer to lead provider specifically/only to their agreed payment schedule 3.Lead provider, on receipt of employer contribution, updates ILR to confirm amount received and 4.Agency pays lead provider the linked Government co-investment 5.Lead provider invoiced by other providers and makes incentive payments