Successful Implementation of Apprenticeships The British Experience

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Higher Education and TVET college Partnerships in 20+ countries. In Pakistan with Premier Energy and University of Central Punjab 4 Main Campuses and 4 smaller campuses throughout South East of Northern Ireland 32,000 enrolments per annum Over 5,200 business clients 40+ professional and technical areas Courses from Entry level 0 through Level 2 (GCSE) Level 3 (A level) Level 4 (HNC) Level 5 (HND/ Foundation Degree) Level 6 (BA/BSc) Level 7 (Masters)

Apprenticeship Models across the UK In each region within the UK, apprenticeships are administered differently with a variety of structures and qualifications. In England a target of 3 million apprentices by 2020 has been set NI Apprenticeships have been very successful and are still evolving NI has 2% of the UK population but regularly attains 50% of the medals won by UK apprentices at World Skills There are two apprenticeship schemes, ApprenticeshipNI for Levels 2 & 3 and Higher Level Apprenticeships for Levels 4 – 8.

2 3 4 - 8 Apprenticeships Apprenticeship Higher Level Apprenticeship Apprenticeship: Apprentices must be contracted to work minimum 21hrs per week Employers must adhere to the current NI National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage Regulations Usually 2 year Programmes Usually 1 day per week at College but flexible for industry needs Work-based assessment in the Workplace Professional & Technical Vocational Qualifications and more, Enterprise skills and creating entrepreneurs - Getting The Edge Level 2 Apprenticeship Delivered by Colleges and other Training providers 3 4 - 8 Higher Level Apprenticeship Delivered by Colleges and Universities

Curriculum and Specialist Areas Animal Management Applied Science Computer Network Infrastructure Electronic Engineering Fabrication and Welding Heavy Vehicle Engineering Mechatronics Mechanical Engineering Motor Sport Motor Vehicle Diagnostics Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Renewable Energies Software Engineering Brickwork Construction Studies Hospitality & Catering Gas Installation Electrical Installation Joinery & Carpentry Plastering Plumbing Sport Science Sports Studies Tourism Horticulture Business Services Aromatherapy Art & Design Beauty Business Studies Early Years Hairdressing Health & Social Care Languages Media Studies Music Performance & Technology Performing Arts Digital Transformation & Systems Development IELTS Centre Essentials skills – English Maths and ICT ESOL First Aid GCSE & A Levels Health & Safety Mentoring Teacher Training PBL Leadership & Management Quality & Business Processes     Bold Text = Specialist Areas

Higher Level Apprenticeships Level 4 - 8 HLAs are delivered by Colleges and Universities New or existing employees who are entering a new job role are eligible Duration 2 years - usually 1 day or evening per week in College Main qualification a Foundation Degree or Level 4/5 Professional Qualification

Features of Best Practice Key features: Employer engagement Quality of teaching and learning Tracking of progress and Support Participating in Skills Competitions

Engagement with Employers to establish the apprenticeship The best apprenticeships are those where the College has worked with employers to agree Modules, Content and Assessment Plans For example, recently SERC has engaged with employers in the Security Systems Industry, Fabrication & Welding Industry and the Polymers Industry to design new programmes The Curriculum Framework provides a basis but the College and employers decide on which specific modules should be delivered, any additional qualifications which should be added in, the mode of attendance in College, how assessment will be carried out This collaboration ensures that the apprentices are gaining the specific skills that they need for the workplace using industry standard equipment

High Quality Teaching and Training Investing in staff with current industrial experience and CPD is critical SERC has invested heavily in the development of Project Based Learning with mentors ensuring that this approach which develops practical skills has been fully embedded All apprenticeship tutors have been trained through the College’s ILT Pedagogy Mentoring programme to enable them to develop on-line, interactive learning materials Supportive lesson observations take place regularly with feedback given to tutors All apprenticeship programmes have an annual Self-Evaluation Review with a Quality Improvement Plan drawn up which is monitored throughout the year

Tracking of Progress and Support Overall SERC apprentices have the highest achievement rates in UK The College has a bespoke MIS system, designed in-house, which tracks the progress of all apprentices against all of the qualifications in their framework Reviews of apprentice progress take place every 6 weeks with the apprentice and the employer involved If any apprentice is behind with work, interventions are put in place to help them achieve. E.g. additional college time, extra training in the work place or mentoring

Participation in Skills Competitions SERC actively encourages it’s apprentices to take part in competitions such as UK Skills and World Skills; SERC has recently had medal winners in Refrigeration, Brickwork, Joinery, Catering & Hospitality, Motor Vehicle and Plant Maintenance; SERC tutors provide coaching to apprentices in preparation for Skills Competitions; The increase skills of apprentices are then applied in the workplace and improve the skills level of the economy as a whole.

Summary ‘You cannot clap with one hand alone’ Pakistani Proverb Many great results cannot be obtained without cooperation. SERC are keen to collaborate for mutual advantage