National Forum of Engineering Centres Pre-Apprenticeship Concept Raising the Profile Bob Millington – Director, National Liaison and Regional Coordination

Rationale The Wolf Report reiterated Government priority of increasing young peoples access to apprenticeships Reduce significantly the risk (particularly to SMEs) of recruiting apprentices IPPR support for Pre-Apprenticeships

Rationale Ofsted advocating Pre-Apprenticeships Skills Minister sees Pre-Apprenticeships as unfinished business and ….we need to develop a better pre-apprenticeship product Withdrawal of Young Apprenticeship Scheme

Rationale Change to number of GCSE equivalents for Engineering Diploma

Framework Flexible – must meet needs of local industry Can be developed for all levels of apprenticeship Any vocational area with progression to apprenticeships

Key Quality Aspects Involvement of local industry – broadly three stages: a)Outset - Agreeing content & Structure b)During - Open invitation for Industry to visit provider

Key Quality Aspects c) Toward completion – Using CVs and projected results as basis for selection process. Might include work placement Providers become first Port of Call by industry wishing to recruit apprentices

Key Quality Aspects Development of right work ethic Inclusion of softer skills to help develop personal qualities Opportunity to develop presentational skills – demonstrate something of what has been achieved

Key Quality Aspects Learner of the Year Award Recognition nationally by SSCs, ABs, (in this case) Engineering UK, Eng Council, Ofsted & Government

Outline Programme Content (Example Only) For typical programme to prepare for Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering – please see page 3 of document Fundamentally this should cover Intermediate (Level 2) Apprenticeship Framework

Recognition of Programme Concept Need for developing a Brand and badging for approved programmes Brand quality monitored by Ofsted against Key Quality Aspects

Way Forward –Much already done – Brief NCS and the NAS – Brief Awarding Bodies and SSCs –Meet with John Hayes and share/develop ideas about positioning concept in range of options e.g. Traineeships

Questions/Discussion