Specification for Apprenticeships Standards in Wales Andrew Darby Deputy Chief Executive

ASCL Act 2009  Implementation in bits from 6 April 2011  Apprenticeships: SASW/SASE - new framework codes from funding body Apprenticeship Agreement - on hold  SSC/SSB involvement Create new (update old blueprint) frameworks Collect and provide data for Activity Cost Model (England) Funding in Wales – DCELLS advisory group

SASW Frameworks  One framework per industry with pathways Foundation Apprenticeship (L2) and Apprenticeship (L3)  Hairdressing Level 2 FA and Level 3 A Hairdressing Combined hair Natural African Type hair Chemically treated African Type hair  Barbering Level 2 FA and Level 3 A Barbering Barbering for African Type hair

SASW Frameworks  Beauty Therapy Level 2 FA and Level 3 A General L2 and L3 Make up L2 and L3 Massage L3  Nail Services Level 2 FA and Level 3 A  Spa Therapy Level 3 A

SASW Changes  Process Apprenticeship Frameworks Online (AFO) Publishing draft frameworks on Habia website Framework Developers Issuing Authorities  Style Standard text PDF output option Compliance : High Quality

SASW Content  Steady state as far as possible  NVQ Diplomas (“combined qualifications”) With Qualification Reference Numbers Units listed with credits for Competence and Knowledge  Essential Skills Wales Key Skills ceased registrations Key Skills will cease certification ICT mandatory at both levels No Proxies  Wider Key Skills Covered in NVQ Diplomas = no separate certification (PLTS in England only)

Employee Rights and Responsibilities  New “nine national outcomes” titles Delivery content same Seven sections under previous titles  Delivery and assessment options Strengthened quality assurance Habia work book and certificate £ £ £250 per three years (at least one visit) Habia online £13 + £250 per three years (at least one visit) Provider own – checked + at least one visit + endorsement by Habia £500 per three years Awarding Organisation QCF qualification est £25/candidate

Hours On and Off the Job  Statutory programme = protected rights for learners  Need to record softened Apprenticeship components delivered = hours completed  Won’t be audited by DCELLS but... Estyn will inspect against framework Learner may demand evidence if disputed  Customisation RPL criteria and evidence Prior attainment Prior experience

For more info  Habia Apprenticeship Website  Half day workshop needed?  Apprenticeship Frameworks Online website (Semta)  SASW – DCELLS or Careers Wales?  (England SASE – NAS Partners website Q+A section for policy updates)

Pathways to Apprenticeships Pat Roberts PTA Project Manager

Objectives  The objectives for the project as stated in the DCELLS Activity Proforma were as follows:  Increased Employer Engagement  Maintain industry commitment and interest in Apprenticeships  Encouragement for companies to engage with apprentices who have not previously considered this option  Evaluation of Effectiveness of Programme  Raise the profile of Hairdressing and Beauty apprenticeships

Recruitment and Retention  The overall numbers bid for by the participating colleges and actual recruitment reported in March 2010 was as follows: Number Bid For Number Recruited % Hairdressing % Beauty % Total % On programme at the end of the year %

Hair and Beauty PTA Outcomes Number of Learners on Programme Number of Learners progressing onto Apprentice- ship Number of Learners progressing into FE Number of Learners progressing to Other Progression of Learners Not Known Employed 2 Unemployed 2 Moved away 1 University 8 Pregnant 3 changed occupation 2 Withdrawn %64%19.9%3.6%

Programme Strengths  Range of programme delivery including Fast Track 1 year programme Collaboration with Private Training Agencies Summer Skills courses for PTA learners  Other examples include Employers invited into colleges to watch PTA`s working with a view to placements Employers invited to range of information events Opportunity for Lecturers to meet with Employers informally

Programme Strengths cont/. Range of additional qualifications offered  L2 Customer Service  Cert in Working in Professional Hairdressing.  Diploma in Health and Safety  L2 Cosmetic Make up  L3 Indian Head Massage  L2 Cert in Manicure  L2 Sales & Marketing  L2 Nail Treatments  L 2 Dermatitis Certificate  Barbering Units  Beauty Units  Reception Units

Employer Engagement  Official data in 2007 showed approximately 2500 businesses in hair and beauty in Wales.  Employs 10,152 people representing 4.1% of the UK hair and beauty workforce.  42.2% of the hair and beauty workforce are self employed.  Current searches on Yell.com show: 2257 hairdressing salons 4166 mobile hairdressers listed 1594 beauty salons 3276 mobile beauty therapists, spread throughout Wales.  193 employers involved in the programme.  Difficulties in offering apprenticeship or employment, in the current economic climate.  A few salons have offered part time employment to learners.

Evaluation  Partially met main objective to increase progression to employed status apprenticeships Why?  late start to the programme  recruited for existing full time programmes  assumption by both learners and lecturers - progression route: complete level 2 further full time courses at level 3 ie not apprenticeship Positive outcomes  Anecdotally, higher rate of progression (64%) to L3 full time courses, compared to non-PTA groups  5 Beauty Therapy Modern Apprenticeship completers

Conclusion  Learner discussions very positive about the programme. They liked the work based element and could see benefits of extra hours and additionality, many said they were “lucky to be on the programme”  Increase in the number of learners progressing to Level 3 qualifications is positive  Number of learners gaining some kind of employment, full or part-time  Increased contact between colleges and industry ie employers  Collaboration between Colleges and Training Providers.  All objectives have been wholly or partially met.