Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are learning programmes intended to lead to the acquisition and application of the skills, knowledge and understanding required by employers. Devised by sectors skills councils and standard setting bodies in consultation with employers, apprenticeships in England and Wales comprise the following four elements:

• Competence-based element - for example, a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
• Knowledge-based element -for example, a technical certificate
• Transferable skills - for example the key skills of Communication and Application of Number
• Employment rights and responsibilities - determined by the sector skills council or standard setting body

In England and Wales, Apprenticeships are available at level 2 and level 3 (Advanced Apprenticeships) for young people from the age of 16.