Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a genuine job with an accompanying assessment and skills development programme. It is a way for individuals to earn while they learn, gaining valuable skills, competence and knowledge in a specific job role. The apprentice gains this through a wide mix of learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training and the opportunity to practise new skills in a real work environment. Apprenticeships benefit employers and individuals, and by boosting the skills of the workforce they help to improve economic productivity.

Framework

Frameworks are primarily qualification-focused. The main aim at the end of a framework is to have achieved a competency-based qualification, such as a Diploma, NVQ, and/or a technical qualification, such as a BTEC.

Standards

Standards are occupation-focused; they are not generally qualification-led. The learning happens throughout the apprenticeship and the apprentice is assessed through an independent End Point Assessment process. Apprentices must demonstrate that they are competent to carry out all aspects of their job. They develop transferable skills and gain credibility too.