A Briefing Event for Higher Education Institutions, Further Education Colleges, Training Providers, Professional Bodies and Partners

Date:   4^th April 2014

Time:   10.30 – 13.00

Venue: Aston University

 ‘Our goal is for it to become the norm for young people to go into an Apprenticeship or to university or – in the case of some Higher Apprenticeships – do both.’

Matthew Hancock MP, Minister for Skills and Enterprise

 In the Autumn of 2013 the Government published its implementation plan on delivering reforms to Apprenticeships in response to the recommendations of the Richard Review.

The reforms, which encompass Apprenticeship development at level 4 (Certificate of Higher Education) to level 7 (Master’s Degree level), have significant implications for Higher Education.  Employer-led Trailblazers have been formed and these are developing higher level Apprenticeship standards describing the skill, knowledge, competence and behaviour required for an occupation along with high level details of how assessment will happen.  Standards will meet professional registration requirements in sectors where they exist.  Although Apprenticeship standards will only be allocated levels once developed it appears many Trailblazers have the potential to focus on higher level occupations.

The briefing event will cover:

• Good practice and opportunities for HE engagement in existing Higher Apprenticeships

• Progress with the implementation plan and the Trailblazers established to develop new Apprenticeship standards and forms of assessment

• Examples and coverage of Apprenticeship standards

• An interpretation of, and advice on, what the reforms to Apprenticeship and new Apprenticeship standards mean for Higher Education in terms of:

–  Recruiting new cohorts of learners, supporting Advanced Apprenticeship
progression to higher education and widening participation

–  Engaging employers and developing approaches to workforce development

–  Modes of delivery and assessment

–  Working with professional bodies to develop work-based learning programmes
that lead to professional membership and registration.

There is no cost for attending the briefing, but numbers are limited and will be allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis.  The event is supported by the National Apprenticeship Service and Skills Funding Agency.

To reserve your place, please email Caroline McKevitt with your name, organisation and phone number.