UVAC, working with the Mixed Economy Group of colleges (MEG), was commissioned to work with the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) to consult and advise on potential modifications to the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England (SASE) for Higher Apprenticeship.  UVAC’s Chair Professor Joy Carter was asked to lead the review (working with UVAC’s Chief Executive) and to act as the Higher Education Champion for Higher Apprenticeship.  MEG nominated Rachel Davies of Somerset College to act as the Further Education Champion for Higher Apprenticeship and two employer Higher Apprenticeship Champions were appointed –  Sara Caplan of PWC and Ian Ferguson of Metaswitch.  A Higher Apprentice, Rachel Hoyle of BAeSystems, was also asked to act as a Champion.

UVAC advised on the proposed Higher Apprenticeship vision, the consultation document, consultation questions and, with NAS and MEG, ran two consultation events.  UVAC (with MEG) then analysed the responses to the consultation and produced a detailed report with recommendations and an executive summary.  A submission was then prepared which reflected the analysis undertaken and this was submitted by NAS to the Secretary of State.

A Higher Apprenticeship Reception was held at the House of Commons in December 2012, hosted by Matthew Hancock MP.  An additional print run of the UVAC journal special issue The changing face of Apprenticeships: an International perspective was arranged and funded by the National Apprenticeship Service and this was distributed to attendees (with associated publicity) at the event. To see photos from the event, click here.  (Photographs credited to the National Apprenticeship Service).

Announcements regarding the changes to SASE have now been made.  More information here.