Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what qualifications other than NVQs are required as part of apprenticeships.

As apprenticeships are a devolved matter, this answer refers to England only.

Currently apprenticeships which meet the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England (SASE) require qualifications that confirm competency in the occupational area and provide underpinning knowledge. Different qualifications may be used, for example NVQs, certificates or diplomas including BTEC HNCs or Ds. Apprenticeships also require English and maths qualifications, usually Functional Skills or GCSEs (at a minimum level 1 for an Intermediate apprenticeship; or level 2 for an Advanced apprenticeship). Other qualifications, for example in ICT may also be required where relevant to the job. The apprentice is deemed to have completed their apprenticeship when they have met these individual qualification requirements.

The developer of the framework (usually a Sector Skills Council) will specify the particular qualification titles.

In future every apprentice will train towards the achievement of an employer-designed apprenticeship standard which sets out what the apprentice will know and be able to do by the end of their apprenticeship. The policy on mandatory requirements is currently being revised.

A list of the approved standards designed by employers is at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/apprenticeship-standards