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Apprenticeships Explained
Apprenticeships are a highly effective form of vocational learning, designed to promote career excellence through a full and diverse programme of training. Over the years JHP Training has helped many thousands of people to achieve Apprenticeships and NVQs, and they remain our principal area of training provision.
This section aims to outline the different emphases of the Apprenticeship Framework's three components: Technical Certificates, National Vocational Qualifications and Key Skills, as well as answering frequently answered questions on course details, eligibility and funding.
Technical Certificates
Technical Certificates are vocationally related qualifications, which aim to increase a candidate's effectiveness by developing the skills and knowledge relevant to their chosen occupational area.
Theoretically focused but practically applied, TCs offer a valuable advantage to employers who want to stay competitive in the market place, increasing their skills base with qualifications to industry standards.
Technical Certificates are taught by qualified JHP staff, through a programme of off-the-job training, and include an element of external assessment.
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)
The most practical component of the Apprenticeship Framework is the NVQ, a nationally recognised qualification which assesses a candidate's knowledge of their employment area and experience in their role.
Through completing a series of mandatory and optional units, employees demonstrate their competencies in a number of different aspects of their job role, gaining confidence as they apply their growing expertise in real work situations.
NVQs are assessed in the workplace by qualified JHP Assessors, who make regular visits to monitor progress during the course of the programme - a high level of support and guidance which has been proven to increase employee motivation.
Key Skills
Key Skills qualifications are broader in scope than NVQs and Technical Certificates, and focus on transferable skills which employees use all the time, whatever their job role. Their aim is to build on aptitudes learnt in full-time education, which are essential in any work environment.
There are six Key Skills, common to all Apprenticeships, which may be taken at different levels depending on the employment area:
- Communication
- Application of Number
- Information Technology
- Working with Others
- Improving own Learning and Performance
- Problem Solving
Frequently Asked Questions - Apprenticeships and NVQs
Who is eligible to complete an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are government funded programmes, aimed at addressing the skills needs of our economy by upskilling young adults. For this reason, the training can be delivered, at no cost to you, for any employee under the age of 25.
What about employees who are aged 25 or over?
There are many instances, on a regional basis, where funding is available for employees who are over 25 to complete an NVQ as a separate qualification. For further advice and information, please contact your local JHP Business Centre.
What levels are Apprenticeships and NVQs set at?
Apprenticeship programmes are set at two different levels: Apprenticeships, incorporating an NVQ Level 2, are equivalent to five GCSEs at grades A-C, and Advanced Apprenticeships, including an NVQ Level 3, are equivalent to two A Levels.
How is the qualification level for a particular candidate decided?
Decisions on which programme a employee will undertake are based on the nature of their job role and previous experience - JHP Training will provide advice and guidance to both staff and employers on which level is the most appropriate.
How long do Apprenticeships and NVQs take to complete?
There is no set time limit for the completion of an Apprenticeship or NVQ, however it is generally expected that a programme should take between one and two years, depending on the candidate's job role and the level and type of qualification being undertaken.
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