Q.

What is the NAS?

A.

The National Apprenticeship Service has end-to-end responsibility for the delivery of Apprenticeships. It has ultimate accountability for the national delivery of targets, co-ordination of the funding for Apprenticeship places, assessment of providers of Apprenticeships, co-ordinating and leading a national marketing and information service, establishing and maintaining a national matching service for employers and would-be apprentices, ownership of the Apprenticeships blueprint, and development of a model Apprenticeship agreement. In addition it will have responsibility for the administration of the Apprenticeship ‘credit’ initiative and management of a task force initiative to overcome particular barriers to the growth of the programme, along with responsibility for promoting Apprenticeships and their value to employers, learners and the country as a whole.

Q.

What is the Field Force?

A.

The Apprenticeship Field Force will provide support for employers from initial interest in an Apprenticeship through to its completion and further progression. This field force will also be available to support the providers of information, advice and guidance where appropriate so as to ensure that correct and up-to-date information about Apprenticeships is consistent and widely available.

Q.

How can I find out more about Apprenticeships?

A.

Finding out more could not be simpler. Send in your details by completing the form on the www. apprenticeships.org website. Or if you prefer, call 08000 150 600 and give your details over the telephone. A local skills broker will then contact you.

Q.

What is Apprenticeship vacancies?

A.

Apprenticeship vacancies is an online portal which provides all the information available on Apprenticeships. It is designed to provide opportunities to match potential apprentices with employers who have vacancies. Apprenticeship vacancies will also track learners’ and employers’ progress through the system and identify where intervention is needed, whilst also recording information on Apprenticeships and the employers that offer them.

Q.

I'm interested in taking on an apprentice – what do I do next?

A.

Call 08000 150 600 or go to website www.apprenticeships.org.uk to submit your details on an online form.

Q.

What happens after I submit the form?

A.

Once NAS has received your details, one of the local NAS offices or a local learning provider will contact you with more information on what is available locally. Alternatively if you are a national business employing staff across the UK, the NES will contact you to explain how they can help.

Q.

Who is eligible for an Apprenticeship?

A.

All staff – whether they are new recruits or existing staff.

Q.

Who pays the training costs?

A.

Your business will receive financial assistance towards the cost of training of Apprenticeships. Most apprentices are employed by business and paid a salary that reflects their skills, experience, age and ability.

Q.

Do all industries subscribe to Apprenticeships?

A.

There are over 190 frameworks for Apprenticeships meaning you may have many which could fit into your business. If you do not yet have Apprenticeships available in your sector, talk to your Sector Skills Council to see if one is being set up, or could be created.

Q.

Is an Apprenticeship a recognised qualification?

A.

Completion of an Apprenticeship is recognised by the awarding of a completion certificate by the Sector Skills Council.

Q.

Will there be a mountain of paperwork involved in recruiting or setting up an Apprenticeship?

A.

Your learning provider will support you through the training process by working with you to set up the training programme and managing assessments.

Q.

Can I get help with recruiting a suitable apprentice?

A.

Yes. You can use Apprenticeship vacancies - the online matching service. Over 200,000 people have signed up on this site looking for an Apprenticeship. Your learning provider can support you through the training process by working with you and the apprentice to agree a training programme and handle assessments and quality control.

Q.

How many other companies have taken part in Apprenticeships?

A.

In 2008/09 nearly 240,000 new apprentices began their careers, being trained by UK companies including Network and Task Force members BP plc, BT Retail, Tesco plc, Compass Group plc, BAE Systems plc, Ford Motor Company, and Carillion plc.

Q.

How are Apprenticeships developed and who sets the course content?

A.

Apprenticeships are designed by business for business. Sector Skills Councils composed of business representatives from the relevant sector or industry decide on the course content within their own sector. And because they genuinely understand your business, the training will be wholly relevant.

Q.

What is the role of the AAN and other organisations in Apprenticeships?

A.

The NAS is responsible for funding and delivery, contracting with training providers and others; SSCs determine design and content in line with nationally agreed guidelines; the AAN champions and promotes Apprenticeships to the business community.

Q.

What is the relationship between Apprenticeships and the new Diplomas for 14 to 19 year olds?

A.

Diplomas provide for broad-based employability skills with opportunities for progression (either on completion or part way through) to Apprenticeships. The first five Diplomas - in ICT, Social Health and Development, Engineering, Creative and Media and Construction and the built environment -began in September 2008. From September 2010, there will be diplomas available in 14 subjects.

Q.

Does the national minimum wage apply to apprentices?

A.

The government accepted a recommendation from the Low Pay Commission (LPC) in March 2010 to introduce an apprentice minimum wage of £2.50 per hour from 1 October 2010. The new rate will apply to apprentices under 19 and apprentices , aged 19 and over, but in the first year of their apprenticeship.

Q.

What is a Group Training Association (GTA)?

A.

A GTA is a public-private learning partnership where employers jointly subscribe to external off-the-job training centres for their apprentices. There are over 40 GTAs in key industrial areas across the country serving the construction and engineering sectors. GTAs operate as charitable organisations, governed by a board drawn from employer members.