(1) The title of this Order is the Apprenticeships (Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales) (Modification) Order 2016 and it comes into force on 14 October 2016.
(2) This Order applies in relation to Wales.
SourceS.I. 2016/930 (W.)
The Apprenticeships (Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales) (Modification) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/930 (W.))
This Order is made under section 29(1) of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (βthe 2009 Actβ). This Order modifies the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales (the βSASWβ) which was originally brought into effect in May 2013 by the Apprenticeships (Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales) Order 2013.
Data synced
In this Order βthe Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Walesβ (β Manyleb Safonau Prentisiaethau Cymru β) means the document given effect to by article 2 of the Apprenticeships (Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales) Order 2013 .
The Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales has effect subject to the modifications specified in the Schedule to this Order.
Schedules
SCHEDULE β Modifications to the Specification of Apprenticeships Standards for Wales
For the introduction to the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales substitute the following text:
(1) The Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales (SASW) sets out the minimum requirements to be included in a recognised Welsh apprenticeship framework. Compliance with the SASW is a statutory requirement of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009, this version incorporates modifications made to the original SASW published in May 2013.
It incorporates modifications to allow βproxyβ qualifications as a recognised alternative to Essential Skills as detailed under each apprenticeship framework level. SASW has also been modified to allow a greater flexibility in obtaining occupational competence by allowing learning to be underpinned by National Occupational Standards (NOS) where they exist, or industry-wide standards or professional standards where they do not. The final modification to SASW is to Employer Rights and Responsibilities (ERR) which are no longer compulsory in SASW frameworks. Other consequential changes have also been made as well as some reordering.
Updated guidance for Welsh issuing authorities is also being issued in a separate document. Welsh issuing authorities must have regard to this updated guidance in reaching a decision on whether a framework submission complies with SASW.
The modifications to SASW have been made by order by the Welsh Ministers.
For paragraphs 2 to 42 of the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales substitute the following text:
8. The occupational competencies and technical knowledge qualification(s) must be either:
a. one offered by an awarding body or awarding organisation that is recognised by a UK qualifications regulator or by a Further Education Institution or Higher Education Institution regulated by QAA (or any successor); or
b. one offered by a recognised professional body provided its achievement confers eligibility for professional recognition.
Both the occupational competencies and technical knowledge qualification must be achieved by the apprentice to qualify for a Welsh apprenticeship certificate.
9. An apprenticeship framework must include:
a. an integrated competencies qualification that also contains the relevant technical knowledge within it; or
b. an occupational competencies qualification and relevant technical knowledge qualifications which taken together, demonstrate the relevant occupational competencies and the relevant technical knowledge.
10. The framework developer will decide the balance of credits between occupational competencies and relevant technical knowledge qualifications. However the framework must specify:
a. a minimum of ten credits achieved from an occupational competence based qualification or the competence element of an integrated qualification, which specifically relates to the skill, trade or occupation and is based on the National Occupational Standards (NOS) where they exist, or industry-wide standards or professional standards where they do not for the employment sector for which the framework is designed and be at a level which reflects the job role; and
b. a minimum of ten credits from a technical knowledge qualification or knowledge element of an integrated qualification, which provides the technical knowledge and understanding of the theoretical concepts specifically relating to the skill, trade or occupation to underpin occupational competence. The knowledge qualification element must equip the apprentice with the knowledge and understanding of the industry and its market; or
c. a minimum of ten credits from an equivalent competencies qualification (non-CQFW) recognised by a professional body for a Higher Apprenticeship at Levels 4 -7 where the successful completion of such an apprenticeship is a recognised pathway to professional registration.
11. The majority of the content of the occupational competencies qualification must be capable of being assessed from evidence gained through on-the job training in a workplace. This requirement applies at all framework levels, including any Higher Education qualifications specified either as the occupational competencies qualification or the integrated competencies qualification;
the learning content must be achieved through:
a. an occupational competence based qualification or competence element of an integrated qualification, must be based on the National Occupational Standards (NOS) where they exist, or industry-wide standards or professional standards where they do not, for the employment sector to which the framework relates, specifically relating to the skill, trade or occupation of the framework and be at a level which reflects the job role; and
a technical knowledge qualification or the knowledge element of an integrated qualification, must provide the technical knowledge and understanding of the theoretical concepts specifically relating to the skill, trade or occupation to underpin occupational competence. The knowledge qualification/element must equip the apprentice with the knowledge and understanding of the industry and its market; or,
b. the learning content from an equivalent competencies qualification recognised by a professional body for a Higher Apprenticeship where the successful completion of such an apprenticeship is a recognised pathway to professional registration.
Section 31(2)(a)
Section 31(2)(c) (ii) and (iii)
22. A foundation apprenticeship framework must identify either:
a. an occupational competencies qualification at Level 2 and a separate technical knowledge qualification: or
b. an integrated qualification at Level 2 which combines occupational competencies and technical knowledge elements in which each element is separately assessed.
24. Where Essential Skills qualifications are specified in a foundation apprenticeship framework, the apprenticeship framework must specify as a Welsh certificate requirement, the acceptance of one of the following recognised proxy qualifications for Communication:
a. GCSE or iGCSE qualification in English language or literature to at least grade G (Level 1 equivalent); or
b. O Level qualification in English language or literature to at least grade E; or
c. A/AS Level qualification in English language or literature to at least grade E; or
d. SCQF Level 4 β Communication Core Skills (oral communication and written communication); or
e. SQA National 4 English; or
f. Functional Skills or Key Skills literacy qualifications in English provided the proxy qualification(s) attained are at Level 1 or above.
And for Application of Number:
a. GCSE or iGCSE qualification in Mathematics to at least grade G (Level 1 equivalent); or
b. O Level qualification in Mathematics to at least grade E; or
c. A/AS Level qualification in Mathematics to at least grade E; or
d. SCQF Level 4 β Numeracy Core Skill (Graphical Information and Using Number); or
e. SQA National 4 Mathematics; or
f. Functional Skills or Key Skills numeracy qualifications in Mathematics provided the proxy qualification(s) attained are at Level 1 or above.
30. A foundation apprenticeship framework must specify that on-and off-the-job training must either have been received:
a. whilst working under an apprenticeship agreement; or
b. during a qualifying period prior to working under an apprenticeship agreement ending on the date of application for an apprenticeship certificate. A qualifying period of five years is recommended, but to meet the needs of their sector, frameworks may set a shorter or longer timescale than five years as the qualifying period.
33. An apprenticeship framework must identify either:
a. an occupational competencies qualification at Level 3 and a separate technical knowledge qualification; or
b. an integrated qualification at Level 3 which combines occupational competencies and technical knowledge elements in which each element is separately assessed.
Section 31(2)(a)
Section 31(2)(c)(iii)
35. Where Essential Skills qualifications are specified in an apprenticeship framework, the apprenticeship framework must specify as a Welsh certificate requirement, the acceptance of one of the following recognised proxy qualifications for Communication:
a. GCSE or iGCSE qualification in English language or literature to at least grade
C (Level 2 equivalent); or
b. O Level qualification in English language or literature to at least grade C; or
c. A/AS Level qualification in English language or literature to at least grade E; or
d. SCQF Level 5 β Communication Core Skills (Oral Communication and Written Communication); or
e. SQA National 5 English; or
f. Functional Skills or Key Skills literacy qualifications in English provided the proxy qualification(s) attained are at Level 2 or above.
And for Application of Number:
a. GCSE or iGCSE qualification in Mathematics to at least grade C (Level 2 equivalent); or
b. O Level qualification in Mathematics to at least grade C; or
c. A/AS Level qualification in Mathematics to at least grade E; or
d. SCQF Level 5- Numeracy Core Skill (Graphical Information and Using Number); or
e. SQA National 5 Mathematics; or
f. Functional Skills or Key Skills numeracy qualifications in Mathematics provided the proxy qualification(s) attained are at Level 2 or above.
40. A higher apprenticeship framework must identify either:
a. an occupational competencies qualification and a separate technical knowledge qualification at a minimum of Level 4; or
b. an integrated qualification at a minimum of Level 4 which combines occupational competencies and technical knowledge elements in which each element is separately assessed; or
c. specify an HNC, HND , Foundation Degree or Degree as the relevant technical knowledge qualification; or
d. specify a relevant technical knowledge qualification recognised by a professional body that represents the occupational area.
Section 31(2)(a)
Section 31(2)(c)(iii)
Cite this legislation
- Official citation
- S.I. 2016/930 (W.)
- Source
- legislation.gov.uk
- Data synced
- Licence
- OGL-3 β
The Apprenticeships (Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales) (Modification) Order 2016 (legislation.gov.uk, OGL-3). Retrieved via LawPlayer, https://lawplayer.com/uk/act/wsi-2016-930
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