SCHEDULE
Article 3
Modifications to the Specification of Apprenticeships Standards for Wales
1. 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 ‘proxy’ 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.’
2. For paragraphs 2 to 42 of the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales substitute the following text:
‘All apprenticeship frameworks |
Section reference |
2. An apprenticeship framework must specify its level using the national level descriptors described in the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (“CQFW”). A framework must be at Level 2 to qualify as a Foundation Apprenticeship, be at Level 3 to qualify as an Apprenticeship and be at a Level between 4 and 7 to qualify as a Higher Apprenticeship. |
Section 31(2)(a) |
3. An apprenticeship framework must include a two digit Standard Occupational Code (SOC) to identify the sector to which it relates. Frameworks identified by the same two digit SOC code (“duplicate frameworks”) are not permitted. |
Section 31(2)(a) |
4. A framework level must specify as a Welsh certificate requirement the total volume of learning in the form of CQFW credits. The number of credits must reflect the learning required to achieve full competency in the skill, trade or occupation to which it relates. |
Section 31(2)(a) |
5. The calculation of credit should be derived from the definition contained in the CQFW and be consistent with the sum of published learning hours given for each qualification by the relevant awarding bodies or organisation(s). |
Section 31(2)(a) |
6. A framework must be at a minimum of 37 credits but may where appropriate exceed this; in many cases frameworks will significantly exceed 37 credits. A framework must not be so narrow that it is only relevant to a specific workplace where the apprenticeship was attained. |
Section 31(2)(a) |
Qualifications competence knowledge |
–Section reference and |
7. The framework must identify the qualification(s) that demonstrate(s) the relevant occupational competencies as the “occupational competencies qualification” and the occupational knowledge as the “technical knowledge qualification” in relation to the framework. |
Section 31(2)(c)(ii) and (iii) |
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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. |
Section 31(2)(a) Section 31(2)(c)(ii) |
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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. |
Section 31(2)(c)(ii) |
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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. |
Section 31(2)(a) |
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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: ... |
