Universal Training Solutions - Modern Apprenticeships

What are Modern Apprenticeships?

A Modern Apprenticeship is a framework for training young people to a high standard in the workplace. All the frameworks are developed by the industry or sector in which they will be implemented, so they encompass all the skills and knowledge a young person requires to be a craftsman, technician, administrator or manager in that area.

What is in a Modern Apprenticeship?

Each Modern Apprenticeship framework is made up of three parts:

a) The occupational SVQ at level 3 - This is a work based qualification which demonstrates that an employee can do their job up to a certain skill level.

b) Core skills - communication, problem solving, information technology, using numbers and working with others.

c) Some Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks contain components, which have been added to broaden training and encourage personal development and flexibility in the workplace. These additional components vary but may include additional units from other SVQs, industry specific qualifications or other qualifications appropriate to the industry / sector e.g. health and safety, marketing.

How long do Modern Apprenticeships last?

Although not time served the normal period required to complete a Modern Apprenticeship is 2 years where only a level 3 SVQ is required and 3 years where a level 2 & level 3 are both required.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements for Modern Apprenticeships vary from sector to sector. Within University of Glasgow young people should preferably have or be working towards Highers or Intermediate 2 in English and Secretarial Studies for Administration; Highers or Intermediate 2 in Maths and / or 2 Sciences for Lab Technicians; Highers or Intermediate 2 in English and Computing or Information Systems. A good group of Standard grades in the relevant subjects will also be considered.

How are Modern Apprenticeships funded?

With effect from August 2005 Grade 1 Secretarial/Clerial and Trainee Technicians salaries are fully funded from the School/RI/Service that employs them. Universal Training Solutions meet training and assessment costs through funding from the Local Enterprise Company.

What Modern Apprenticeships are available within University of Glasgow?

The Modern Apprenticeships which are currently available are as follows: - Administration, Accountancy, Lab Technicians, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, IT Technicians, Using IT, Customer Service, Sport & Recreation, Amenity Horticulture and Cultural Heritage.

What training will the Modern Apprentice receive within the University of Glasgow?

Modern Apprentices are trained and assessed in the workplace to work towards their SVQ and most are given the opportunity to achieve an appropriate HNC.

What does a School/RI/Service have to do if they are interested in recruiting a Modern Apprentice?

Modern Apprentices can now be recruited at any time of the year.  Schools/RI's/Services should submit a training proposal to Universal Training Solutions, Human Resources Service, in the first instance, outlining the areas of work the Modern Apprentice will undertake. This can be completed on-line.

Schools/RI's/Services recruiting Modern Apprentices for the first time will be visited by the Training Manager to discuss the requirements of the programme in more detail.

Schools/RI's/Services should also nominate a member of staff who will be responsible for the training and supervision of the Modern Apprentice and who will liaise with Universal Training Solutions. Supervisors in the School/RI/Service require to have or be working towards an assessor qualification (supported by Universal Training Solutions) - this does not apply to Administration Modern Apprenticeships. If you wish further information, please e-mail Gillian Shaw at g.shaw@admin.gla.ac.uk