Apprenticeships go ahead

CWDC is committed to an apprenticeship framework at both level 2 and level 3. These will draw upon the success of the existing apprenticeship programme, encourage learners to undertake higher levels of study and define a progression route towards Early Years Professional Status (EYPS).

CWDC are revising an Apprenticeship that will include the new Level 2 Certificate, and an Advanced Apprenticeship which will embed the new Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce. These will be available in the Autumn. 

An apprenticeship framework for Integrated Youth Support including an Apprenticeship at level 2 and an Advanced Apprenticeship at level 3 is also being developed and should be ready in Spring 2011. 

Additional elements contained within the apprenticeship frameworks will be

• Personal learning and thinking skills
• Key skills will change to become functional skills
• Additional mandatory knowledge units for apprentices to undertake within the diploma pathway
• Employee Rights and Responsibilities (ERR) 

CWDC is still working with awarding organisations and the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) to develop the apprenticeship framework and will provide regular updates around ongoing development. 

The proposal by Children's Workforce Network (CWN) to develop a cross-sector apprenticeship was considered by CWDC. Because the proposal was for a generic qualification, it would not meet the specifications of apprenticeships, which state that on completion individuals must be occupationally competent in a role.  For this reason, CWDC could not continue to develop the proposal.