UKCES

What is the role of the SSCs/SSBs?

The Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) and Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs) are responsible for developing and specifying the content of the apprenticeship programmes so they meet the skill needs of employers and employes.

When developing an apprenticeship framework, SSCs and SSBs consult with employers within the sector to identify what the skills gaps are and how an apprenticeship may address them. Simply put, apprenticeships are developed in partnership with industry to deliver the needs of industry.
What is the role of other key partners and stakeholders in apprenticeships?

There are a number of other key partners and stakeholders involved in apprenticeships, each of which have their own role to play.

Government departments and funding agencies

The four governments of the UK sponsor apprenticeships. Through their departments that are responsible for education and skills, the four governments develop apprenticeship policy and are responsible for the funding agencies that distribute funds to learning providers, who deliver the apprenticeship programmes by working with apprentices and employers.

Apprenticeships are funded by:

Learning and Skills Council in England (LSC)
Department for Children, Education, Lifelong  Learning and Skills in Wales (DCELLS)
Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland (DEL)
Scottish Enterprise in Scotland.
Regulatory Bodies

Apprenticeship programmes are made up of qualifications that are approved by:

Qualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA) for use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) for use in Scotland.
QCA works with DCELLS in Wales and the Council for the Curriculum Examination and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland to approve technical certificates that deliver underpinning knowledge and skills, National Vocational Qualifications NVQs that assess occupational competence and the Key Skills
SQA approves technical certificates that deliver underpinning knowledge and skills, Scottish Vocational qualifications (SVQs) that assess occupational competence and the Core Skills.

Awarding Bodies

There are many Awarding Bodies (in excess of 100) that are authorised by the regulatory bodies to develop and award qualifications. These bodies range in size and scope. For example, the larger awarding bodies offer qualifications in many subjects whilst smaller awarding bodies tend to offer specialist industry qualifications. Awarding bodies submit their qualifications to the regulatory bodies for approval. It is the responsibility of awarding bodies to monitor and verify that qualifications have been achieved and then issue the certificate of achievement. Awarding bodies will award the component qualifications of an apprenticeship as they are achieved, whilst the relevant SSC or SSB will issue the apprenticeship certificate when they receive evidence that each of the component parts has been achieved.

Training Providers

Training providers deliver the "off the job" training in an apprenticeship. Sometimes, large employers will have their own training arm and will therefore be the training provider. It is often the training provider that will make the initial contact with an employer, offering the apprenticeship programme as a way of addressing skills gaps. Training providers are usually the organisation that receive the government funds from the funding agency, on behalf of the employer and are contracted to deliver the training.

Employers

Employers themselves have a key role to play in the success of an apprenticeship. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the apprentice receives the "on the job" training" from somebody that is considered highly skilled in their occupation. It is also important that they give the apprentice the time to study "off the job", otherwise the full potential of the apprenticeship will not be realised. employers should mentor, coach and support an apprentice.

Apprentices

In order for an apprenticeship to be successful, the apprentice must be dedicated to achieving it. An apprenticeship must not be viewed as an easy route or soft option. A successful apprentice is committed, hard-working and determined to succeed.