An apprenticeship is a job with a formal programme of off-the-job training. It is a paid position where a proportion of an apprentice’s time is set aside for off-the-job training with the employer and/or a suitable training provider.
All new full-time apprentices (those who work at least 30 hours per week) must spend at least 20% of their normal working hours, over the planned duration of the apprenticeship practical period, on off-the-job training. Normal working hours are capped at 30 hours per week, which equates to an average of 6 hours of off-the-job training per week, however apprentices can work for more than 30 hours per week for their employer.
CIWM works with its network of CIWM (WAMITAB) Qualifications Centres to deliver a range of qualifications which form part of an apprenticeship framework (in Wales) or support apprentices with their off-the-job training so they are fully prepared for end-point assessment (in England).
In addition, CIWM is an approved end-point assessment organisation on the apprenticeships providers and assessment register (APAR), delivering end-point assessments for a number of apprenticeship standards. To find out more about our apprenticeship services, please use the buttons on the right or contact us at epa@ciwm.co.uk.
Apprenticeships in England
Apprenticeship standards in England are developed by employers and key stakeholders, and assessed by end-point assessment. This is an assessment that confirms occupational competence by focusing on the knowledge, skills, and behaviours that an apprentice has gained during their apprenticeship. It can take the form of an exam, skills assessment and/or professional interview.
CIWM delivers apprenticeship end-point assessments (EPAs) for the following standards:
To find out more about end-point assessment, click here.
Employers with operations in England can access information about apprenticeships via the following website:
Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland
Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland are work-based programmes designed around the needs of employers. Employers with operations in Northern Ireland can access information about apprenticeships via the following websites:
Apprenticeships in Scotland
In Scotland, apprenticeships play a key role in setting people up for success in their careers and are designed to tackle potential skills gaps, and support new or existing employees to develop. The types of apprenticeship available are:
- Foundation apprenticeships
- Modern apprenticeships
- Graduate Level apprenticeships
Employers with operations in Scotland can access information about apprenticeships via the following website:
Apprenticeships in Wales
Apprenticeships in Wales are a way to earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. The individual works towards recognised qualifications while undertaking additional training from a partner training provider. There are over 120 apprenticeship frameworks in Wales across a wide range of industries at three levels:
- Foundation apprenticeships
- Apprenticeships
- Higher apprenticeships
CIWM offers qualifications that form part of the following apprenticeship frameworks in Wales:
Employers with operations in Wales can access information about apprenticeships via the following website:
