Teachernet, Young Apprenticeships

Young Apprenticeships

A Young Apprenticeship (YA) is a route at Key Stage 4 which allows motivated and able 14— to 16-year-olds to study for vocational qualifications not just in the classroom but in college, with training providers and in the workplace too. Pupils are based in school, and follow the core National Curriculum subjects, but for two days a week (or equivalent) they also work towards nationally recognised vocational qualifications delivered by their local Young Apprenticeships Partnership.

The first cohort was launched in September 2004. About 1000 students embarked on Young Apprenticeships in art and design, business administration, engineering, health and social care and the motor industry.

A second group of around 2000 Young Apprentices started the programme in September 2005. For cohort two the sector range was extended to cover: hospitality; performing arts; sports management, leadership and coaching and textiles.

A third cohort of 3500 pupils started in September 2006. Additional sector subjects offered include: construction: food and drink manufacturing; hairdressing; retail; science and the electricity industry.

A fourth cohort of up to 9000 pupils started in September 2007.

Cohort five of around 9000 young people to join the programme in 2008.

The Young Apprenticeship programme contributes to a more personalised approach to teaching and learning, and is aimed at pupils of good ability who are attracted to a more practical style of learning.

Pupils recruited on the YA programme are:

following a programme of study with an employer, training provider or college (or a combination of two or three), using work experience to contribute directly to the programme of study, probably though portfolio work. Wherever possible, study is practical and applied, with an expectation of about 50 days' work experience or equivalent over the two years of Key Stage 4;
learning through a combination of classroom delivery and direct application in the business sector. Both teachers and experienced employees or trainersl share the responsibilities for teaching;
gaining a taste of 'real work' in a supported way, and laying the foundations for a possible post-16 apprenticeship whilst retaining the full range of options for future training or study;
able to access advice and guidance to help make the right choices before, during and at the end of the scheme;
gaining a wider understanding of business through Enterprise which will be integrated into the programme. This might also be combined with opportunities to pursue broader enrichment activities.

Delivering Young Apprenticeships
The Partnerships which deliver the Young Apprenticeships are tailored to local circumstances, and involve organisations such as schools, colleges, training providers and employers. There is no national model; each Partnership is set up according to local needs.

The relevant Sector Skills Councils and sector bodies have been working with the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to agree which qualifications are most suitable for the programme. All the qualifications have been accredited as suitable for use by pupils at Key Stage 4, and as with other arrangements concerning work experience for pupils under 16, the Young Apprenticeship programme must be approved by the LA or the school governing bodies concerned.

Teachers, experienced employees and trainers share the responsibilities for learning. As well as delivering the learning experiences, each Partnership forms a support network to help students get the most out of the programme. Partnerships monitor pupils' progress against clear learning outcomes and expectations. Progress is measured against the milestones identified by the programme of study as well as attendance, timekeeping and behaviour. This is be fed back at regular intervals to schools and parents and guardians.

Funding for Young Apprenticeships is routed from the DCSF via the LSC to the Partnership.

Curriculum arrangements and monitoring
Young Apprenticeships should motivate young people and enhance their learning across the curriculum. Experience elsewhere shows that, with good planning, the logistics of studying off-site can be catered for within the existing timetable. All students are required to continue with the statutory curriculum, including English, mathematics, ICT and science. Thus, their mainstream education continues as normal.

Guidance for students
Advice and guidance is available from Connexions and the careers service to help pupils make the right choices before, during and at the end of the Young Apprenticeship. The DCSF wants Young Apprenticeships to be a positive choice for students and will provide them with as much information as possible about what is involved and the prospects for their future.

Ofsted's findings

Ofsted found that the YA programme is providing a successful alternative to traditional Key Stage 4 provision. It comments that students on the YA programme are highly motivated and achieving well, that the curriculum meets their needs and teaching is effective. The DCSF recognises that there are some areas for improvement in YA provision and is working to address these.

Further information