Apprenticeship Glossary Terms PDF

Common Terms and Acronyms Used in UK Apprenticeships and Education Here are some common acronyms used in the context of UK apprenticeships along with their meanings: ACRONYMS/ MEANING TERMS Apprenticeship A form of trainin...

Common Terms and Acronyms Used in UK Apprenticeships and Education Here are some common acronyms used in the context of UK apprenticeships along with their meanings: ACRONYMS/ MEANING TERMS Apprenticeship A form of training that combines on and off-the-job learning with classroom instruction, leading to a recognised qualification. Apprentice A person undergoing apprenticeship training who is in employment Employer The company or organisation that hires and trains the apprentice with the support of a mentor. Mentor An experienced professional who provides informal guidance to beginners as well as experienced professionals for career growth. Training An organisation responsible for delivering the classroom-based Provider learning aspect of the apprenticeship EPAO End-point Assessment Organisation: The final assessment of an apprentice's skills and knowledge at the end of their apprenticeship. ESFA Education and Skills Funding Agency: A UK government agency responsible for funding education and skills training, including apprenticeships. IFATE Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education An executive non-departmental public body in England that sets the standards for apprenticeships and approves apprenticeship standards and assessment plans. OFSTED Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills: A non-ministerial government department in England responsible for inspecting and regulating educational institutions, including those offering apprenticeships. DfE Department for Education: A UK government department responsible for education and children's services, including apprenticeships. LEVY Apprenticeship Levy: Employers with a pay bill of 3 million or more pay 0.5% into the government initiative to fund apprenticeships. NON-LEVY Employers will pay 5% towards the cost of the apprenticeship and the Government will pay the other 95%, up to the funding band maximum. PAY BILL The total amount of earnings subject to National Insurance contributions by an employer STANDARD A style of apprenticeship program, replacing frameworks, based on specific occupational roles, and including an end-point assessment. WYCA West Yorkshire Combined Authority WYCC West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges (internal service who bring in bids and tenders for the group also deliver internal income  ACRONYMS/ MEANING TERMS DAS Digital Apprenticeship Service It allows employers to advertise apprenticeship vacancies, select training providers, and manage the training and assessment of their apprentices. ITP Individual Training Plan document used to plan out the apprentices training and highlight how the off the job is recorded. ILR Individualised Learner Record: A data collection system used by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) in England to collect information about learners participating in further education. SME Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: Companies with a small or medium-sized number of employees, often eligible for government support for apprenticeships. AQF Apprenticeship Qualification Framework: A framework that sets out the requirements for the structure and delivery of apprenticeships in the UK LMI Labour Market Information: Information about the current state of the job market, including trends, salaries, and demand for specific skills and occupations. KSB typically stands for "Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours." These are the three key components that apprentices are expected to develop and demonstrate throughout their training and assessment. BKSB Basic Key Skill Builder name of the online platform where it is taken, is an English and maths assessment used primarily in the UK CRM (ProEngage) Customer Relationship Management System used to record all interactions between the luminate group and employers/stakeholders U4 Unit 4 – System used by finance to record all interactions to do with monies and funding income and outgoings. Its a system where requisitions and invoices are raised also where new suppliers are set up iPEGS Paperless Electronic enrolment platform that is used for all H&S, TNA, Apprentice Enrolments, Employer contracts, MIS Management Information System used for all interactions of learners enrolled and studying at Luminate (Pro-Solutions) TNA Training Needs Analysis form used to gather intelligence about an employer H&S Health and Safety form completed on ipegs to ensure that all employers we work with are safe TLAP Teaching, Learning and Assessment Plan set by assessors t learners to paln what learning they need to complete relevant to the standard to support progressing and part of assessment ITP Individual Training Plan document used to plan out the apprentices training and highlight how the off the job is recorded. SoL Scheme of learning used to show all the activity and assessments that will be carried out over the length of the programme to meet the skills, knowledge and behaviours of the standard and prep for EPA EPA End Point Assessment – assessment apprentice must take at the end of their apprenticeship to achieve  ACRONYMS/ MEANING TERMS Employer Job Employer Job Role Analysis used to identify if the job role Role Analysis matches the standard the apprentice is to be enrolled onto completed by the BDA with the employer Learner Skills Determines the potential apprentice's current skills, knowledge Scan and understanding of subject matter relating to the standard (if apprentices has above 50% then cannot do an apprenticeship) iTrent HR, System used to book holidays, sickness, performance reviews ProSol ProSolutions (Software) system used by administration teams to log all learner/apprentice information to enable funding to be drawn down. ProEngage CRM System used to log all stakeholder and employer interactions TRAILBLAZER An apprenticeship developed by employer groups to meet specific industry needs. Co-investment This means that non-levy paying companies have the option to access an apprenticeship programme by paying 5% of the cost. If a levy paying company runs out of funding in their account, the co-investment option is available for them too. Co-funded For people who do not meet the definition of unemployed or do not meet the eligibility criteria for learners in receipt of low wage means that up to 50% of the funds will be paid by the government. AEB Adult Education Budget is funded training opportunities for adults and enables providers to target and support the most disadvantaged learners. Internship A professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work related to a student's field of study or career interest. An internship gives a student the opportunity for career exploration and development, and to learn new skills. Supported Supported internships are specifically for young people with Internship an EHC plan, and as such, they are expected to require a different level of support compared to a trainee or apprentice. They will have a job coach to support them in their workplace learning. These programmes can last between 6 weeks to 6 months. FCFJ Free Courses for Jobs the learner can access a level 3 qualification for free. This is part of the support available from the government to help peope gain the skills they need to get the job they want – whatever stage of life. Eligiility: are 19 or over and do not already have a level 3 qualification already have a level 3 qualification or higher, but earn below the low wage threshold of £22,308 (the threshold of £22,308 is an annual gross salary based on the National Living Wage 2024) already have a level 3 qualification or higher but are unemployed Work To gain an understanding of what it is like to work in the chosen Experience field and develop a learners confidence, skills and knowledge that will enhance their CV and help their future applications stand out.  ACRONYMS/ MEANING TERMS Work A temporary role, which allows people who are looking for Placement employment in a specific field to gain practical experience – and find out what it's really like. T Level T Levels are new 2-year courses which are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent in size to 3 A Levels. Launched in September 2020, these courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or related technical study through further or higher education. T Levels offer students practical and knowledge-based learning at a school or college and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days. Study Study programmes are designed to meet your individual learning Programme needs and prepare them for higher learning, training, or employment. The timetable at college will be made up of a number of different elements that have been sequenced to help you develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours you will need in the future. Full Funded Fully funded or free means exactly what it says. The government Courses has allocated a pot of money called the Adult Education Budget specifically for the training and upskilling of UK residents, which includes those applying for the online short courses. CPD Continuing, or continuous, professional development (CPD), can be broadly defined as any type of learning you undertake which increases your knowledge, understanding and experiences of a subject area or role. Bespoke Bespoke courses, also known as tailor-made or custom Training courses, are courses organisations/colleges make or commission to address specific challenges and needs and may be specific to the organisation or learner. HE Higher education is third level education after you leave school. It takes places at universities and Further Education colleges and normally includes undergraduate and postgraduate study. Higher education gives you the chance to study a subject you are interested in and can boost your career prospects and earning potential. FE Further education ( FE ) includes any study after secondary education that's not part of higher education (that is, not taken as part of an undergraduate or graduate degree). Courses range from basic English and maths to Higher National Diplomas ( HNDs ). Further Reading In the context of UK apprenticeships, "KSB" typically stands for "Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours." These are the three key components that apprentices are expected to develop and demonstrate throughout their training and assessment. Knowledge: Refers to the understanding and comprehension of theoretical concepts, facts, and principles relevant to the apprentice's occupation or industry. Skills: Refers to the practical abilities, techniques, and competencies required to perform tasks and duties effectively within the chosen occupation or industry. Behaviours: Refers to the attitudes, values, and professional conduct expected of individuals working in the occupation or industry, including interpersonal skills, work ethic, and adherence to health and safety regulations. Together, the development and mastery of knowledge, skills, and behaviours contribute to the overall competency and readiness of apprentices to succeed in their chosen field. What is QAR? "QAR" could refer to several things depending on the context. In the context of apprenticeships in the UK, "QAR" could stand for "Quality Assurance Review." A Quality Assurance Review is a process used to evaluate and ensure the quality and effectiveness of apprenticeship provision, including training delivery, assessment, and outcomes. These reviews may be conducted by government agencies, regulatory bodies, or external quality assurance organisations to ensure that apprenticeships meet specified standards and requirements. The aim is to maintain and enhance the quality of apprenticeship programs to ensure they provide valuable training and qualifications for apprentices and meet the needs of employers and industries. Devolution In relation to education, training, and apprenticeships? In England, education, training, and apprenticeships are primarily governed by the central government, although there are some areas where devolved powers exist. The Department for Education (DfE) is responsible for setting education policy, including curriculum standards, school funding, and the administration of schools and colleges. It also oversees the development and implementation of apprenticeship programs, including apprenticeship standards and funding arrangements. While education policy in England is largely determined by the central government, there are some aspects of education and training that have been devolved to regional or local authorities. For example: 1. Local Authorities: Local authorities in England have responsibilities for school admissions, provision of support services for schools, and oversight of education standards within their areas. 2. Regional Mayors and Combined Authorities: In some parts of England, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, regional mayors and combined  authorities have been established with powers over certain aspects of education, training, and skills development. These authorities may have influence over local education and training initiatives, apprenticeship programs, and collaboration with local businesses and industries. Overall, while England has a centralised education system, there is ongoing debate and discussion about the extent to which powers and responsibilities should be devolved to local and regional levels to better address local needs and priorities. Devolved authorities? Devolved authorities are regional or local governments within a country that have been granted specific powers and responsibilities by the central government through a process known as devolution. These authorities operate within a framework established by the central government but have autonomy to make decisions on certain policy areas within their jurisdictions. England: While England does not have a devolved parliament or government like Scotland and Wales, some powers have been devolved to regional mayors and combined authorities in certain areas, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. These authorities have limited powers over issues like transportation, economic development, and housing. Devolved authorities allow for decision-making closer to the people affected by those decisions, enabling policies and services to be tailored to local needs and preferences. They also provide opportunities for greater political representation and accountability at the regional or local level. What is RPL in apprenticeships? RPL stands for Recognition of Prior Learning in the context of apprenticeships. It refers to the process of assessing and recognizing the knowledge, skills, and experience that an individual has acquired through formal or informal learning experiences, work experience, or other life experiences, in order to grant credit or exemptions towards achieving a qualification or certification within an apprenticeship program. In apprenticeships, RPL allows individuals to demonstrate that they already possess some or all of the competencies required for a particular qualification or apprenticeship standard, without needing to undergo formal training for those specific skills. This recognition can help to shorten the duration of the apprenticeship program, reduce duplication of learning, and provide opportunities for individuals to progress more quickly through their training. RPL assessments are typically conducted by training providers or assessing organisations, who evaluate evidence provided by the individual, such as work samples, portfolios, or testimonies from employers, to determine whether the individual meets the required standards for the qualification or apprenticeship standard. Overall, RPL is an important mechanism for recognizing and valuing individuals' prior learning and experiences, and it can contribute to making apprenticeship programs more flexible, accessible, and efficient. What is the Accountability framework? The Accountability Framework is a structure or set of principles that outlines the responsibilities, processes, and mechanisms for ensuring transparency, effectiveness, and compliance within a particular system or organisation. In the context of education, training, and apprenticeships, an Accountability Framework may include: 1. Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders involved in the delivery and oversight of education and apprenticeship programs, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, training providers, employers, and apprentices. 2. Standards and Expectations: Establishing clear standards and expectations for the quality of education, training, and apprenticeship provision, including curriculum standards, assessment criteria, and performance benchmarks. 3. Monitoring and Evaluation: Implementing processes for monitoring and evaluating the performance and outcomes of education and apprenticeship programs, including data collection, analysis, and reporting mechanisms to track progress and identify areas for improvement. 4. Quality Assurance: Putting in place mechanisms for quality assurance to ensure that education and apprenticeship provision meets established standards and requirements, including accreditation processes, inspections, and audits. 5. Transparency and Accountability: Promoting transparency and accountability through mechanisms for reporting, feedback, and accountability to stakeholders, including apprentices, employers, government agencies, and the public. The Accountability Framework provides a framework for ensuring that education, training, and apprenticeship systems are accountable, responsive, and effective in meeting the needs of learners, employers, and society as a whole. It helps to establish trust and confidence in the education and apprenticeship system by ensuring that it operates with integrity and accountability.