Quality Framework
The Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA) model is intended to promote and support the delivery of a high quality Apprenticeship Programme involving employers who wish to use the services of an ATA to source, arrange and host their Apprenticeships. This could be for a number of reasons including them not being able to commit to employment for the period of the full framework, short term restrictions on employee numbers, or the uncertainty about the value of an Apprenticeship.
Although a focus of the ATA must be on allowing access to Apprenticeship opportunities with smaller employers, ATAs can engage with larger employers and public sector organisations. The proportion of smaller employers ATAs contract with will need to be greater than the number of larger employers (NAS will seek to identify a percentage split by autumn 2012).
The ATA will not replace the traditional model of Apprenticeship delivery based on direct employment of the apprentice, into a permanent job role, by an employer and linked to high quality training delivered by an accredited training provider.
The ATA is designed to create new Apprenticeship opportunities not to displace existing programmes.
As with traditional Apprenticeships a focus of the ATA will be progression into permanent employment, whilst there is not necessarily a guarantee of a permanent job at the end of the Apprenticeship, the offer to support on progression opportunities as the Apprenticeship nears the end should make this the most likely outcome.
Purpose of the Framework
The framework is intended to help all those involved in an Apprenticeship delivered through the ATA model make a judgement as to the extent to which their experience is reflecting the best practice available. For ATAs to be listed on the National Approved Register of ATAs they will need to demonstrate to NAS/SFA that they are able to operate in accordance with the framework.
It sets out the core features which underpin the ATA model and gives examples of the behaviour apprentices, employers, training providers and others should expect to see.
View and download the Framwork document - April 2012 (MSWord) »
Last Updated: 04/04/2012