Mandatory qualifications in apprenticeships, FORS and MCPC are examples of mandatory qualifications in the express sector. Such qualifications were not formally added to the Express logistics degree as mandatory but remain options for the candidates. DFE Inst of Apprenticeships IFA is reviewing the fit of such qualifications and their status as optional or mandatory in the future.
Simon Parks, head of technical education at the DfE, IFA hosted a virtual round table for all sectors of employment to discuss future mandatory qualifications fit in the apprenticeships.
We are in consultation on proposed changes in mandatory qualifications in apprenticeships, the present system is broadly effective but we believe there is room for improvement. We want to now what people think. The consultation is open until Feb 17th, there is a lot of qualification review going on at the moment. New policy introduced for degree apprenticeship’s Sept 2022. A good apprenticeship has a solid job with it, you are getting better at the job while in the apprenticeship. You are in the job and progressing in the job. A continuation in the workforce with employment focus. Where there is a mandatory qualification we are keen to see less duplication. There are occasions when a candidate takes a different qualification to the one listed in the apprenticeship, we believe there should be a list, or a range of qualifications. We are keen not to have duplication of assessment in the apprenticeship and assessment of the mandatory qualification.
Updating the criteria
We are proposing changes to the criteria of weather a mandatory qualification is in the apprenticeship. For a qualification, is there a regulatory requirement such as FORS or MCPC. Is there a professional body requirement to the value of the candidate, example of the degree apprenticeship for Express Manager leads to fellowship of the Institute of Couriers. We do expect mandatory qualifications to be at a lower level than the apprenticeship, ie FORS or MCPC circa L3 – L4 are below a L6 Hons Degree in Express management. There are no mandatory qualifications in Express delivery operative or delivery sortation. We are not looking for a hole in the end point assessment to slot a mandatory qualification into.
Q&A
Could UKAS points be added to apprenticeships? - Will it possible to integrate foundation degrees? Yes – A foundation degree could be integrated – Nursing associate is an example. – Is the final say in an apprenticeship with the employers? Yes it lies with the Trailblazer group. But also with the prof body. When a mandatory qual had to complete before gateway does this cause the candidate to walk away? We are trying to make a clearer route for the candidate.
Link to the consultation - https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/reviews-and-consultations/consultations/proposed-changes-to-the-mandatory-qualifications-criteria/
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