WCSM/LCSC Advanced 3-Year Apprenticeships A Pilot Programme funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

109 Livery Companies in the City of London from Mercers (1) and Grocers (2) to Spectacle Makers (60) and Clockmakers (61) to World Traders (101) and Tax Advisors(107) Earlier this year the 109 th was incorporated – The Educators Livery Companies are active in education across the UK – schools, colleges bursaries, training programmes examinations Only two are Nationally Approved Awarding Bodies - the Spectacle Makers and the Farriers WCSM is accredited in all four countries - Ofqual, SQA, Wales, CCEA

The Livery Companies Skills Council Mission Statement The Livery Companies Skills Council to be the organisation to support and promote crafts and skills within the Livery Movement Over 40 Livery Companies are members WCSM is an active member

In 2012 the LCSC set up the The Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme Ltd To promote a series of pilot 3-year, Advanced Apprenticeships through City Livery Companies. The LCAS Ltd made a bid to the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) for funds to directly support apprenticeships in SMEs for crafts within the livery movement. The WCSM wants the spectacle industry to benefit.

A special 3-year advanced apprenticeship Framework designed by LCAS, WCSM and the industry The optical company employs the apprentice and delivers the normal on-the job training Off-the-job training obtained from a local College or WCSM Education Trust WCSM assesses the apprentice and awards the qualifications over the 3 years and issues the final Apprenticeship Certificate LCAS Ltd provides the funding

Funding Funds flow from BIS Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme Ltd Employer

How Much Funding? ‘Host Trainer’ – Employer Up to £16,700 per apprentice over 3 years Paid quarterly in arrears Signed off by LCAS on receiving evidence of training 20% retention until completion

The Livery Companies Apprenticeship “Towards Mastery” WCSM Framework for a Level 4 Three Year Apprenticeship in Spectacle Manufacturing

WCSM 3-Year Apprenticeship Pathway Year 1 Level 2 Certificate in Spectacle Operations plus Level 2 Certificate in Spectacle Production plus Level 2 Certificate in Glazing Spectacles plus Level 2 Award in Spectacle Lens Treatments or Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing Spectacles In addition apprentices must achieve the required: Functional Skills plus Award in Employment and Personal Learning Skills in Health WCSM 3-Year Apprenticeship Pathway Year 1 Level 2 Certificate in Spectacle Operations plus Level 2 Certificate in Spectacle Production plus Level 2 Certificate in Glazing Spectacles plus Level 2 Award in Spectacle Lens Treatments or Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing Spectacles In addition apprentices must achieve the required: Functional Skills plus Award in Employment and Personal Learning Skills in Health

WCSM Apprenticeship Pathway Year 2 Level 3 Diploma in Manufacturing Spectacles plus Level 4 Diploma for Optical Technicians (Pt 1) Year 3 Level 4 Diploma for Optical Technicians (Pt 2) plus Level 3 Award in Spectacle Lenses or Level 3 Award in Rimless Glazing

A Master’s Piece The WCSM wish to encourage technicians to obtain craft skills in all aspects of spectacle making and so: The WCSM will present an additional Award for those Apprentices who are able to satisfy a Master’s Panel that they have made an appropriate range of complete spectacles.

Apprentices Applicants to this Apprenticeship will be aged or They may enter: if already working in optics or from training programmes or from work experience. Some applicants may have already achieved a range of qualifications e.g: Key Skills, Functional Skills, Diploma Personal attributes required: Conscientious Discreet and Respectful Personable Able to work in a team Staying power Carry out duties meticulously

Recruitment Process WCSM has secured funding for apprentices We are in competition with other Livery Companies and crafts Employers to: request application forms from WCSM submit applications to WCSM If over-subscribed: selection of apprentices by WCSM, FMO and LCAS Ltd Contracts: between employer and LCAS Ltd between apprentice and employer Registration with WCSM for training and qualifications

Thank you and please remember the other WCSM programmes in Customer Service Production Glazing SMC Tech Spaces available on some courses