1. Successful Implementation of Apprenticeships
The British Experience

2. South Eastern Regional College (SERC)
Higher Education and TVET college
Partnerships in 20+ countries. In Pakistan with Premier Energy and University of Central Punjab
4 Main Campuses and 4 smaller campuses throughout South East of Northern Ireland
32,000 enrolments per annum
Over 5,200 business clients
40+ professional and technical areas
Courses from Entry level 0 through
Level 2 (GCSE)
Level 3 (A level)
Level 4 (HNC)
Level 5 (HND/ Foundation Degree)
Level 6 (BA/BSc)
Level 7 (Masters)

3. Apprenticeship Models across the UK
In each region within the UK, apprenticeships are administered differently with a variety of structures and qualifications. In England a target of 3 million apprentices by 2020 has been set
NI Apprenticeships have been very successful and are still evolving
NI has 2% of the UK population but regularly attains 50% of the medals won by UK apprentices at World Skills
There are two apprenticeship schemes, ApprenticeshipNI for Levels 2 & 3 and Higher Level Apprenticeships for Levels 4 – 8.

4. 2 3 4 - 8 Apprenticeships Apprenticeship Higher Level Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship: Apprentices must be contracted to work minimum 21hrs per week Employers must adhere to the current NI National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage Regulations Usually 2 year Programmes Usually 1 day per week at College but flexible for industry needs Work-based assessment in the Workplace Professional & Technical Vocational Qualifications and more, Enterprise skills and creating entrepreneurs - Getting The Edge
Level 2
Apprenticeship
Delivered by Colleges and other
Training providers 3
4 - 8
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Delivered by Colleges and
Universities

5. Curriculum and Specialist Areas
Animal Management
Applied Science
Computer Network
Infrastructure
Electronic Engineering
Fabrication and Welding
Heavy Vehicle Engineering
Mechatronics
Mechanical Engineering
Motor Sport
Motor Vehicle Diagnostics
Refrigeration and
Air Conditioning
Renewable Energies
Software Engineering
Brickwork
Construction Studies
Hospitality & Catering
Gas Installation
Electrical Installation
Joinery & Carpentry
Plastering
Plumbing
Sport Science
Sports Studies
Tourism
Horticulture
Business Services
Aromatherapy
Art & Design
Beauty
Business Studies
Early Years
Hairdressing
Health & Social Care
Languages
Media Studies
Music Performance
& Technology
Performing Arts
Digital Transformation
& Systems Development
IELTS Centre
Essentials skills –
English Maths and ICT
ESOL
First Aid
GCSE & A Levels
Health & Safety
Mentoring
Teacher Training
PBL
Leadership & Management
Quality & Business Processes
Bold Text = Specialist Areas

6. Higher Level Apprenticeships
Level HLAs are delivered by Colleges and Universities
New or existing employees who are entering a new job role are eligible
Duration 2 years - usually 1 day or evening per week in College
Main qualification a Foundation Degree or Level 4/5 Professional Qualification

7. Features of Best Practice
Key features:
Employer engagement
Quality of teaching and learning
Tracking of progress and Support
Participating in Skills Competitions

8. Engagement with Employers to establish the apprenticeship
The best apprenticeships are those where the College has worked with employers to agree Modules, Content and Assessment Plans
For example, recently SERC has engaged with employers in the Security Systems Industry, Fabrication & Welding Industry and the Polymers Industry to design new programmes
The Curriculum Framework provides a basis but the College and employers decide on which specific modules should be delivered, any additional qualifications which should be added in, the mode of attendance in College, how assessment will be carried out
This collaboration ensures that the apprentices are gaining the specific skills that they need for the workplace using industry standard equipment

9. High Quality Teaching and Training
Investing in staff with current industrial experience and CPD is critical
SERC has invested heavily in the development of Project Based Learning with mentors ensuring that this approach which develops practical skills has been fully embedded
All apprenticeship tutors have been trained through the College’s ILT Pedagogy Mentoring programme to enable them to develop on-line, interactive learning materials
Supportive lesson observations take place regularly with feedback given to tutors
All apprenticeship programmes have an annual Self-Evaluation Review with a Quality Improvement Plan drawn up which is monitored throughout the year

10. Tracking of Progress and Support
Overall SERC apprentices have the highest achievement rates in UK
The College has a bespoke MIS system, designed in-house, which tracks the progress of all apprentices against all of the qualifications in their framework
Reviews of apprentice progress take place every 6 weeks with the apprentice and the employer involved
If any apprentice is behind with work, interventions are put in place to help them achieve. E.g. additional college time, extra training in the work place or mentoring

11. Participation in Skills Competitions
SERC actively encourages it’s apprentices to take part in competitions such as UK Skills and World Skills;
SERC has recently had medal winners in Refrigeration, Brickwork, Joinery, Catering & Hospitality, Motor Vehicle and Plant Maintenance;
SERC tutors provide coaching to apprentices in preparation for Skills Competitions;
The increase skills of apprentices are then applied in the workplace and improve the skills level of the economy as a whole.

12. Summary
‘You cannot clap with one hand alone’ Pakistani Proverb Many great results cannot be obtained without cooperation. SERC are keen to collaborate for mutual advantage