Modern Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships are aimed at those aged 16 or above and capable of achieving a vocational qualification (VQ) at Level Two or above. The programme can be used to train existing employees or new employees. Any company in Scotland - whatever its size - can take part in the programme.
What do Modern Apprenticeships offer?
As a Modern Apprentice you will be employed from the very start of your training and receive a wage from your employer. You will then be given the chance to develop expertise and knowledge through on-the-job assessment as well as gaining vital skills such as team work and problem solving. A recent independent evaluation showed that the main reasons for people becoming a Modern Apprentice included the attraction of a job with training, the opportunity to gain a qualification and the opportunity to learn and gain knowledge and experience. There is also the security of knowing that your progress is being monitored and supported by your employer and your Local Enterprise Company and that you are working towards a nationally recognised qualification. Modern Apprentices tend to have an improved ability to do their job, improved communication, team working skills and increased likelihood of future training activities.
The 1st year apprentice programme is carried out in an off the job environment consisting of 36 weeks at Jewel and Esk College, which is near to Dalkeith, Midlothian, Edinburgh. Here the apprentices study for their Scottish Vocational Qualification in Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) at level 2 and at the same time for their National Cerificate, which is their underpinning knowledge part of the MA.
On completion of their first year the apprentice progresses onto their level 3 vocational qualification, which allows them to specialise in the area which is most benifical to the company the apprentice works at. This course of study is classified as "on the job training" where a qualified person in the organisation acts as their mentor and some times there assessor.
National Minimum Wage
Most companies employing apprentices will pay in excess of the national minimum wage with a starting salary of around 47.5% of the Qualified Engineer's Salary. This salary will increase each year taking the apprentice up to the Qualified Engineers Salary once qualifying themselves (usually 4 years).
However, there are national guidelines laid down by the Government for companies to follow under the National Minimum Wage (NWM):
There are different levels of NMW, depending on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The current rates from October 1st 2011 are:
- £6.08 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
- £4.98 - the 18-20 rate
- £3.68 - the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
- £2.60 - the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
The age at which you become entitled to the main rate was reduced from 22 to 21 on 1st October 2010. The apprentice rate was introduced on the same date.
If you are of compulsory school age you are not entitled to the NMW. Some of your other employment rights are also different.
For full details visit National Minimum Wage here