David Redden’s Post

**UCAS feedback required** A final reminder to everyone that the UCAS call for feedback on its proposed model for allocating Tariff points to apprenticeships at Level 3 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and SCQF Level 6 (Scotland – Modern Apprenticeships) closes soon. UCAS Tariff points are allocated to help articulate entry criteria and provide a high-level overview of a qualification to support the management information needs of higher education providers. The proposed model and table can be found on page 8 and the link to the survey is on page 10. The survey will close on the 20th of June 2024. Responses will be analysed and reviewed, and a report provided as part of the outcome. If UCAS concludes that the proposed model is a viable solution based on feedback, it will be applied to UK Level 3 and SCQF Level 6 Apprenticeships from September 2024. #apprenticeships #modernappenticeships #UCAS #tariffpoints #engagement #haveyoursay #highereducation #post16pathways #comparability #progression #occupationalcompetence https://lnkd.in/e2hgGFGy

For my contacts who are interested in any apprenticeships, please read the article below and follow the link. #apprenticeships #progression #trainingproviders #employers #ucaspoints

Great to see this from UCAS - A proposed model to allocate UCAS points to Level 3 Apprenticeships. The hope is it can be applied from September 2024. Have your say - Complete the survey and give your feedback by 20th June. #apprenticeships #learningpathways https://lnkd.in/eRZPg2tU

As promised yesterday, the #DfE #ESFA published the #Apprenticeship draft funding rules for consultation. The rules and the summary of changes document can be obtained here: https://lnkd.in/eWZ2_QWF As the summary of changes document itself runs to 11 pages, here is Professional Assessment's synopsis of key points and, importantly, useful context for your ease of reference. Do circulate with apprenticeship colleagues in your network. Learning support Learning support reviews, i.e. reviews of their delivery and whether there is need for it to continue, are now required every 3 months. Applies to all apprentices from 1 August 2024, irrespective of start date. However, there must still be evidence of delivery of reasonable adjustments for every month that learning support is claimed. Functional Skills For apprentices who do not already hold the required maths/English qualifications, once they have secured level 1 maths/English, they must work towards level 2 where there is time to make reasonable progress. That no longer means at least 3 months. From 1 August there must be an evidenced justification. Flexibility to determine not to deliver it if more than 3 months remain. The pilot for exceptions to the regular English and maths minimum requirements, where some providers were able to conduct their own thorough and evidence-based assessment in place of an EHCP/LDA/SEN and determine the apprentice may only achieve entry 3 Functional Skills, is extended to all providers. Initial assessment As this year, there must be evidence that the employer agrees the information in the overall initial assessment for the programme. There is clarification that this can be included in the training plan to reduce the paperwork the employer has to sign. Progress reviews Clarification that reviews should be completed at least every 3 months.  2023/24 funding rules stated 4 times a year/every 12 weeks. This aligns with the new learning support review frequency. As this year, a summary of the review discussion must be recorded and shared with all parties. The rules state we no longer require a signature. In the summary of changes document this is clarified as not requiring the employer’s signature. Subcontracting A provider can use a subcontractor that is not on the published APAR but who will deliver less than £30,000 of apprenticeship training and on-programme assessment under contract across all main providers and employer-providers between 1 April and 31 March each year. Ineligible costs The cost of assessing overseas qualifications such as UK ENIC is an ineligible cost. Apprenticeships funded by transfers of levy funds Providers can now deliver training to apprentices they are funding through a transfer. Eligibility Eligibility requirements have been extended to family members. Active learning - To follow Not included yet, but the ESFA will seek provider views on changes to active learning requirements.

An interesting article in FEWeek about possible changes to the End Point Assessment Process in Apprenticeship Standards. Do you think this is the right direction to go or is it removing the fully independent aspect of the current way EPAs are carried out? #gqaqualifications #EPA #apprenticeships What do you feel are the benefits and drawbacks of making this possible change? https://lnkd.in/eD_ztKuk

A very welcome change coming down the track. An average L3 apprenticeship completion will put learners on the equivalent UCAS tariff of 3 A-Levels, supporting entry to HE and reducing barriers to ATE take up. I would expect this, along with other initiatives such as UCAS Early Connect, to have a significant effect in years to come. If this also correlates to higher completion of end point assessments, this will also be welcome news to those considering increasing the supply of good apprenticeships. An increase in demand, hopefully, leading to an increase in supply and better outcomes for students.

This could help a large amount of people that followed the apprenticeship route to gain a foot onto the Higher Education ladder by allocating UCAS points to apprenticeships. #apprenticeships #highereducation #ucaspoints #automotive #theresmoretomotor #proudtobeimi

A positive step forward providing Level 3 apprentices with a degree of clarity around how their qualification maps to other Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels and T Levels. Questions do though remain in terms of whether the duration is based on 'planned time on programme' and includes the End Point Assessment (EPA). Sadly there's no mention here of the fact that Level 3 apprentices have the opportunity to progress on to either a Higher Level Apprenticeship or a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) providing an alternative route to a full undergraduate degree without the need to complete a foundation year. It's vital that students receive full impartial information, advice and guidance to enable them to make an informed decision. #HTQs #FurtherEducation #Onlinelearning #Apprenticeships Paul Emberlin, Activate Learning, Preeti Mahajan, Debra Eggington

📜 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗻𝗱-𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀 Confirmed apprenticeship end-point assessments (EPAs) for standards regulated by Ofqual. Ofqual regulates apprenticeship end-point assessments (EPAs). The linked document shows apprenticeship standards for which there is a regulated awarding organisation recognised to deliver the EPA and whether EPA is available to apprentices on Ofqual’s Register of Regulated Qualifications. The list shows there are 613 standards available. #Apprenticeships #EndPointAssessment #Regulation #AwardingOrganisation #Register https://lnkd.in/eR7xtBwN

🚀 Exciting News for Apprentices! 🚀 UCAS is set to award points to level 3 apprenticeships starting this September! 🎓 Apprentices completing their programs could receive up to 112 UCAS points, depending on the apprenticeship length. This new system will help higher education institutions compare apprenticeships with other post-16 qualifications. ➡ 24-month apprenticeships = 96 UCAS points (equivalent to three grade C A-levels). ➡18-month apprenticeships = 64 points. ➡12-month apprenticeships = 48 points. This initiative aims to ensure that apprenticeships are valued equally alongside A-levels and T Levels, opening more doors to higher education. Lindsay Conroy, Head of Apprenticeships at UCAS, emphasized the goal is to "ensure all pathways are visible and maintain an informed and fair admissions system." The consultation on these proposals closes on June 20, 2024. #Apprenticeships #HigherEducation #UCASPoints #FutureOfEducation #SkillsForSuccess https://lnkd.in/gVxmUk-W