In the evolving education and training landscape, apprenticeships are a highly effective solution for successful organisational growth.
One term you’ll often encounter is apprenticeship standard. For employers new to apprenticeships, understanding the terminology and system is crucial for making informed workplace development decisions. But what exactly is an apprenticeship standard?
In this blog, we’ll discuss what it is, why it’s important, and how it works. Damar Training is a leading provider of business and professional apprenticeships across England so can support you with all the advice and guidance you need when it comes to apprenticeship training.
What is an apprenticeship standard?
Essentially, an apprenticeship standard defines the skills, knowledge, and behaviours that an apprentice needs to demonstrate to be competent in a specific job role. It’s basically a blueprint for an apprenticeship and outlines exactly what an apprentice will learn and be able to do by the end of their training.
Some key aspects of apprenticeship standards include:
Employer-led development
Apprenticeship standards are developed by groups of employers known as trailblazers who operate within a specific industry or occupation. This ensures that the apprenticeship content is directly relevant to the current needs of the sector and that apprentices can develop skills that are truly valued by their employers.
A focus on knowledge, skills, and behaviours
Knowledge is the theoretical aspects that the apprentice must learn and understand. This isn’t just textbook learning – it’s practical, industry-relevant information that directly applies to the job role. For example, a team leader apprentice must learn about stakeholder management, decision-making principles and approaches to management.
Skills are the practical and hands-on capabilities that the apprentice must develop. For example, data protection apprentices should develop the skills of interpreting regulations and legislation, sharing best practices and advising stakeholders on its application.
Behaviours are the workplace behaviours and attitudes that are required to perform in the role. A paralegal apprentice, for example, would be expected to adopt a growth mindset and be collaborative and inclusive with other peers.
End-point assessment
Each standard includes rigorous, objective assessment criteria measured during the end-point assessment. This standardised approach ensures consistency across different training providers and gives employers confidence in their apprentices’ qualifications.
Clear progression routes and levels
Apprenticeship standards are available from level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) up to level 7 (equivalent to master’s degree), providing clear pathways for career progression. You can learn more about the different levels of apprenticeships here.
On-programme learning and support
Apprenticeship standards have a minimum length of eight months, ensuring that the apprentice has sufficient time for meaningful learning and development. The apprentice must also complete all of the off-the-job training as set out in their training plan from their provider.
How training providers bring standards to life
Training providers, such as Damar, play the critical role of taking the apprenticeship standard and turning it into a structured training plan, which will ensure that the apprentice passes their end-point assessment and, more importantly, is able to perform effectively in their role.
We will carefully consider the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the standard, along with the capabilities that must be evidenced during assessment. From this, we create structured training programmes that could include one-to-one coaching, group coaching, online learning resources, classroom-based activities, observations and independent learning activities.
We help organisations grow by providing expertly-designed training that maximises the long-term business benefits of developing new and existing staff. So, if you’re looking for an apprentice, you can rely on us to guide you through your apprenticeship journey.
Emma Harrison, Learning and Development Manager at Lanyon Bowdler, said this:
“The service provided by Damar has been faultless. The team guided us through the process of recruitment and the structure of the apprenticeship, enabling the recruitment of excellent candidates. The structure of the programme supports the development of the whole person (not just legal knowledge) and gives apprentices enough time around the core modules to develop a thorough understanding of aspects of law.”
Read more of our employer case studies here.
Understand apprenticeship standards and more with Damar Training
Hopefully, this blog has answered your questions about apprenticeship standards. They represent a sophisticated, employer-led approach to developing skilled professionals, providing clear pathways for career development while ensuring consistent, high-quality outcomes.
Here at Damar Training, we’ve got over 40 years of experience in the apprenticeship industry. So, if you’re interested in working with our fantastic team as an employer partner, please get in touch with us today!