Energy & Utility Skills

The Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales (SASW) sets out the minimum requirements to be included in a recognised Welsh Apprenticeship framework. Compliance with the SASW will be a statutory requirement of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning (ASCL) Act and compliance is required by 6 April 2011. The final version of the SASW will be available from November 2010 and will take effect from 6 April 2011.

Since the publication of the SASW in April 2010, Energy & Utility Skills (EU Skills) has commenced a review of all Apprenticeship frameworks across the sector. This review aligns with an ongoing programme of activity to develop qualifications in the Qualification Credit Framework (QCF) - the new framework for creating and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The SASW sets out the minimum requirements of a recognised Apprenticeship framework in Wales. These requirements are:

• 37 credits on the QCF including a 10 credit competence element based on National Occupational Standard (NOS) and a 10 credit knowledge element
• Essential Skills Wales in Communication, Application of Number and Information Communications Technology (ICT)
• Formally assessed Employment Rights and Responsibilities (ERR)
• A minimum of 280 guided learning hours (GLH) per year with a minimum of 30% off workstation.
• Wider key skills can be included at the discretion of industry
• Clearly mapped entry requirements and progression routes.
  

EU Skills is soon to be formally appointed as the 'issuing authority' for all SASE/ W compliant Apprenticeship frameworks in the sector across England and Wales. This means that EU Skills will be the organisation responsible for issuing all Apprenticeship frameworks for the sector across England and Wales on the basis of their compliance with the SASE/ W.

> Consultation on the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales (SASW)