Young Apprenticeship

Who funds a YA?

They are Government funded. Specific funding is routed from the Department for Children, Schools and Families [DCSF] via the LSC to the partnership delivering the programme. The programme is funded per student with funds going directly to the lead partner.
Does it cover the whole of the UK?
No, they are only available to students at school in England where a partnership has put in a bid.

What do students gain from YA?

They will receive a Level 2 nationally recognised vocational or equivalent qualification which counts towards the school performance tables. In addition to their academic and vocational qualifications, they will also have gained personal and business skills and an invaluable insight into the opportunities available in the health, social care and early years sectors.
How does it fit in with the new diploma?
It’s an additional option for your bright and motivated students who have shown an interest in finding out more about working in health, social care and/or early years sectors. So, whilst the Diploma in Society Health and Development is related to vocational areas, it doesn’t have the same practical application as the YA programme. This is because there is only 10 days work experience compared to the 50 days of the YA programme.

Will we have full commitment from partnerships?
A steering group will be established to ensure good communication and that all partners understand what their requirements are. Experience has shown that it’s good practice to draw up service level agreements. The most successful Partnerships are those where the avenues of communication are clear and consistent.

Do partnerships provide CRB checks?

CRB checks are arranged and paid for from the YA funds.

What about risk assessments, health and safety, inductions?

The YA coordinator responsible for arranging the work placements will ensure that adequate risk assessments are carried out before and during each placement. These will include health and safety, conduct in the workplace and confidentiality.

Are there shared resources?
You will find some resources on this site. You can also gain a lot of information by attending the national events delivered by Skills for Health and Skills for Care.

How will they know about these events? Link?

What is the mode of delivery?
The DCSF model of delivery is that the core curriculum is delivered over three days and the vocational offer over two days. However, this can vary from partnership to partnership. As long as the delivery equates to two days a week over the two years, then there will be sufficient time to incorporate the 50 days work experience and the level 2 vocationally related qualification.

Do teachers need to visit YAs on placement?
Each partnership has a designated person who will coordinate the programme and be the direct contact for the YAs and the teaching staff. They will visit the YAs on placement and carry out reviews, but the school ultimately has duty of care over the YAs and also during the holidays if activities take place then.

Who is responsible for the students whilst they are on the YA programme?
Teachers, employers and training providers share responsibility for each Young Apprentice, but the school is ultimately responsible.

What about insurance whilst they are away from school?
Employers’ liability insurance covers students whilst they are on work experience
Find out more at www.safelearner.info/home.

I’m interested, where do I find out more?
Your Local Authority has details about the Partnerships in your area. www.teachernet.gov.uk is also a good source of information.

If you need specific help, please contact: Tracey Nicholson, Project Manager on 0790997401 or email tracey.nicholson@skillsforcare.org.uk