As the official issuing authority for the IT sector standards and frameworks, e-skills UK maintains the National Occupational Standards and Apprenticeship Frameworks for the sector and has an ongoing programme of continuous development to ensure they both meet employers' needs.
We are also currently working on 4 other specific apprenticeship development projects - the higher level apprenticeship programme, the sector-managed apprenticeship programme and the value added apprenticeships (through our National Skills Academy for IT), and the Pathways to Apprenticeships programme in Wales.
If you are an employer, find out more below about the programmes and how to get involved.
Creating innovative pathways to IT careers in England
The National Skills Academy for IT, which is led by e-skills UK, is currently developing two apprenticeship programmes, in conjunction with employers of all sizes, from SMEs to multinationals companies. The plan is to create innovative pathways to IT careers, attracting talented candidates from a range of sources and diversifying recruitment.
Higher level apprenticeship programme
Higher apprenticeships combine the academic rigour of university and college education with practical, employer-defined training. They can lead to Foundation and Honours degree level qualifications.
With Higher Apprenticeship Fund support, we are aiming to increase the uptake of higher apprenticeships in the IT sector, creating a viable alternative to traditional graduate recruitment, by enabling employers to attract talented individuals at an early age and train them to suit their business needs.
We need your help to define the requirements and technical content of the programme and recruit the first IT higher apprentices.
Sector-managed apprenticeship programme
Supported by the Government’s Growth and Innovation Fund, we are partnering with a range of employers to create a sector managed apprenticeship – an apprenticeship based on the model of a major technology company, but delivered by smaller organisations.
With employers, e-skills UK and the National Skills Academy for IT are creating a set of ‘Gold Standard’ apprenticeship delivery programmes for in-demand job roles. These will initially focus on Level 3 IT professional apprenticeships and give all apprentices an enriched learning experience that meets employers’ needs.
We are working with employers to guide the content and approach, and ensure the apprenticeship is relevant, appealing and accessible to the sector.
Value added Apprenticeships
Enabled by the Government’s Employer Investment Fund, e-skills UK is developing a package to add value to existing apprenticeships. This will include activities such as events, learning support materials and lectures from core technology and business role models. There may also be the chance to visit some of the nation’s leading technology centres.
The programme will be designed with sector employers, to identify the enhancements needed to improve apprentices’ personal development, skills and knowledge. Employers can benefit from motivated IT apprentices on their staff with a wider appreciation and understanding of the business sector.
We are seeking employers to assist in the launch and growth of this project.
Get involved
If you are an employer and would like to get involved in, or recruit for either of these projects, please fill in the form on the e-skills UK-led National Skills Academy for IT website.
Pathways to Apprenticeships in Wales
The Pathways to Apprenticeships programme in IT is currently running in 10 colleges across Wales and has attracted nearly 140 learners in its first year. The programme is a 12-month college-based course that allows learners to “fast-track” and gain at least one vocational Level 2 IT qualification that gives them the skills and knowledge to take on a full apprenticeship at level 3. Learners study a varied curriculum, concentrating on a mixture of technical and business skills and the framework also has a heavy emphasis on work experience and the additional employability skills these placements can offer learners.
Find out more about the Pathways to Apprenticeships in Wales.