FMA

What are Foundation Modern Apprenticeships?

Foundation Modern Apprenticeships (formerly known as National Traineeships) have been developed by industry through National Training Organisations (NTOs) as a way of training young people to work effectively in their early careers.
They are highly valued by employers as they enable young people to achieve higher level skills and vocational qualifications related directly to jobs.
Foundation Modern Apprentices are normally employed by an organisation and undertake both on and off-the-job training throughout their apprenticeship, possibly including attendance at college on a day release basis.
For details of Skillseekers in Scotland, contact SCONTO , and for Northern Ireland contact the Training and Employment Agency .

Who can become a Foundation Modern Apprentice?

The Foundation Modern Apprenticeship is primarily designed to attract capable young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who have the ability and motivation to undergo a training programme that will lead to a Level 2 NVQ and Key Skills.
The training programme can also be applied to older candidates who would benefit from the achievement of such qualifications.
Ultimately, the selection of an apprentice rests with employers to ensure that they get the right person for their business.

Is there a cost?

Obviously any good training programme involves costs. Financial support may however be provided by Local Learning and Skills Councils, LLSCs, and is normally available for 16, 17 and 18 year olds.
Funding will often be through a training provider or managing agency that can look after the majority of the administration and monitoring requirements.

How can a Foundation Modern Apprentice help your business?

As well as helping a young person to enter your industry, you can benefit from having enthusiastic and well-motivated individuals.
You can achieve better performance from the variety of additional skills that your Foundation Modern Apprentice will learn through the high quality industry-backed training programme.
The addition of a Foundation Modern Apprentice could prove to be a sound investment for the future of your business and of your industry.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more

The e-skills NTO can give advice on all aspects of Foundation Modern Apprenticeships within both the Technical and Call Handling sectors.
The e-skills NTO has the primary responsibility for the development, maintenance, quality assurance and certification of Foundation Modern Apprenticeships.

The main features of a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship include:

• Employed status or a work placement from the outset
• A training plan which will set out the training to be undertaken
• A written training agreement placing responsibilities on the apprentice, the local funding provider and the employer
• High quality training leading to achievement of Level 2 NVQ or above, and Key Skills including Communication and Information Technology
• A nationally recognised certificate on completion of the apprenticeship
• Improved career prospects and job security within the industry and the opportunity to progress on to an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship.

Contact your local LLSC or Careers Service to find out what National Traineeships are offered in your area.