FER welcomes new ‘Trailblazers’ apprentice scheme

FER has welcomed the introduction of ‘Trailblazers’, a scheme that will replace current apprenticeships within two years, offering organisations more freedom and control over the qualifications offered to apprentices.

With apprenticeships and funding moving into the control of the businesses that employ the apprentice, FER’s training partnership with Qualitrain looks set to develop unique qualifications and draw funding directly from the government to deliver them.

At present, apprenticeships are run by colleges and training providers, such as Qualitrain, but this new approach will give the employer greater involvement in setting the ‘standard’ for each apprenticeship, ensuring the apprentice gets the best possible training to implement within the sector upon completion.

Qualitrain, FER’s training provider, has already carried out research, visiting FER members and various businesses to fully understand training expectations, and has now begun drawing up plans to ensure all requirements are met.

FER’s partnership with Qualitrain initially began in order to develop specialist training, more bespoke to the needs of the remanufacturing industry and Trailblazers supports this style of training.

The scheme’s main aims are:

Put employers in the driving seat – employers can shape an apprenticeship to their needs, making it more attractive to potential new employees.

Increase the quality of apprenticeships – employers can ensure apprentices are ready to progress at the end of the training as they can implement specific assessments suited to the business.

Simplify the system – standards will be easier to understand, describing the knowledge, skills and behaviour (KSBs) needed for full competence in an occupation.

Mike Perkins from Qualitrain said: “This is a step in the right direction for not just employers, but for apprentices too. It will ensure that each apprentice has the specific training shaped to their job role, providing them with the appropriate skills to succeed.”

Trailblazers requires ten FER members sponsor the scheme to prove the driving force behind the scheme is coming from within the organisation.

Perkins added: ‘FER and Qualitrain encourages its members to get behind the new training programme as it will be of great benefit to everyone within the industry. Showing support is simple; Qualitrain will even help take care of any paperwork!”