Modern Apprenticeships - Scotland

Modern Apprenticeships are Government-backed, work-based training frameworks specifically tailored to meet the skills needs of employers in Scotland.  

Frameworks

Improve has developed an integrated SVQ based Framework for Modern Apprenticeships for the food and drink industry, which was launched in December 2007. The Framework is part of the overall qualifications reform strategy for the food and drink manufacturing industry in Scotland.

Employees and learners from any part of the food and drink sector can take part in one integrated SVQ based programme of learning.The programme offers flexibility and choice to both employers and learners.

Updated competence frameworks for Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeships in Food and Drink will be launched in April 2013.

The revamp reflects changes in industry working practices and business needs since the original framework for the Modern Apprenticeship in food and drink was first launched in 2007.

To mark the change, the revised frameworks will now be called the Modern Apprenticeships in Food and Drink Operations to reflect the broad nature of the industry.

The updates are a result of consultation with Scottish food and drink businesses on their latest skill requirements.

Key changes include:

1) Raising the level of required Core Skills for both the Level 2 and Level 3 frameworks to SCQF levels 4 and 5 respectively
2) Change of name to Modern Apprenticeships in Food and Drink Operations
3) New Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Food and Drink Operations offering a range of sector specific and generic pathways, including the business improvement pathway ‘Achieving Food Manufacturing Excellence’
4) A broader, more flexible choice of additional, ‘enhanced’ outcomes at Level 3 as well as Level 2

The revised Modern Apprenticeships in Food and Drink Operations are fit-for-purpose, highly relevant to current industry needs and contain SVQs that have been streamlined, with simpler structures.

Summaries of the Framework for the Modern Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Operations at Level 2 and Level 3 are available in the frameworks section.

Registration and Certification

Training providers must register learners with Improve Ltd within eight weeks of commencing their apprenticeship Programme. Initially training providers must contact Improve Limited in order to gain access to MA online.

MAG guidelines advise that registration and certification is completed within 4 weeks of being entered on MA online.