The move to extend the qualification to all adults is part of an LSC funded programme to improve training and skills development in England, particularly in light of the new age discrimination law announced in October 2006.
Adult Apprenticeships have already proved highly successful in Wales and trials enabling adults over the age of 25 to do apprenticeships in four sectors began in January 2005 and have proved so successful that they have now been extended to food and drink.
The framework has been developed at Level 2 and Level 3:
For the first time however this Apprenticeship has been designed to allow adults with experience to fast track their learning. This means that if you have Recent Occupational Experience (ROE) in the sector, or hold existing Vocational Related Qualifications (VRQs) you can accredit this into your learning programme avoiding duplication and repetition of training.
The programme will take between 18 months to two years to complete, dependent on prior knowledge, skills and qualifications.
