Apprenticeship Framework

April 1 2009

The replacement of the previous suite of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) in Stevedoring, Marine Operations and Passenger Operations with the current NVQ in Port Operations has necessitated a replacement of the Ports Industry Apprenticeship framework. The new apprenticeship framework will focus on Stevedoring which is currently the area of greatest demand.

Since the previous apprenticeship was established in 2002, the requirements specified for the qualification design has continued to evolve. Since 2005 the Apprenticeship Blueprint requires all new apprenticeships to have one or more technical certificates. The technical certificate is a knowledge based qualification aimed at delivering the underpinning knowledge of the NVQ. Due to ongoing changes to the Apprenticeship Blueprint and the qualifications framework, PSS has needed to repeatedly rethink our approach to ensure approval of the final scheme. Changes to the qualifications framework have presented real difficulties for some Awarding Bodies, including our own, and this presents a further challenge to getting the qualification in place.

Nevertheless, we are pressing ahead with a very challenging target of having the new apprenticeship ready for implementation by September 2009. There will of course be opportunity for industry involvement in the development work.