Apprenticeships are an important part of the PSS framework of qualifications, and are designed to attract new entrants into the ports industry and give them the skills and experience they need to have a long and successful career.
The qualifications may be known by slightly different terms depending on the the level of skill complexity involved and where in the UK you live and follow the qualification. For example, Foundation Apprenticeships are called Foundation Modern Apprenticeships in Wales, whilst Advanced Apprenticeships are known as Modern Apprenticeships in Wales and Scotland. However, for ease of reading, the term ‘Apprenticeships’ will be used throughout this text.
Apprenticeships are made up of an N/SVQ and other ‘smaller’ qualifications, namely, Key/Core Skills and very likely one or more Technical Certificates. When pursuing an apprenticeship, these component qualifications can be independently achieved; however, all are needed to lead to the overall achievement of an apprenticeship.
The Key/Core Skills cover everyday activities like communicating and working with others, seen to be essential to living an independent life. Technical Certificates cover specific technical aspects of the work that the apprentice is training towards.
Apprentices earn whilst studying on an apprenticeship and will attend college too. Further information about Apprenticeships in general can be found at
- http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk
- http://www.ssascot.org.uk/web/site/mod_apprent/framework.asp
- http://www.elwa.ac.uk/ElwaWeb/elwa.aspx?pageid=645
Frameworks for the Ports Industry
PSS has been working to revise the existing Apprenticeship framework for the Ports Industry to include the new NVQ level 2 in Port Operations. This represents a significant project to meet latest criteria for Apprenticeship frameworks (the Apprenticeship Blueprint). The work will be ongoing during 2008.
Developing the PSS framework of qualifications further, an Apprenticeship framework based on the Level 3 NVQ is planned for England and Wales, as well as one for Scotland, based on the SVQ Level 3 in Supervision of Port Operations.
If you would like to find out about Apprenticeship providers near you, go to our regional map