Business News
Proskills & The QRG achieve approval for a new Paper Apprenticeship Framework
Thursday 10. September 2009 - Proskills, the Sector Skills Council for the Process & Manufacturing sector and the newly formed Qualifications Reform Group (QRG), an industry group represented by employers and training providers, have developed a new and approved National Qualifications Framework for apprentices in the Paper and Board Manufacturing industry.
Prior to this, no nationally recognised qualifications framework existed. As a result, many industry sectors developed their own apprenticeship frameworks and delivered their own internal training. Despite the relevance of this training, the resultant qualifications were not officially recognised and this piece-meal approach led to inconsistencies in the choice of qualification and confusion over the value of the apprentices individual achievements.
Paul Preston, Standards Controller at Proskills said “The new framework for Paper apprenticeships has been a fantastic achievement by Proskills. It is with thanks to QRG who got involved and helped employers accept ownership of the qualifications that employers have faith in the programme, are confident, committed and are registering apprentices with us.”
Paul added, “This new framework successfully draws the needs of the paper and board industry into one document, offering a structure that will ensure training and assessment is carried out systematically, meets with the requirements of the employer and the trainee ensuring the programme adds value and quality and will provide an environment in which individuals are able to develop a host of skills and personal attributes – all of which contribute to the success of the industry and to the wider UK economy.
The paper industry joined Proskills, at the end of 2007 providing a mechanism to develop a framework essential to the needs of paper and board manufacturers. The QRG assisted in gathering necessary data to define industry requirements of key job roles and outcomes required by a Paper Apprenticeship framework.
In 2009, with Proskills help, the QRG ratified such requirements resulting in content approval.
Richard Moore, Proskills industry lead for the Paper industry noted “Apprenticeships are one of the most cost-effective ways to train staff. By combining on and off the job training, apprenticeships ensure that learners are trained in the skills that are relevant to their work at the same time as increasing motivation and company loyalty.”
He continued, “”The future of apprenticeships and the importance they play in shaping the skills of our economy lies in the hands of the employers and the training providers, and with the continued support of Proskills and the QRG to ensure that the Framework meets the needs of the our industry and satisfies the legislative regulations.”