Piloting the delivery of a new Apprenticeship framework within Sporting Excellence

Descriptions

As an Apprenticeship framework developer, SkillsActive is in the process of developing and finalising a Welsh Government Specification of Apprenticeship Standards Wales (SASW) compliant Apprenticeship Framework within the field of Sporting Excellence. This will replace the existing accredited framework and will be consulted upon, finalised and submitted to Apprenticeships Frameworks Online (AFO) by the end of September 2013.Therefore, and through this tender specification, SkillsActive is looking to commission appropriate organisations to pilot the delivery of this framework for an October 1st 2013 start. All projects must be defrayed by 31st October 2014 along with all reporting and financial returns.Prospective suppliers may wish to work independently or in partnership. A lead applicant must be identified in the event of a partnership. Due to the nature of this unique Apprenticeship framework, SkillsActive will be keen to ensure that potential suppliers demonstrate a strategic relationship with relevant National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs). This is primarily to ensure that learners recruited onto the programme are performing at an elite level within a chosen sport, for example:1.Are contracted apprentices at professional sports clubs2.Are athletes identified as potential high performers by their respective NGB3.Are talented young people in the ‘academy environment’ not yet offered professional contractsAs part of the submissions process, SkillsActive will also be looking for prospective suppliers to demonstrate how they will ensure that potential learners fit Welsh Government eligibility criteria for Apprenticeships. All Apprentices will need to be employed (minimum 15 hours per week) or be self employed in a relevant context. A contract of employment will need to be in place and earnings will need to exceed the National Minimum Wage for Apprenticeships.Finally, copies of the final draft framework can be shared with prospective suppliers on request. Alternatively, the current L3 framework for Sporting Excellence also provides useful information and this can be obtained through AFO (http://www.afo.sscalliance.org/frameworkslibrary).