Modern Apprenticeship Policy 2022
1.0 Introduction
Queen Margaret University is committed to continuous development of its employees in order to provide high-quality services through a skilled workforce and meet our strategic objectives. As part of this commitment, the University aims to develop new recruits through the Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks.
Recruiting apprentices allows the University to cultivate talent and skills in line with organisational requirements, providing potential future succession for existing posts. It also enhances the University’s contribution to the wider community by creating employment opportunities targeted towards young people.
2.0 Scope and Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to set out the University’s commitment to the recruitment, employment and development of Modern Apprentices, ensuring all legal obligations are met.
A Modern Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised scheme in Scotland. Modern Apprenticeships are available to individuals aged 16 and over, and combine paid employment with a training programme leading the apprentice to gain an industry approved qualification at SVQ Level 2 or 3.
The Modern Apprenticeship’s training content includes core skills and industry-specific skills. Different delivery methods can be used, including college training and workplace learning. Programmes normally last between 12 and 36 months, depending on the specific qualification.
The Modern Apprenticeship Framework defines outcomes, content and format of the training programme across a wide range of sectors.
Recognised providers are responsible for organising, managing and delivering the training in line with the specific Modern Apprenticeship Framework.
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is the national skills body providing public funding for the training of apprentices aged 16 to 24.
3.0 Terms and Conditions of Employment
Modern Apprentices are employed on fixed-term contracts on QMU’s terms and conditions of employment. The length of contract normally corresponds to the duration of the relevant training programme, and will normally be for two to three years.
While contracts may be extended or converted to open ended once the appropriate training programme has been completed, this is dependent on a number of factors and cannot be guaranteed.
In addition to the contract of employment with the University, a Training Agreement and Plan is issued for each Modern Apprentice.
The selected Training Provider will assist the recruiting department in developing the Training Agreement and Plan.
Modern Apprentices are appointed on the relevant grade for the role and commence on the first point of the grade. The relevant grade for the role is determined by job analysis through Higher Education Role Analysis (HERA). Some roles may attract an incremental uplift, should they be eligible to receive this. The specific payment arrangements will be set out in the terms and conditions of employment.
4.0 Legislation
In addition to the minimum rates of pay set out by law, workers aged under 18 have extra rights to protect them because of their age.
Employees who are over the minimum school-leaving age but under the age of 18:
- Must not ordinarily work between 10.00pm and 6.00am; and
- Must not work for more than 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. The hours worked cannot be averaged out and employees cannot choose to opt-out of this restriction.
In addition, those aged 16 and 17 must receive:
- a rest period of a minimum of 30 minutes if their working day lasts more than 4.5 hours
- a rest period of a minimum of 12 hours between each working day
- a minimum of 2 consecutive days off a week
The University has the same responsibilities for the health and safety of Modern Apprenticeships as it does for any other member of University staff. Appropriate risk assessments will be carried out where applicable.
5.0 Recruitment & Selection
The University is responsible for the recruitment and selection of Modern Apprentices and follows its Recruitment and Selection Policy and Procedure. To facilitate the specific recruitment and selection of Modern Apprenticeships additional guidance has been developed, please see QMU Guidance on the Recruitment and Selection of Modern Apprentices.
6.0 Completion of Modern Apprenticeship
A review should take place approximately 5 months prior to the end of the Modern Apprenticeship to determine whether there is a requirement for the position to continue on an open ended basis. Should this be the case, a VAP form should be submitted for approval.
Should the position not be required after the fixed term contract expires or the VAP be declined the Open Ended and Fixed Term Contracts Policy and Procedure should be followed.
7.0 Related Policies
- Recruitment and Selection Policy and Procedure
- Vacancy Approval Procedure
- Open Ended and Fixed Term Contracts Policy and Procedure
- Performance Enhancement Review
