What training and achievements are supported by these grants?
Registration onto an approved apprenticeship scheme. Off-the-job attendance with an approved work-based learning provider (training provider) on an approved course. Achievement of an SVQ. Achievement of an apprenticeship framework.
There are three routes for an apprenticeship to follow:
- National Traineeship (NT) only – apprentices who only work towards achievement of NT Framework or an SVQ Level 2 containing the appropriate level of core skills where no framework is available - Modern Apprenticeship (MA) direct – apprentices who work directly towards a MA Framework - National Traineeship conversion – apprentices who complete the two year NT Framework or an SVQ Level 2 containing the appropriate level of core skills and then transfer onto a MA Framework
What must I do if I want to claim these grants?
There are eligibility criteria that you must meet across five different areas if you wish to claim grants for your apprentice. The criteria relate to:
	- approved training - the work-based learning provider (training provider) you use - you as an employer - your apprentice - registration of your apprentice onto an approved scheme
		As the training system differs in England and Wales from that in Scotland, different criteria apply. Please refer to ‘Support for Apprentices’ English and Welsh web pages on this site
Approved training
The minimum requirement for ConstructionSkills-approved training is 35 days attendance each year, on a day-release or block-release course that leads to an approved SVQ qualification in a construction-related occupation. You can download a list of Approved Qualifications for Achievement Grants A31, A32, A33 & A34, including those qualifications applicable to Apprentice grants for more information (24kb PDF file).
Work-based learning provider (training provider)
If you wish to claim grants you must use an approved work-based learning provider. A list of approved work based learning providers can be obtained from your local ConstructionSkills office. Approval is based on the following factors:
	- the Training Provider must hold a work-based learning contract with the Local Enterprise Company (LEC) for the delivery of apprenticeship frameworks - the Training Provider must hold current approval under the Scottish Quality Management System (SQMS)
ConstructionSkills Apprenticeships has approval as a work-based learning provider; please contact your local ConstructionSkills office if you would like further information. If your training provider is not yet approved, arrangements will be made for them to be added to the approved list, if they meet the criteria. To confirm if your work-based-learning-provider is approved please contact your local ConstructionSkills office.
Employer
You must be able to offer the range of work and experience necessary to comply with SVQ work-based evidence requirements. You must ensure that your apprentice has access to support and guidance. Employers must provide tools and protective clothing Apprentices will be expected to receive an appropriate wage, for example under the Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council (SBATC) rule agreement, although the level of the wage you pay lies solely between you and your apprentice. For further advice employers should contact the National Minimum Wage Helpline on 0845 6000 678, online at www.dti.gov.uk or by contacting your Federation.
Apprentice
Your apprentice must be employed by you. Your apprentice must pass the ConstructionSkills Structured Learning Exercise (SLE) and demonstrate the ability to complete the Key Skills element of the apprenticeship framework. The minimum standard is a score of 11 on the SLE diagram interpretation element and a score of 6 on the numeracy element. This score may be higher depending on the occupation chosen. Contact your work-based learning provider (training provider) in the first instance about taking the test as they may already be using the ConstructionSkills test. The exercise is, however, available free of charge from your local ConstructionSkills office and must be taken in controlled conditions. Contact your local ConstructionSkills office for advice about this. You must ensure that your apprentice is registered with an approved Training Provider and that the agreed main learning objective is the completion of an apprenticeship framework - or alternative where a framework is not available. You must inform your local ConstructionSkills office immediately if:
	- the apprentice leaves the training programme or your employment - the apprentice is dismissed to inform us please us the appropriate form
Apprentice Registration
Your apprentice must be registered under a ConstructionSkills approved industry apprenticeship scheme if you wish to claim grants. For example:
	- Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council (SBATC) - other schemes include heating and ventilation, surveying, plumbing and electrical If the scheme you intend to use is not listed please contact your local ConstructionSkills office for advice.
What training and achievements are NOT supported by these grants?
Whilst you are claiming apprentice attendance grants you cannot claim any other grant for the same apprentice other than:
- Necessary and appropriate off-the-job training that is not included in the individual’s apprenticeship framework where the cost of the training is met by the employers (e.g. First Aid, Confined Spaces training) who have a Training & Development Plan, supported by grant B102 - A skills Test supported by grant A07