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Publication of the Specification for Apprenticeships (SASE)

As predicted in Lsect Update 19-01-11 the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England (SASE) was finally published today and comes into effect from the 6th April 2011.

Oh, and it is possibly the least inspiring front cover of any Government document I have seen. Click here to download.



Arguably the most significant development is confirmation of the introduction of minimum guided learning hours (on and off-the-job).

Page 9 (minimum glh) of the SASE ~ text in full

"An Intermediate Level [Level 2] Apprenticeship [and Advanced Level 3 and Higher Level 4 and 5] framework must specify the number of Guided Learning Hours (GLH) that an apprentice must receive to complete the framework. This must be a minimum of 280 GLH of which at least 100 GLH or 30% (whichever is the greater) must be delivered off-the-job and clearly evidenced. The remaining GLH must be delivered on-the-job and clearly evidenced. Guided learning relates to training which is designed to achieve clear and specific outcomes which contribute directly to the successful achievement of the Apprenticeship framework. This SASE requirement for on the job and off the job guided learning is intended to meet the requirement in Section 27 (2) (b) of the ASCL Act for on-the-job training and off-the-job training.

An Apprenticeship framework must specify the number of GLH that an apprentice must receive within 12 months of starting a framework. This must be a minimum of 280 GLH.

An Apprenticeship framework must specify that, after 12 months of starting a framework an apprentice must receive a minimum of 280 GLH in each subsequent 12 month period. Where an apprentice completes an Apprenticeship part way through the final 12 month period (which is after the first 12 months), an apprentice must receive a proportion of the minimum of 280 GLH which is at least equal to the proportion of the final 12 month period spent on the Apprenticeship."

What impact will minimum glh have on demand & delivery?
The big question is whether by introducing minimum glh of 280 per 12 months (and at least 100 glh off-the-job) this will put off employers from participating, and or put off providers from being able to deliver a financially viable model. The answer to this question is likely to differ substantially by occupational sector, Apprenticeship framework and level.

The Government (like the last) is using the SASE to ensure a 'high quality investment', but this does not mean it will be any easier to achieve the 16-18 and 19+ Apprenticeship growth targets.

Kind regards,

Nick