Commentary on Sections Part 1: Apprenticeships, Study and Training Apprenticeship frameworks: England and Wales
53.Sections 12 to 22 relate to apprenticeship frameworks. An apprenticeship framework is a high level curriculum for an apprenticeship in a specified career. The frameworks typically include an integrated programme which contains a competence element; a knowledge element; transferable or key skills; and employment rights and responsibilities. The frameworks require a person to obtain a qualification such as an NVQ at level 2, 3 or 4 in a particular subject to meet the competence and knowledge elements, as well as key skills in literacy and numeracy. These sections set out the procedures for the issue of apprenticeship frameworks, as developed by employers, Standard Setting Bodies and Sector Skills Councils according to the specification of apprenticeship standards in England and Wales. The separate provision for a specification of apprenticeship standards for England in sections 23-27 and for Wales in sections 28-31 enables variations between the specification of apprenticeship standards for England and the specification of apprenticeship standards for Wales and the related recognised frameworks.