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UKFT Apprenticeship Review - Northern Ireland 2022

Ensuring the apprenticeship offer meets the needs of industry

UKFT is conducting a review into the apprenticeship frameworks in Northern Ireland, as the current model needs to be aligned to the specific needs of the industry and the relevant government strategy. These frameworks cover training across a wide range of job roles across the industry, from sewing machinists and garment technologists to materials cutters, textile operatives and technicians.

UKFT will be working with employers and stakeholders to carry out the review, which covers technical skills, delivery and support.

Here we have four broad areas we need to cover, which are outlined here. The deadline for responses is 12th January 2022.
1.Are you a...(Required.)
2.Organisation Name(Required.)
3.Contact name(Required.)
4.Job title(Required.)
5.Email address(Required.)
6.Have you heard of the Fashion & Textiles L2/L3 Apprenticeship Framework available in Northern Ireland?
7.If yes, have you accessed the training to date?
8.Which pathway did you use (textile or apparel) and for what job role? 
9.Were there any barriers in accessing the training?
10.Now you are aware, would you seek to access to train in the near future?
11.Which pathway did you use (textile or apparel) and for which job role? 
12.Do we have all the relevant job roles covered?
13.Do the job descriptions need updating? (You can find the job roles descriptions here)
14.The Purpose of these Framework are to specify the standards and the criteria for the delivery of level 2 and 3 apprenticeship training. Please refer to the Level 2 framework here and the Level 3 framework here. The apprenticeship allows learners a qualified status within the fashion and textile industry. As if an apprentice successfully completes the apprenticeship, they gain qualifications and recognition as a qualified person within sector.
Does the purpose of the framework reflect the skills need/demand in Northern Ireland?
15.Please refer to the Eligibility and Entry Requirements for proposed new entrants for the Level 2 framework here and the Level 3 framework here. Do you agree with the text in this section?
16.Do you agree that these job roles outlined in the Level 2 framework here and Level 2 framework here meet the demand for the NI fashion & textiles manufacturing sector? 
17.Mandatory Essential Skills – application of number, communication information and communication technology at Level 1  (for a L2 apprenticeship ) and 2 (for a L3 apprenticeship) are mandatory – Are you happy with this?
18.Duration – The minimum duration for training is typically 12 months in Level 2 and 24 months in Level 3, which is standardised across the UK. Do you still agree with this timeframe?
19.Would a new combined structure for the qualification work in Northern Ireland? Please read more details on the example used in Scotland here.
20.Thank you for your time. If you have any comments to add please use the space below