FAQ
Your questions about the Path 2 Apprenticeships programme, answered.
The Path 2 Apprenticeships programme is a short-term intervention to give young people across the West Midlands the support they need to successfully enter and complete an apprenticeship, with the aim of leading to sustained employment.
West Midlands residents between the ages of 19 and 29 who are not otherwise in education, employment, or training, particularly those who are in receipt of Universal Credit and considered economically inactive.
There is no cost to either the candidate or an employer. The Path 2 Apprenticeship programme is fully funded for eligible applicants, through the WMCA’s Adult Education Budget.
Eligible candidates will not be paid a wage throughout the training programme, but will continue to receive Universal Credit if they do so already. There will also be support available to cover reasonable additional costs.
On completion of the programme, candidates will be given the opportunity to interview with an employer offering apprenticeships at National Living Wage.
Targeted support to give individuals access to the support and skills required to enter an apprenticeship. This includes:
- Regular coaching/mentoring support
- A guaranteed interview for an apprenticeship, paying at least National Minimum Wage (not apprenticeship wage)
- Careers information, advice and guidance, including interview preparation
- Access to real work experience with a relevant sector-based employer
- Retention of Universal Credit for the duration of the Path 2 Apprenticeship programme
Whilst Path 2 Apprenticeships is not an accredited qualification in its own right, the purpose of the programme is to progress individuals into an accredited apprenticeship and into ongoing high quality employment. Depending on the candidate's chosen apprenticeship route, there may be additional recognised qualifications subsidised and awarded where there is a need for these to enter into an apprenticeship, e.g. CSCS card for construction programmes.
Path 2 Apprenticeships will provide opportunities to progress into an apprenticeship in the following sectors:
- Construction
- Business and Finance
- Digital
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Health and Social Care
- Early Years
- Catering and Hospitality
- Warehousing and Logistics
Apprenticeships in these sectors are likely to be offered at Levels 2 or 3 and may vary by region and employer.
Training will be delivered via a combination of classroom based and virtual delivery, lasting up to 16 weeks. On-site work experience will be a key component of the programme.
There are no formal assessment to complete the Path 2 Apprenticeships programme. However, ongoing personal assessment will help to inform the needs of individuals and shape programme delivery.
The core offer of every Path 2 Apprenticeships programme will include:
- English/Maths skills
- Digital skills
- Employability skills and Careers Information, Advice and Guidance
- Green skills
- Work experience
- One to one coaching support
In addition, sector specific skills will be embedded into every programme to ensure individuals have the ability to transition into their chosen apprenticeship.
The Path 2 Apprenticeships programme uses a range of training providers, each specialising in specific sectors. Register your interest
We encourage work coaches to share details of the Path 2 Apprenticeships programme (web link – programme overview), and refer these individuals to the appropriate training provider. Details of current provision within the region can be found here (web link – current offer).