afo the gas industry wales fr00505 2[1]

The Gas Industry (Wales) -non-statutory

Published by

Energy and Utility Skills

... The Gas Industry (Wales) - non-statutory

Apprenticeship in Construction-Building....

apprenticeshipFRAMEWORKS ONLINE

Information on the Publishing Authority for this framework:

Energy and Utility Skills

The Apprenticeship sector for occupations in electricity, gas and water supply, and wastemanagement (also includes gas utilisation, recycling and waste water collection and treatment)

Short description

The gas industry faces some key challenges including an aging workforce and a skills deficit incraft and technical roles.

The purpose of this Apprenticeship is to support the industry to address these challenges bydeveloping occupational competence in a wide range of job roles in the gas transmission anddistribution and gas utilisation sectors of the industry.

The Gas Industry (Wales) - non-statutory

This framework includes:

Level 2Level 3

Issue number: 2

Framework ID:FR00505

Date this framework is to be reviewedby: 05/04/2013 This framework is for use in: Wales




Contact information

Proposer of this framework

The Gas Industry Strategic Management Board proposed this framework on behalf of the gasindustry.

Developer of this framework

Name: Helen WhiteOrganisation: Energy & Utility Skills

Organisation type: Sector Skills CouncilJob title: Apprenticeships Manager

Phone: 0845 077 9922Email: [email protected]

Postal address: Friars Gate1011 Stratford RoadShirleySolihullB90 4BN

Website: www.euskills.co.uk

Issuing Authority's contact details

Issued by: Energy and Utility SkillsIssuer contact name: Jill Cheshire

Issuer phone: 0845 077 9922Issuer email: [email protected]




Revising a framework

Contact details

Who is making this revision: Helen WhiteYour organisation: Energy & Utility Skills

Your email address: [email protected]

Why this framework is being revised

This framework has been revised to:

Amend the GLH of some of the qualifications inlcuded and subsequently update the frameworkGLH. Provide further clarity regarding the credits attained for knowledge within the integratedqualifications.

Summary of changes made to this framework

See above.

Qualifications removed

No qualifications have been removed from this framework.

Qualifications added

No qualification have been added to this framework.

Qualifications that have been extended

None of the qualifications included within this Apprenticeship have been extended.




Purpose of this framework

Summary of the purpose of the framework

The term “beach to burner” is often used to summarise the breadth of the gas industry. Itprimarily covers the activities associated with the transportation of gas (“transmission anddistribution”) and the installation and maintenance of gas appliances within the customers’property (“utilisation”).

The transmission and distribution sub-industry consists of the transportation of gas from theterminals where gas enters the UK, through the National Transmission System (NTS) to twelveLocal Distribution Zones (LDZs) organised into eight major regional networks, and then up to,and including, the main control valve, usually adjacent to the customers’ property.

The NTS is owned and operated by National Grid on a monopoly basis. The eight networks areowned and operated by four asset owners, National Grid (four networks), Scotia Gas (twonetworks), Wales & West Utilities (one network) and Northern Gas Networks (one network).These monopoly companies are economically regulated by the Office of the Gas and ElectricityMarkets (Ofgem) which sets their costs, prices and investment levels at Price Control Reviews(PCR) on an eight year cycle.

It is estimated that 21,600 people are employed in gas transmission and distribution in the UK.

Gas utilisation covers all activities that take place on the customer's side of the main controlvalve, which also includes meters. The industry is characterised by a plethora of self employedand very small companies (the exception being British Gas) providing installation andmaintenance services to industrial, commercial and domestic customers and micro-generationrenewable energy.

It is estimated that 137,000 people are employed in gas utilisation activities in the UK.

Gas utilisation is not economically regulated, and is very competitive. There is a statutory,safety driven, requirement for all businesses and their employees operating in the industry tobe registered with the Gas Safe Register. Registration demonstrates competence in matters ofgas safety for work on natural gas and liquid petroleum appliances.

The gas industry (in particular, gas utilisation) is experiencing an aging workforce. Forexample, compared to the UK average where 22.2% of the workforce is aged 45-54, 23.4 %of the gas transmission and distribution workforce fall into this age group and 27.1 % of thegas utilisation workforce. EU Skills’ Workforce Planning Model forecasts that this situation is setto worsen over the next 15 years; the model presents a picture of significant levels ofretirements, specifically in technical and engineering roles.




Skills gaps exist in the industry in craft and technical roles. These are caused by thefast-paced introduction of new technologies and working practices, the failure to recruit,develop and train sufficient staff to meet the requirements of natural wastage.

Economic regulation has a strong influence on skills strategy and investment as the regulatorycycle incentivises management to focus on a shorter time horizon than may be appropriate forskills development, given the lengthy lead times from recruitment to achieving competence.

Until recently, the PCR process has taken little account of skills; the rationale being that this isa normal business activity and special provision is unnecessary. However, the skills legacyfrom the past is running out and investment in new skills is essential. During the last PCR thegas distribution network requested spend for Apprenticeships to tackle anticipated skills gapsbased on evidence from the Workforce Planning Model. Ofgem agreed to £72m within theregulatory settlement to be ringfenced for the recruitment and training of Apprentices fromApril 2008, for five years.

In addition, the length and type of contracts issued by asset owners to companies operatingwithin the supply chain have increased, which now warrants investment in Apprenticeships. Contractors are able to “grow their own” workforce through Apprenticeships in response to theeffect skills shortages have on their competitive edge.

The purpose of this Apprenticeship is to provide a recruitment and training tool to bring newpeople into the industry and develop whole job competence (beyond the requirements for theGas Safe Register) in a range of job roles. This Apprenticeship provides employers with theability to develop a sustainable workforce and address current and anticipated skills gaps,critical today where skilled employees are becoming increasingly difficult to recruit.

Aims and objectives of this framework (Wales)

Aim:

To contribute to the development of a sustainable workforce for the UK gas industry.

Objectives:

To attract new workers to the industry.To develop occupational competence in a wide range of job roles in gas transmission,distribution and utilisation.To facilitate progression within the industry.To support the Government's ambition outlined in Skils that Work for Wales for a strongApprenticeship System.




Entry conditions for this frameworkThe Apprenticeship in the Gas Industry is open to individuals of any age and does not imposeany restrictions to entry. Responsibility for selection and recruitment of apprentices lies withthe employer who will have a clear idea of their requirements.

The qualifications included within this Apprenticeship are demanding and many employers willlook for applicants who have gained the Welsh Baccalaureate Intermediate Diploma or aboveto demonstrate an ability to complete the Apprenticeship. The qualifications withinthe Foundation Apprenticeship are less complex and consequently employers may relax theirrecruitment criteria.

Employers must be confident that the prospective apprentice has the learningpotential/capacity, motivation and aptitude to achieve all of the mandatory outcomes of theframework. However, employers are asked to be flexible when recruiting people onto theApprenticeship. Where employers/providers have robust learner support systems in place(such as tutorials and mentoring programmes), an individual who historically has not doneparticularly well at reading, writing and numeracy may thrive on an Apprenticeship where therelevance and application of these subjects is understood.

Individuals with the following characteristics and attributes are likely to be suitable for thisApprenticeship:

Gas is dangerous if not handled correctly, so the safety of apprentices, their workcolleagues and the public are of the upmost importance in this job. Apprentices must bevery safety conscious and have a very responsible attitude to work, working inaccordance with company health and safety procedures at all times.Apprentices must be prepared to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) whenrequired.These are physically demanding jobs that involve bending and lifting so a basic level offitness is important to be able to conduct the job efficiently.Some of these jobs (in particular within network construction operations) involve workoutdoors, so apprentices should be prepared to work in any kind of weather.Apprentices will need to have good practical skills for handling tools and instruments andbe prepared for some hard work. These are very skilled jobs and some aspects requiresignificant amounts of concentration.Some of these jobs involve travelling as apprentices will work at different sites and willtravel between customers’ properties. In addition, apprentices working as a First CallOperative will respond to emergencies day or night. Apprentices therefore need to beadaptable and flexible and a driving licence is desirable.Apprentices will need an interest in the gas industry and in mechanical/electrical/physical




equipment and networks.Most of these job roles involve dealing with the general public on a day-to-day basis soapprentices should be presentable and have a polite and courteous manner. Apprenticeswill need excellent verbal communication skills and be able to provide a good level ofcustomer care.Clean and tidy by nature with good self-discipline and timekeeping.The ability to work within a team and independently.


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Title for this framework at level 2

Foundation Apprenticeship in NetworkConstruction Operations (Gas)

Pathways for this framework at level 2

Pathway 1: Foundation Apprenticeship in Network Construction Operations (Gas)

Level 2


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Description of this pathway

The Foundation Apprenticeship in the Network Construction Operations (Gas) requires aminimum total of 49 credits to be achieved.

Entry requirements for this pathway in addition to the framework entryrequirements

There are no entry requirements for this pathway in additional to the general framework entryrequirements.

Level 2, Pathway 1: Foundation Apprenticeship inNetwork Construction Operations (Gas)


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Job title(s) Job role(s)

Gas Mainlayer - SelfLay

Working for a contracting organisation using maps and plans to locatedigging location, preparing excavations by hand or use of mechanicalequipment, laying and repairing pipes and mains systems, repairingexcavations and pavements on completion of work.

Gas Mainlayer -Distribution

Using maps and plans to locate digging location, preparing excavations byhand or use of mechanical equipment, laying and repairing pipes and mainssystems, connecting homes and business premises to the gas network,repairing excavations and pavements on completion of work.

Gas Mainlayer -Repair andMaintenance

Following identification of an external gas leak an apprentice will use mapsand plans to locate digging location, prepare excavations by hand or use ofmechanical equipment, lay and repair pipes and mains systems and repairexcavations and pavements on completion of work.

Gas Servicelayer -Self Lay

Working for a contracting organisation using maps and plans to locatedigging location, preparing excavations by hand or use of mechanicalequipment, laying and repairing pipes and service systems, repairingexcavations and pavements on completion of work.

Gas Servicelayer -Distribution

Using maps and plans to locate digging location, preparing excavations byhand or use of mechanical equipment, laying and repairing pipes and servicesystems, connecting homes and business premises to the gas network,repairing excavations and pavements on completion of work.

Gas Servicelayer -Repair andMaintenance

Following identification of an external gas leak an apprentice will use mapsand plans to locate digging location, prepare excavations by hand or use ofmechanical equipment, lay and repair pipes and service systems and repairexcavations and pavements on completion of work.


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Qualifications

Competence qualifications available to this pathway

N/A

Knowledge qualifications available to this pathway

N/A


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Combined qualifications available to this pathway

B1 - City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Network Construction Operations (Gas) - Mainlayer (QCF)

No. Ref no. Awarding organisationCreditvalue

Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue

B1a 600/1534/2 City & Guilds 44 375-538 N/A

B2 - City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Network Construction Operations (Gas) - Servicelayer (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue

B2a 600/1535/4 City & Guilds 37 305-440 N/A

Notes on competence and knowledge qualifications (if any)

Apprentices must complete the combined qualification appropriate to their job role. Apprentices working on gas mains must complete B1 and apprentices working on gas servicepipes must complete B2.

There are three pathways within each competence qualification:

Self lay1.Distribution2.Repair and Maintenance3.

Apprentices must complete the pathway that is appropriate to their job role.

Knowledge and competence are addressed through combined units within the integratedqualifications. Within the units, knowledge and understanding is separately identified andassessed through dedicated learning outcomes, for example “demonstrate knowledge andunderstanding of installing equipment for safe working on the highway”.

Completion of the mainlayer qualification provides a minimum of 16.5 credits of knowledge.

Completion of the servicelayer qualification provides a minimum of 13.4 credits of knowledge.


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Transferable skills (Wales)Essential skills (Wales)

Minimum level Credit valueCommunication 1 6Application of numbers 1 6IT Not applicable Not applicable

Progression routes into and from this pathwayProgression routes into the pathway:

Applicants may come from a range of routes including:

Work or work experience Training and/or experience which could include a portfolio showing what they have done Academic qualification(s) such as the Welsh BaccalaureateAchievement of Essential Skills WalesSuccessful completion of a Young Apprenticeship

Individuals must meet the entry conditions (see entry conditions) of the FoundationApprenticeship and the recruiting employer.

Existing members of the workforce may also progress into this Foundation Apprenticeship.

Progression routes out of the pathway:

The apprentice's knowledge about career pathways, information sources and the names ofrelevant professional bodies are developed as part of the Employee Rights and Responsibilitiescomponent of this Intermediate Level Apprenticeship.

Throughout any career in the gas industry, individuals will be provided with the necessaryon-going on and off job training, including refresher training and new skills training, to enablethem to carry out their job role competently.

On completion of the Foundation Apprenticeship under normal circumstances graduateapprentices may continue to work in their current job role.

A level 3 competence qualification and Apprenticeship are in development to provide anationally recognised progression pathway. This is expected to be available during 2011. TheApprenticeship in Gas Utilisation does not provide a sensible progression pathway for


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apprentices that have completed the Foundation Apprenticeship in Network ConstructionOperations (Gas). This is because the skills required in these job roles are very different -there is no real relationship between the two qualifications involved.

For the right individual, this Foundation Apprenticeship can provide a springboard to anexciting career in the gas industry.

For further information on careers in the gas industry please visit www.euskills.co.uk/careers


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Delivery and assessment of employee rightsand responsibilitiesThe nine outcomes of Employee Rights and Responsibilities (ERR) must be met by allapprentices, they ensure that the apprentice:

knows and understands the range of employer and employee statutory rights andresponsibilities under Employment Law and that employment rights can be affected byother legislation. This covers the apprentice's rights and responsibilities under theDisability Discrimination Act, other relevant equalities legislation and Health & Safety,together with the responsibilities and duties of employers;

1.

knows and understands the procedures and documentation in their organisation whichrecognise and protect their relationship with their employer. Health & Safety and Equalityand Diversity training is an integral part of the apprentice's learning programme;

2.

knows and understands the range of sources of information and advice available to themon their employment rights and responsibilities. This includes details of Access to Workand Additional Learning Support;

3.

understands the role played by their occupation within their organisation and industry;4.has an informed view of the types of career pathways that are open to them;5.know the types of representative bodies and understands their relevance to the industryand organisation, and their main roles and responsibilities;

6.

knows where and how to get information and advice on their industry, occupation,training and career;

7.

can describe and work within their organisation's principles and codes of practice;8.recognises and can form a view on issues of public concern that affect their organisationand industry.

9.

To ensure full coverage of the nine national outcomes/standards for ERR, an ERR workbook hasbeen developed by EU Skills. The workbook is not accredited, but records and formallyassesses learning for ERR and must be completed by all apprentices as one of the mandatoryoutcomes of the Apprenticeship.

Assessment is conducted by the assessor who also assesses the apprentice’s competence andknowledge qualifications. Quality assurance is achieved through existing centre InternalVerifier and External Verifier processes.

The knowledge in the workbook is intended to be covered throughout the Apprenticeship,therefore, whilst induction is a critical way of meeting some of the ERR requirements; theworkbook should be revisited throughout the Apprenticeship to embed learning.

Completion of the workbook is evidenced at the certification stage by submission of theworkbook sign-off form. This form must be completed by the apprentice and signed by theapprentice, the employer and the training provider in order to verify the knowledge has been


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gained by the apprentice throughout the Apprenticeship. An Apprenticeship completioncertificate will not be issued without receipt of the ERR workbook sign off form.

The workbook can be downloaded from EU Skills website: www.euskills.co.uk

http://www.euskills.co.uk


...... level 3



Title for this framework at level 3

Apprenticeship in Gas Utilisation

Pathways for this framework at level 3

Pathway 1: Apprenticeship in Gas Utilisation

Level 3


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Description of this pathway

The Apprenticeship in Gas Utilisation requires a minimum total of 141 credits to be achieved.

Entry requirements for this pathway in addition to the framework entryrequirements

There are no entry requirements for this pathway in additional to the general framework entryrequirements.

Level 3, Pathway 1: Apprenticeship in GasUtilisation


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Job title(s) Job role(s)

Gas Installation Engineer The installation of gas cookers, tumble dryers and leisure equipment.

Gas Installation Engineer The installation of gas cookers, tumble dryers, leisure equipment anddomestic space heating.

Gas Installation Engineer The installation of gas cookers, tumble dryers, leisure equipment,domestic space heating, water heating and wet central heating.

Gas Installation EngineerThe installation of gas cookers, tumble dryers, leisure equipment,domestic space heating, water heating, wet central heating anddomestic warm air.

Gas Installation Engineer The installation of gas water heating and wet central heating.

Gas Service Engineer The maintenance of gas cookers, tumble dryers, leisure equipment anddomestic space heating.

Gas Service Engineer The maintenance of gas cookers, tumble dryers, leisure equipment,domestic space heating, water heating and wet central heating.

Gas Service EngineerThe maintenance of gas cookers, tumble dryers, leisure equipment,domestic space heating, water heating, wet central heating anddomestic warm air.

Gas Service Engineer The maintenance of gas water heating and wet central heating.

Gas Installation &Maintenance Engineer

The installation and maintenance of gas cookers, tumble dryers, leisureeqipment and domestic space heating.


The installation and maintenance of gas cookers, tumble dryers, leisureequipment, domestic space heating, water heating and wet centralheating.


The installation and maintenance of gas cookers, tumble dryers, leisureequipment, domestic space heating, water heating, wet central heatingand domestic warm air.


The installation and maintenance of gas domestic space heating.


The installation and maintenance of gas domestic warm air heatingsystems.


The installation and maintenance of gas water heating and wet centralheating.

First Call Operative Dealing with public reported gas escapes to determine actions requiredand make safe, protecting people and property.


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Gas Installation andMaintenance Engineer

The installation and maintenance of water heating and wet centralheating.

Gas Service Engineer The maintenance of gas water heating and wet central heating.

Gas Service Engineer The maintenance of gas cookers, tumble dryers, leisure equipment,domestic space heating, water heating and wet central heating.


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Qualifications

Competence qualifications available to this pathway

N/A

Knowledge qualifications available to this pathway

N/A


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Combined qualifications available to this pathway

B1 - Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Maintenance: Cookers, Tumble Dryers, Leisure,Domestic Space Heating, Water Heating, Wet Central Heating and Domestic Warm Air(QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue

B1a 600/1038/1 EAL 243 1588 N/A

B1b 600/0915/9 City & Guilds 243 1588 N/A

B2 - Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation: Cookers, Tumble Dryers, Leisure,Domestic Space Heating, Water Heating, Wet Central Heating and Domestic Warm Air(QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue

B2a 600/1040/X EAL 243 1647 N/A

B2b 600/0908/1 City & Guilds 243 1647 N/A

B3 - Level 3 Diploma for Gas Emergency First Call Operative (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue

B3a 600/0575/0 EAL 260 1316 N/A

B3b 600/0897/0 City & Guilds 260 1316 N/A

B4 - Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation and Maintenance: Cookers, TumbleDryers and Leisure (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue


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B4a 600/0574/9 EAL 123 769 N/A

B4b 600/0922/6 City & Guilds 123 769 N/A

B5 - Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation and Maintenance: Cookers, TumbleDryers, Leisure and Domestic Space Heating (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue

B5a 600/0576/2 EAL 153 945 N/A

B5b 600/0910/X City & Guilds 153 945 N/A

B6 - Level 3 Diploma In Gas Utilisation Installation and Maintenance: Cookers, TumbleDryers, Leisure, Domestic Space Heating, Water Heating and Wet Central Heating (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue

B6a 600/1041/1 EAL 263 1708 N/A

B6b 600/0920/2 City & Guilds 263 1708 N/A

B7 - Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation and Maintenance: Cookers, TumbleDryers, Leisure, Domestic Space Heating, Water Heating and Wet Central Heating andDomestic Warm Air (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue

B7a 600/1039/3 EAL 298 1918 N/A

B7b 600/0921/4 City & Guilds 298 1918 N/A

B8 - Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation and Maintenance: Domestic SpaceHeating (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue


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B8a 600/0579/8 EAL 130 837 N/A

B8b 600/0923/8 City & Guilds 130 837 N/A

B9 - Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation and Maintenance: Domestic WarmAir (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue

B9a 600/0578/6 EAL 135 871 N/A

B9b 600/0924/X City & Guilds 135 871 N/A

B10 - Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation: Cookers, Tumble Dryers, Leisureand Domestic Space Heating (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue

B10a 600/0580/4 EAL 125 803 N/A

B10b 600/0899/4 City & Guilds 125 803 N/A

B11 - Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation: Cookers, Tumble Dryers, Leisure,Domestic Space Heating, Water Heating and Wet Central Heating (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue

B11a 600/1042/3 EAL 219 1491 N/A

B11b 600/0905/6 City & Guilds 219 1491 N/A

B12 - Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation: Water Heating and Wet CentralHeating (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue


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B12a 600/1034/4 EAL 206 1451 N/A

B12b 600/0919/6 City & Guilds 206 1451 N/A

B13 - Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Maintenance: Cookers, Tumble Dryers, Leisureand Domestic Space Heating (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue

B13a 600/0581/6 EAL 128 803 N/A

B13b 600/0917/2 City & Guilds 128 803 N/A

B14 - Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation and Maintenance: Water Heatingand Wet Central Heating (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue

B14a 600/1661/9 EAL 222 1526 N/A

B14b 600/0918/4 City & Guilds 222 1526 N/A

B15 - Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Maintenance: Water Heating and Wet CentralHeating (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue

B15a 600/1660/7 EAL 204 1392 N/A

B15b 600/0914/7 City & Guilds 204 1392 N/A

B16 - Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Maintenance: Cookers, Tumble Dryers, Leisure,Domestic Space Heating, Water Heating and Wet Central Heating (QCF)


Guidedlearning

hours

UCASpointsvalue


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B16a 600/1653/X EAL 232 1534 N/A

B16b 600/0916/0 City & Guilds 232 1534 N/A

Notes on competence and knowledge qualifications (if any)

Apprentices must complete the pathway that is appropriate to their job role.

Apprentices working as a First Call Operative must complete B3.

Apprentices working in the installation and/or service/maintenance of gas appliances mustcomplete the qualification which covers the range of appliances that they will be expected towork with as part of their job role.

There are separate knowledge and competence units within the integrated qualifications. Allqualifications contain the following 5 core knowledge units which total 57 credits. These unitsare separately identified and assessed.

Understanding Health and Safety in Gas Utilisation – 11 credits Understanding Scientific Principles in Gas Utilisation – 4 credits Understanding Combustion and Properties of Gas – 15 credits Understanding Buildings, Services and Structures – 12 credits Understanding Gas Safety – 15 credits


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Transferable skills (Wales)Essential skills (Wales)

Minimum level Credit valueCommunication 2 6Application of numbers 2 6IT 2 6

Progression routes into and from this pathwayProgression routes into the pathway:

Applicants may come from a range of routes including:

Work or work experience Training and/or experience which could include a portfolio showing what they have done Academic qualification(s) such as the Welsh BaccalaureateAchievement of Essential Skills WalesSuccessful completion of a Young Apprenticeship A Foundation Apprenticeship

Existing members of the workforce may also progress into this Apprenticeship.

Individuals must meet the entry conditions (see entry conditions) of the Apprenticeship andthe recruiting employer.

Progression routes out of the pathway:

The Apprenticeship provides the best possible preparation to achieving skilled status within theindustry. Historically graduate apprentices have progressed significantly in the industry andmany have gone on to become Supervisors, Managers and General Managers. Many haveremained in the industry for their whole career.

The apprentice's knowledge about career pathways, information sources and the names ofrelevant professional bodies are developed as part of the Employee Rights and Responsibilitiescomponent of this Apprenticeship.

Throughout any career in the gas industry, individuals will be provided with the necessaryon-going on and off job training, including refresher training and new skills training, to enablethem to carry out their job role competently.


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On completion of the Apprenticeship under normal circumstances graduate apprentices maycontinue to work in their current job role.

Completion of the level 3 competence qualification satisfies the Engineering Councilrequirements for Engineering Technician status and therefore enables the apprentice tobecome a professional engineer as defined by all the Engineering institutions (for example theInstitute of Gas Engineers and Managers – IGEM). This will supports career progression toTechnician, Supervisor and Manager roles.

Graduate apprentices can also progress horizontally within the industry to completecompetence qualifications at the same level. In addition, for graduate apprentices that wishto undertake higher level study Aston University offers a Foundation Degree in GasTransmission.

For the right individual, this Apprenticeship can provide a springboard to an exciting career inthe gas industry.

For further information on careers in the gas industry please visit www.euskills.co.uk/careers

UCAS points for this pathway: Not applicable.


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Delivery and assessment of employee rightsand responsibilitiesThe nine outcomes of Employee Rights and Responsibilities (ERR) must be met by allapprentices, they ensure that the apprentice:

knows and understands the range of employer and employee statutory rights andresponsibilities under Employment Law and that employment rights can be affected byother legislation. This covers the apprentice's rights and responsibilities under theDisability Discrimination Act, other relevant equalities legislation and Health & Safety,together with the responsibilities and duties of employers;

1.

knows and understands the procedures and documentation in their organisation whichrecognise and protect their relationship with their employer. Health & Safety and Equalityand Diversity training is an integral part of the apprentice's learning programme;

2.

knows and understands the range of sources of information and advice available to themon their employment rights and responsibilities. This includes details of Access to Workand Additional Learning Support;

3.

understands the role played by their occupation within their organisation and industry;4.has an informed view of the types of career pathways that are open to them;5.know the types of representative bodies and understands their relevance to the industryand organisation, and their main roles and responsibilities;

6.

knows where and how to get information and advice on their industry, occupation,training and career;

7.

can describe and work within their organisation's principles and codes of practice;8.recognises and can form a view on issues of public concern that affect their organisationand industry.

9.

To ensure full coverage of the nine national outcomes/standards for ERR an ERR workbook hasbeen developed by EU Skills. The workbook is not accredited, but records and formallyassesses learning for ERR and must be completed by all apprentices as one of the mandatoryoutcomes of the Apprenticeship.

Assessment is conducted by the assessor who also assesses the apprentice’s competence andknowledge qualifications. Quality assurance is achieved through existing centre InternalVerifier and External Verifier processes.

The knowledge in the workbook is intended to be covered throughout the Apprenticeship,therefore, whilst Induction is a critical way of meeting some of the ERR requirements; theworkbook should be revisited throughout the Apprenticeship to embed learning.

Completion of the workbook is evidenced at the certification stage by submission of theworkbook sign-off form. This form must be completed by the apprentice and signed by theapprentice, the employer and the training provider in order to verify the knowledge has been


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gained by the apprentice throughout the Apprenticeship. An Apprenticeship completioncertificate will not be issued without receipt of the ERR workbook sign off form.

The workbook can be downloaded from EU Skills website: www.euskills.co.uk




The remaining sections apply to all levels and pathways within this framework.

How equality and diversity will be metUnder-representation

No data is available from the Gas Safe Register in terms of the gender and ethnicity of the gasutilisation workforce, however it is accepted that females are under-represented. 27% ofthe gas transmission and distribution sub-industry is female compared to the 43% UKaverage. 7% of the workforce is from a black or minority ethnic (BME) background comparedto 8% of the UK average.

Barriers to entry and progression

Unfounded social perceptions about the suitability of job roles within the industry for womenprovide the only barrier to entry and progression for these under-represented groups.

Solutions to entry and progression

Apprenticeships are seen as a vital route to encourage and facilitate a greater diversity ofindividuals into the industry. This Apprenticeship does not discriminate. Employers/providersmust be able to demonstrate that there are no overt or covert discriminatory practices inselection and employment. All promotional, selection and training activities must comply withrelevant legislation, in particular, the Equality Act 2010.

Equal opportunities policies and procedures will contribute to the Employee Rights andResponsibilities component of this Apprenticeship. It is recommended thatemployers/providers conduct an exit interview if the Apprentice leaves the Apprenticeshipbefore completion.

The larger employers in the industry are actively involved in initiatives to increase therepresentation of women and BME groups in the industry. Energy & Utility Skills will supportthese initiatives by promoting specifically to these groups. Take up will be monitored throughanalysis of statistical returns from internal registration data. Where questions arise concerningpolicy and practice, Energy & Utility Skills will work to identify causes and to implementpositive action where appropriate.

EU Skills will continue to host stands at careers fairs where we can promote thisApprenticeship to all groups including females and BME. In addition we have developed anumber of case studies of successful women working in the sector which we are using toencourage new female entrants.




These case studies can be accessed at: http://www.euskills.co.uk/careers/

On and off the job training (Wales)

Summary of on- and off-the-job training

Learning hours attached to the Apprenticeship refers to the time taken by the apprentice todevelop the practical skills and underpinning knowledge to demonstrate competence in theirjob role. Learning hours should:

achieve clear and specific outcomes which contribute directly to the successfulachievement of the framework and this may include accredited and non-accreditedelements of the framework;be planned, reviewed and evaluated jointly between the apprentice and a tutor, teacher,mentor or manager; allow access as and when required by the apprentice either to atutor, teacher, mentor or manager;be delivered during contracted working hours;be delivered through one or more of the following methods: individual and groupteaching; e-learning; distance learning; coaching; mentoring; feedback and assessment;collaborative/networked learning with peers; guided study.be recorded e.g. in a log book or diary.

The industry would expect the Foundation Apprenticeship to take between 12 and 18 monthsto complete of which 15 months is the average. Where this is the case a minimum of459 learning hours must be completed over the duration of the Apprenticeship. It isanticipated that these learning will be broken down as follows:

14 - induction 305 - combined qualification 45 - level 1 Essential Skills Wales in Communication45 - level 1 Essential Skills Wales in Application of Number30 - related to completion of the Employment Rights and Responsibilities workbook5 - progress reviews (at least one hour every 12 weeks for the duration of the programme) 15 - mentoring (at least one hour every month for the duration of the programme)

The industry would expect apprentices on the Apprenticeship taking one of qualifications B4,B5, B8, B9, B10 or B13 to take between 24 & 36 months to complete of which 30 months isthe average. Where this is the case, a minimum of 1018 learning hours must be completedover the duration of the Apprenticeship. It is anticipated that these learning hours will bebroken down as follows:

14 - induction




14 - induction 769 - combined qualification 45 - level 2 Essential Skills Wales in Communication45 - level 2 Essential Skills Wales in Application of Number45 - level 2 Essential Skills Wales in ICT30 - related to completion of the Employment Rights and Responsibilities workbook10 - progress reviews (at least one hour every 12 weeks for the duration of the programme) 30 - mentoring (at least one hour every month for the duration of the programme)

The industry would expect apprentices on the Advanced Level Apprenticeship taking one ofqualifications B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, B11, B12, B14, B15 or B16 to take between 36 and 48months to complete of which 42 months is the average. Where this is the case, a minimum of1551 learning hours must be completed over the duration of the Apprenticeship. It isanticipated that these learning hours will be broken down as follows:

14 - induction 1316 - combined qualification 45 - level 2 Essential Skills Wales in Communication45 - level 2 Essential Skills Wales in Application of Number45 - level 2 Essential Skills Wales in ICT30 - related to completion of the Employment Rights and Responsibilities workbook14 - progress reviews (at least one hour every 12 weeks for the duration of the programme) 42 - mentoring (at least one hour every month for the duration of the programme)

Of the total minimum learning listed above, this framework prescribes the minimum numberof learning hours which must be delivered on the job and the minimum numberof learning hours which must be delivered off the job. These minimum numbers are based onthe combined qualification with the lowest number of learning hours. Providers must ensurethat the learning hours delivered to the apprentice are appropriate for the qualification beingcompleted. It is expected that apprentices completing larger qualifications will significantlyexceed the framework minimum. Once the minimum on and off job learning hours have beenmet, delivery of the outstanding learning hours required to meet the total minimum learninghours can be either on or off the job. This flexibility is included to ensure that theApprenticeship accommodates the needs of industry employers and reflects the nature of theapprentice's job role.

Apprenticeships are focused upon outcomes and not time served. The expected time taken tocomplete the minimum mandatory outcomes is indicative only. The pace of the apprentice’sprogress and the actual learning hours will depend on their ability and the support theyreceive. In addition, some employers/providers may include a longer induction period or morefrequent progress reviews which will increase the Apprenticeship duration and the learningtherefore changing the proportions of learning hours delivered on and off the job.




EU Skills recommends that a plan is developed at the outset of the Apprenticeship todetermine how the learning hours requirement will be met. It is also recommended that arecord of learning hours is kept by the apprentice.

When claiming an Apprenticeship completion certificate, providers will be required to submit asigned declaration form to EU Skills. This declaration states that the provider has delivered theApprenticeship in line with EU Skills’ intentions for the minimum off the job and total learninghours as specified in this framework. The declaration form and Apprenticeship completioncertificate request form are available to download from www.euskills.co.uk

Off-the-job training

Off the job learning hours are the hours associated with learning that takes place “away fromthe immediate pressures of the job” for example, in a training room on the employers’premises.

Over the duration of the Intermediate Level Apprenticeship a minimum of 138 learninghours (30% of the total minimum learning hours) must be completed off the job.

Over the duration of the Advanced Level Apprenticeship, apprentices taking qualifications B4,B5, B8, B9, B10 or B13 must complete 30-40% of the total framework learning hours off thejob (a minimum of 305 learning hours).

Over the duration of the Advanced Level Apprenticeship, apprentices taking qualifications B1,B2, B3, B6, B7, B11, B12, B14, B15 or B16 must complete must complete 30-40% of the totalframework learning hours off the job (a minimum of 465 learning hours).

Off the job training undertaken before the apprentice started their Apprenticeship may counttowards the off the job training required for the Apprenticeship if it was undertaken in relationto a qualification within this framework. The learning hours associated with the qualificationcan be counted towards the framework learning hours.

How this requirement will be met

Off-the-job learning hours will be recorded and evidenced through:

Completion of the knowledge units within the combined qualificationSuccessful completion of the Foundation Apprenticeship or Apprenticeship

Off-the-job learning hours may also be recorded and evidenced through:

Certificate of achievement for the Essential Skills Wales




Completed ERR workbook sign off sheetCompletion of knowledge units within the combined qualification

On-the-job training

On the job learning hours refer to the time taken to develop the practical skills applied in thecontext of the apprentices’ day to day job role. It can be seen as the time the apprenticespends undertaking activities that are routine for their job role and that provide theopportunity to learn, develop and practice skills.

The minimum on the job learning hours vary dependent on the pathway and competencebased qualification chosen.

Over the duration of the Foundation Apprenticeship apprentices must complete 60-70% of thetotal framework learning hours on the job (a minimum of 293 learning hours).

Over the duration of the Apprenticeship, apprentices taking qualifications B4, B5, B8, B9, B10or B13 must complete 60-70% of the total framework learning hours on the job (a minimumof 611 GLH).

Over the duration of the Apprenticeship, apprentices taking qualifications B1, B2, B3, B6, B7,B11, B12, B14, B15 or B16 must complete 60-70% of the total framework learning hours onthe job (a minimum of 931 GLH).

How this requirement will be met

On-the-job learning hours will be recorded and evidenced through:

Completion of the competence units within the combined qualificationSuccessful completion of the Intermediate Level Apprenticeship

On-the-job learning hours may also be recorded and evidenced through:

Certificate of achievement for the Essential Skills Wales Completed ERR workbook sign off sheet




Wider key skills assessment and recognition(Wales)

Improving own learning and performance

This is not a mandatory outcome of the framework because these skills are not essential foreffective performance in the job role; however, apprentices are encouraged to complete thiswider key skill where they are able to and providers should support apprentices that wish to doso.

Working with others


Problem solving


Additional employer requirementsThere are no additional employer requirements.

www.apprenticeshipframeworksonline.semta.org.ukFor more information visit

afo the gas industry wales fr00505 2[1]

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