WCSM/LCSC Advanced 3-Year Apprenticeships

A Pilot Programmefunded by the

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

109 Livery Companies in the City of London

from Mercers (1) and Grocers (2) to Spectacle Makers (60) and Clockmakers (61) to World Traders (101) and Tax Advisors(107)

Earlier this year the 109th was incorporated – The Educators

Livery Companies are active in education across the UK – schools, colleges

bursaries, training programmesexaminations

Only two are Nationally Approved Awarding Bodies -the Spectacle Makers and the Farriers

WCSM is accredited in all four countries - Ofqual, SQA, Wales, CCEA

The Livery Companies Skills Council

Mission Statement

The Livery Companies Skills Council to be the organisation to support and promote crafts and skills within the Livery Movement

Over 40 Livery Companies are members

WCSM is an active member

In 2012 the LCSC set up the

The Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme Ltd

To promote a series of pilot

3-year, Advanced Apprenticeships

through City Livery Companies.

The LCAS Ltd made a bid to the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) for funds to directly support apprenticeships in SMEs

for crafts within the livery movement.

The WCSM wants the spectacle industry to benefit.

A special 3-year advanced apprenticeshipFramework designed by LCAS, WCSM and the industry

The optical company employs the apprentice and delivers the normal on-the job training

Off-the-job training obtained froma local College or WCSM Education Trust

WCSM assesses the apprentice and awards the qualifications over the 3 years and issues the final Apprenticeship Certificate

LCAS Ltd provides the funding

Funding

Funds flow from

BIS

Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme Ltd

Employer

How Much Funding?

‘Host Trainer’ – Employer

Up to £16,700 per apprentice over 3 years

Paid quarterly in arrears

Signed off by LCAS on receiving evidence of training

20% retention until completion

The Livery Companies Apprenticeship“Towards Mastery”

WCSM Framework for a

Level 4 Three Year Apprenticeship in

Spectacle Manufacturing

WCSM 3-Year Apprenticeship Pathway

Year 1

Level 2 Certificate in Spectacle Operations plus

Level 2 Certificate in Spectacle Productionplus

Level 2 Certificate in Glazing Spectacles plus

Level 2 Award in Spectacle Lens Treatments

or

Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing Spectacles

In addition apprentices must achieve the required: Functional Skills

plusAward in Employment and Personal Learning Skills in Health

WCSM Apprenticeship Pathway

Year 2Level 3 Diploma in Manufacturing Spectacles

plusLevel 4 Diploma for Optical Technicians (Pt 1)

Year 3Level 4 Diploma for Optical Technicians (Pt 2)

plus

Level 3 Award in Spectacle Lenses or

Level 3 Award in Rimless Glazing

A Master’s Piece 

The WCSM wish to encourage technicians to obtain craft skills

in all aspects of spectacle making

and so:  

The WCSM will present an additional Award for those Apprentices who are able to satisfy a Master’s Panel that they

have made an appropriate range of complete spectacles.

Apprentices

Applicants to this Apprenticeship will be aged 16 - 18 or 19 - 24.They may enter:

if already working in opticsor from training programmes

or from work experience.

Some applicants may have already achieved a range of qualificationse.g: Key Skills, Functional Skills, 14-19 Diploma

Personal attributes required:

• Conscientious• Discreet and Respectful• Personable • Able to work in a team• Staying power • Carry out duties meticulously

Recruitment Process

WCSM has secured funding for 5 - 8 apprentices We are in competition with other Livery Companies and crafts

Employers to:request application forms from WCSM

submit applications to WCSM

If over-subscribed:selection of apprentices by WCSM, FMO and LCAS Ltd

Contracts:between employer and LCAS Ltd

between apprentice and employer

Registration with WCSM for training and qualifications

Thank you

andplease remember the other WCSM programmes

in Customer Service

ProductionGlazing

SMC Tech

Spaces available on some courses