New U.K. Lift and Escalator Apprenticeship Standard Approved

The U.K.’s Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) Employer Group has announced that the sector’s flagship apprenticeship has been officially approved by the Secretary of State and the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education, following an extensive period of re-development. The Standard will now be known as Lift and Escalator Engineering, as this was considered the best title to reflect the role being represented. The updated version will include assessments allowing apprentices to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and behavior more effectively. Apprentices will now need to complete a knowledge test, a practical assessment and a professional discussion underpinned by a showcase portfolio. In line with current guidance, the mandatory National Vocational Qualification is now removed from being a requirement of the apprenticeship. In addition to the content and assessment changes, the Standard has been awarded a new funding band of GBP25,000 (US$31,695), a GBP4,000 (US$5071) uplift to the current version. The standard will be open for registrations April 1.