About funding for SAPs and EWPs
We deliver SAP, EWP & NVQ Level 3 qualifications on behalf of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) from our Training Centre in Clifford on the Wales / Herefordshire Border.
The Traditional Building Skills Company has a 3 year CITB Service Level Agreement (SLA) Specialist Applied-Skills Programmes (SAPs) in Heritage Wood Occupations (HWO) and Heritage Stone Masonry (HSM).
What are SAPs and EWPs?
The Specialist Applied-Skills Programmes (SAPs) in Heritage Stonemasonry and Wood Occupations programme takes the form of two intensive 10 day courses run out of our training centre in Clifford, combined with compilation of a portfolio of evidence and formal assessment for the NVQ3 qualification.
Experienced Worker Programmes (EWPs) are carefully designed courses also aimed at addressing gaps in the existing NVQ training framework. They aim to raise the professional standards in that individual sector e.g. the Heritage Stonemasonry sector, while also minimising the amount of time required for the candidate to be off site. Intensive modular training to improve existing skill levels and work towards achievement of the appropriate NVQ is achieved through either a 10 day intensive course for typical candidates or 5 day for exceptional candidates i.e. those with a great deal of demonstrable experience and skills. The candidate will have a maximum of 18 months to complete the training and VQ assessment.
Both the SAPs and EWPs recognise the distinctive recruitment models of Heritage employers as often attracting older candidates from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of subsidiary knowledge and skills. They allow such candidates a gateway to NVQ3 qualifications, while the EWP also encourages recruitment back into the industry of experienced operatives with some existing skills who may have been made recently unemployed.
Eligibility for CITB funding
CITB provides funding via the Procurement Contract, which Traditional Building Skills Company Ltd was recently awarded, and some additional grant available via the short duration grant and VQ achievement route. The Procurement contract allows us to significantly reduce our prices to eligible employers and learners.
Employers must have “in scope” leviable status with CITB. Leaners must have full PAYE contract and never have been on a previous CITB grant funded L3 apprenticeship.
Other sources of funding
Candidates following a bursary scheme receive a guaranteed tax free income and full funding for training. A range of bursary schemes are available, all with slightly different criteria for entry and conditions of employment. For more information see:
- The Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme
- HLF Skills for the Future initiative
- English Heritage Traditional Buildings Crafts Bursary Schemes
- National Trust Bursary Scheme for displaced apprentices
Ad hoc funding
Unfortunately, funding is currently limited for self-employed candidates but you may still be eligible for a completion grant from CITB. You can check here to see if you meet the criteria.
We are working hard with our partner organisations to improve the level of funding available as we believe that such self-starters are exactly the people who should be getting the encouragement of funding to aid them in their ambitions; after all, as the construction company owners of tomorrow who better to furnish with the knowledge and skills to conserve our precious built heritage and make sure things increasingly get done ‘the right way’?