Apprenticeships provide a structured route into a career in conservation, combining practical experience with formal training. They enable people to develop specialist skills while working in museums, heritage organisations, studios and related settings.
Icon is approved as an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) for two apprenticeship standards currently available in England, and is involved in the revision of the Conservator standard.
Collections Technician (Level 3)
This apprenticeship focuses on the care, handling and management of collections. Apprentices gain experience in preventive conservation, environmental monitoring, object movement, and documentation.
Typical duration: 12 to 18 months
End-point assessment: delivered by Icon.
Stained Glass Craftsperson (Level 4)
This apprenticeship develops the technical and practical skills required to make, conserve and restore stained glass. Apprentices learn to cut, paint, lead and assemble glass under supervision in specialist studios or heritage sites.
Typical duration: around 36 months.
End-point assessment: delivered by Icon.
Conservator (Level 7)
The Cultural Heritage Conservator apprenticeship standard is currently being revised and is not open for new starts. Icon continues to support the redevelopment process and will provide updates when the revised version is approved for delivery.
How apprenticeships work
Apprenticeships are employer-led and open to new entrants as well as existing staff who wish to gain formal recognition for their skills. Apprentices must be employed in a relevant role for the duration of their training.
Each apprenticeship combines:
- On-the-job learning within a workplace, supported by experienced professionals.
- Off-the-job training provided by a recognised training organisation.
- End-point assessment (EPA) to confirm competence against national standards.
- Icon acts as the independent End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) for both the Collections Technician and Stained Glass Craftsperson apprenticeships.
For employers
- Employers can use apprenticeships to develop new talent or upskill existing staff. To deliver an apprenticeship, organisations should:
- Select the relevant apprenticeship standard.
- Partner with a registered training provider.
- Nominate the EPA organisation.
- Support the apprentice throughout their training and assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What are the minimum requirements of an apprenticeship?
All apprenticeship programmes must include:
- Contract of employment
- 20% off the job training
- Minimum of 12 months
- Available to all (16 year olds and older)
- Delivered from Level 2 (GCSE Level) through to Level 7 (Post graduate)
- Include English and Maths where relevant.
What do the levels mean?
Apprenticeships can be delivered from Level 2 through to Level 7.
Level 2: GCSE at Grade A*, A, B or C; O Level A, B or C.
Level 3: A Levels, International Baccalaureate Diploma, Access to Higher Education Diploma
Level 4: Certificate of Higher Education(CertHE), Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Level 5: Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), Higher National Diploma (HND)
Level 6: Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma
Level 7: Master's Degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
For the full overview please click here.
What is the Apprenticeship Levy?
The Apprenticeship Levy was introduced in April 2017. It targets employers who have a pay bill in excess of £3 million per year. This is to be paid at 0.5% of the pay bill less a £15,000 levy allowance. The government will top up the account by 10%, giving a total amount of £11,000 available for the employers to fund their apprenticeship delivery. This is to be held in their own Digital Apprenticeship Service Account. For employers using the levy, the funds will be taken from their digital accounts, and paid to the training provider. Once the funds have been used, it is proposed that they will need to contribute 10% of the funds to the training provider, and the government will fund the rest.
For example, an employer with a pay bill of £5,000,000 will need to spend £10,000 on the levy (i.e. 0.5% x £5 million = £25,000. Then subtracting the allowance of £15,000 gives the £10,000 annual levy).
For those employers whose pay bill falls below the threshold, there is no requirement to contribute via HRMC as yet. They will be expected to contribute 5% of the funds directly to the training provider, and the government will fund the remaining 95% up to the maximum amount of funding available (NB organisations with fewer than 50 employees will need to make no contribution towards the delivery of apprenticeships for 16-18 year olds).
Does this mean taking on new staff?
Apprentices may well be new staff members, however they don't have to be - it is certainly possible to put existing staff members onto Apprenticeship Programmes.
Are apprenticeships only for young people?
No, there is no age limit on who can undertake an Apprenticeship provided the person is over 16.
Does this apply to all of the UK?
Skills and education are devolved matters. As such, the development of Trailblazer Apprenticeships is currently England only. Icon is willing to support the development of Apprenticeships across the UK.
What does this mean for existing degree programmes?
The Conservator Apprenticeship is a degree level apprenticeship which must include a full Master's degree. Several Higher Education institutions are currently in the process of reviewing their programmes to match the requirements of apprenticeship delivery.