So, what are Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are Work-Based Training Programmes designed for your current and future employees aged 16+.
Who runs them?
The Learning and Skills Council, in close collaboration with the Sector Skills Council that represents your industry.
How are they developed?
Apprenticeships are designed by business for business. Sector Skills Councils, supported by business representatives from the relevant sector of industry, decide on the course content within that sector. And, because they genuinely understand your business, the training will be relevant.
Where do they take place?
Most of the training is "on The Job" at your premises. The rest is provided at a local college in partnership with Skills Solutions or at our Skillcentre in Trafford park or city centre premises.
What does Skill Solutions do?
Throughout Apprenticeships Skills Solution will be able to support and guide you. They will work with you to:
- Help you decide which Apprenticeship is right for you
- Explain the way that Apprenticeships work and what funding is available
- Agree a Training Plan with your Apprentice
- Recruit an Apprentice or support your existing staff onto Apprenticeships
- Manage the training and assessment
-
Ensure National Quality Standards are met and deliver integrated, coherent training
What are NVQs?
NVQs or National Vocational Qualifications recognise learning and lead to competence in the workplace. They range from basic work activities at Level 1, through to Senior Management at Level 5 and can lead to further qualifications.
Are there different levels of Apprenticeships?
Yes. There are different levels of Apprenticeships that allow young people to study at the right level (NVQ Level 2 or NVQ Level 3). Apprenticeships also include Key Skills and in most cases a Technical Certificate.
Do they lead to further qualifications?
Apprentices can progress to Higher Education (in particular University Degrees), and NVQ Levels 4 & 5.
Is an Apprenticeship a recognised qualification?
Completion of an Apprenticeship is recognised by the awarding of a Completion Certificate. Following changes announced by the Chancellor on 10th May, it will soon be recognised as a qualification in its own right.
What are Key Skills?
They are the essential skills that learners need to support them in their job. They include:
- Communication
- Numeracy
- Information Technology
- Working with Others (Optional)
- Improving Learning Performance (Optional)
-
Problem Solving (Optional)
What are my responsibilities as an employer?
You must give your Apprentices an Induction into their role, and provide "On the Job Training". You are also responsible for the wages of your Apprentices
Will there be a mountain of paperwork?
No. However there will be a need to ensure that the training provided is of a high quality and to ensure that the public funding provided is used for training - this need not be bureaucratic.
Can I get help with funding?
Yes. Full funding is provided in most cases for Apprenticeship. For more information regarding funding please phone one of our consultants on 0161 233 2600.