Pathway

Apprenticeship Programme

Pathway Collegeputting you first

Information Guide for Parents and Guardians

Contents

Introduction . ...................................................................................................................... 1

What is an Apprenticeship? ............................................................................................ 1

Programme Funding ........................................................................................................ 1

Programme Available ...................................................................................................... 1

Length of Programme ...................................................................................................... 2

Guidelines .......................................................................................................................... 3

Behaviour ........................................................................................................................... 3

Alcohol and Illegal Drugs ................................................................................................ 3

Sickness .............................................................................................................................. 3

Apprentices Information ................................................................................................. 4

Disciplinary & Grievance ................................................................................................. 4

Apprentice Reviews .......................................................................................................... 4

Wages .................................................................................................................................. 4

Health & Safety . ................................................................................................................ 4

Final Note ........................................................................................................................... 6

Contact Us . ......................................................................................................................... 6

Introduction

This guide provides parents/guardians with an overview of what can be expected throughout this exciting stage in your son/daughter’s training.

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining qualifi cations and workplace experience. As an employee, your son/daughter can earn as they learn and gain practical skills from the workplace.

Anyone living in England who is over 16 years old and is not in full-time education can apply.

Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector.

Programme Funding

Apprenticeships are fully funded by the Skills Funding Agency, Scottish Enterprise and Welsh Assembly Government in England, Scotland and Wales respectively, for apprentices under the age of 19.

Programmes Available

Pathway off ers the following Apprenticeship programmes:

• Apprenticeship in Business Admin L2• Apprenticeship in Business Admin L3• Apprenticeship in Care L2• Apprenticeship in Care L3• Apprenticeship in Children and Young People’s Workforce L2• Apprenticeship in Children and Young People’s Workforce L3• Apprenticeship in Cleaning and Support Services L2• Apprenticeship in Customer Service L2• Apprenticeship in Customer Service L3• Apprenticeship in Hospitality and Catering L2• Apprenticeship in IT Application Specialist L3• Apprenticeship in Painting and Decorating L2• Apprenticeship in Management L5• Apprenticeship in Contact Centre Operations L3• Apprenticeship in Leadership for HSC and YPS L5• Apprenticeship in Management L3• Apprenticeship in Retail Skills L2• Apprenticeship in Retail Skills L3 1.

• Apprenticeship in Supporting Teaching & Learning L2• Apprenticeship in Supporting Teaching & Learning L3• Apprenticeship in Team Leading L2• Apprenticeship in Warehouse L2• Apprenticeship in Warehouse L3

Programme Length

Programme lengths vary depending on the sector and subject. Overall most of Pathway Apprenticeships last on average 18 month.

Your son/daughter will be expected to attend training and assessment sessions either organised in the workplace or at a Pathway College organised location on a regular basis.

They will have to do independent research to support their programme, through the internet or other means.

Behaviour

Whilst on the programme, Apprentices are representing Pathway and in some cases employers. Therefore they will be expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Clear guidance is given at their induction.

Alcohol and Illegal Drugs

Pathway has a zero tolerance policy towards underage alcohol consumption and the possession and taking of illegal drugs or substances.

Apprentices under the age of 18 are reminded that the purchase and consumption of alcohol whilst attending or undergoing training is not permitted.

Any Apprentice found to be in possession of illegal drugs whilst on an apprenticeship programme or attending Pathway College organised events will be sent home and further disciplinary action will be taken.

Sickness

We encourage Apprentices to keep healthy and happy however we also appreciate that from time to time Apprentices are invariably sick and therefore unable to attend college. Your son/daughter will be informed of our absence reporting procedures and also types of sickness where we would encourage them to stay away from college.

Where there are periods of frequent absence we will investigate the reasons behind 3.

• Where there are periods of frequent absence we will investigate the reasons behind this as it could impact on your son/daughters ability to complete the programme.

• In the event of sickness during training we will ensure appropriate medical attention is sought.

Apprenticeship Information

Disciplinary & Grievance

• Whilst every eff ort is made to ensure all apprentices are following the rules as discussed at the induction, sometimes due to circumstances it is necessary to discipline them. In your sons/daughters Apprentice Handbook you will fi nd the rules around levels of disciplinary and what breaches in regulations may necessitate disciplinary action to be taken

• There may also be occasions where your son/daughter may need to raise a grievance for a number of reasons, again this is fully explained to them at the induction.

Apprentice Reviews

Pathway will review all apprentices on our programme at 8 week intervals. The purpose of these reviews is to identify progress made and set targets for further progression on the programme. It is also an opportunity for your son/daughter to feedback to us how they feel the programme is going and whether they would like additional support if appropriate. Parents/Guardians will be invited to attend these reviews if they so wish. Attendance at the reviews will be an action for your son/daughter to organise.

Wages

Whilst on their Apprenticeship your son/daughter will be employed from day one and will receive a wage as determined at their interview but it will not be less than the minimum wage Apprentices.

4.

Equality & Diversity

Pathway is committed to Equality and Diversity and recognises its responsibilities with regard to the following Acts:

The Equality Act 2010, which encompasses the following acts: Race Relations Act

• Sex Discrimination Act • Equal Pay Act • Disability Discrimination Act • Employment Equality Regulations • The Children Act 2004

We will promote a working environment that is free from harassment and unlawful discrimination. All employees and apprentices will receive equal and fair treatment irrespective of race, colour, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, material or family status, age, disability, ethnicity or national origin.

All employees are required to demonstrate a commitment to Equality and Diversity through their daily work practices and to challenge behaviors and actions that are against the Pathway policy. An employee or apprentice found to be in violation of the Equality and Diversity policy will be dealt with through the company discipline policy.

Hours of Work/Holidays

All apprentices are employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week under an employment contract. They will be subject to the employer’s rules and regulations related to holidays.

Health & Safety

Pathway and all employers have a legal responsibility to ensure they provide a safe working environment.

Pathway will take all reasonable steps to ensure the Health and Safety of all students, staff and visitors within our premises and employer premises through the prevention of accidents and ill health within the working environment. All Health and Safety legislation will be followed rigorously in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

As an Apprentice, your son/daughter is entitled to the same protection under the Health and Safety law as any other employed person. In addition to this, they also have a legal obligation to obey safety rules 5.

Final Note

We want your son/daughter to really enjoy and learn from their time on the Apprenticeship programme and we will do everything we can to ensure their expectations are met.

If you do have any further comments/questions either now or at any stage in your sons/daughters Apprenticeship, please do not hesitate to contact Pathway using the details below.

Contact Us

For further information contact:

6.

Shaheed LadakOperations Manager, Pathway College

0121 707 0550shaheed@pathwaygroup.co.uk

Pathway GroupFairgate house, 205 Kings Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2AA

Tel: 0800 955 0870 / 0121 707 0550Email: info@pathwaygroup.co.ukWeb: www.pathwaygroup.co.uk

Pathway Collegeputting you first

Pathway Groupputting you first