Apprenticeships - An Essential Guide

Apprenticeships An Essential Guide leicestercollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships

Contents

Apprenticeships An Essential Guide 2

3 Welcome4 Why choose an apprenticeship?5 What types of apprenticeship

are available?

6 What is an apprenticeship? 8 What are the entry criteria

for an apprenticeship?

9 What support is available to an apprentice?

10 Progression opportunities11 How to find an apprenticeship12 Tips for writing a good CV14 Tips for great interviews

WelcomeWelcome to Your Essential Guide to Apprenticeships. We hope to answer all of the questions you, your parents or carers might have regarding apprenticeships.

Deciding what to do following your GCSE’s or A Levels is a big step, and considering an apprenticeship is one of the options available to you.

Leicester College is the largest training provider for apprenticeships in Leicester. Every year we work with hundreds of businesses and apprentices helping to support the delivery of successful apprenticeship training.

Helping support a young person find the perfect apprenticeship is an incredible privilege and we hear many stories about the amazing successes of Leicester College apprentices. You will often see stories in the news and on social media about the phenomenal achievement of our apprentices.

As I have previously mentioned, this guide is designed to answer any questions you might have about apprenticeships. However, if you still have some unanswered questions please contact the team at Leicester College. We have a brilliant careers team who offer drop-in advice sessions at our Abbey Park and Freemen’s Park Campuses. They all have up-to-date knowledge about apprenticeships.

We have a dedicated Apprenticeship Recruitment Team at the College, who are more than happy to help at any time of year, and can be contacted on 0116 224 2240. Alternatively send an email to [email protected] or use the Live Chat facility on our website.

We look forward to hearing about your apprenticeship story,

Tracey Kinsley

Vice Principal, Employer Engagement, Commercial and International


Why choose an apprenticeship?The thought of applying for an apprenticeship might be completely new for many of you, it might even be the first time you have heard the term ‘Apprenticeship’. So, what does an ‘Apprenticeship’ actually mean?

Well in simple terms, it means that you work and continue to learn at the same time. You are in paid employment, whilst studying towards your apprenticeship qualifications. There are many benefits of choosing an apprenticeship, here are just a few:

1) Continued education. An apprenticeship is considered as staying in education, and therefore fulfils the government’s criteria that all young people remain in education or training until they are 18.

1) You are in demand. At the moment there are hundreds of excellent apprenticeship job opportunities. Employers are actively seeking motivated and enthusiastic young people to work for them.

3) You are paid. All apprenticeships are paid employment. The weekly wage does vary dependent upon the employer, but this wage should always be clearly advertised by the employer.

4) Paid holidays. As you are considered an employee as well as an apprentice, you will accrue paid holidays or ‘Annual Leave’. Again, the volume of annual leave might vary from employer to employer.

5) You will be paid to study. By recruiting an apprentice your employer is committing to allowing you the time to study for your apprenticeship, by paying you to attend college or have time away from your workplace (should your apprenticeship require college attendance).

6) Real job opportunities. A huge percentage of apprentices continue employment with their apprenticeship employer or continue into employment after their apprenticeship.

7) Your choice of career. There are literally thousands of apprenticeship available in hundreds of job roles. An apprenticeship is a great place to start your career and provides some amazing opportunities – from being a social media apprentice to sales advisor, or commis chef to trainee accountant, to childcare or fabrication and welding apprentice.


More than 850,000 people have been

earning and learning on an apprenticeships

in 2013 to 2014

£


What types of apprenticeship are available?There are literally thousands of apprenticeship vacancies available across the UK, and hundreds within Leicester and Leicestershire.

Currently, there are approximately 170 different Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeship frameworks available. That is equivalent to 170 different courses for you to choose from.

There are 40 Higher Apprenticeship frameworks, a number which is increasing due to the importance of providing apprentices the opportunity to progress their learning to a university level standard.

So whatever career you want to pursue with an apprenticeship, there should be a suitable framework available.

Apprenticeships are available in many sectors, here are just a few :

Apprenticeships are available in over 170

industries including fashion, media, engineering and

construction – with 1,500 job roles available.

Sales AdvisorTrainee AccountantCommis ChefAdministratorHR AdministratorSocial MediaFront of HouseClient ServicesCustomer Service Retail AssistantChildcareDental NurseDigital MarketingHealth and Social Care

Engineering Machine OperatorFabrication and WeldingBricklayerCarpenterElectrician Mechanic IT TechnicianHairdresserBarberEngineerPlumberPrintGraphic Design


What is an apprenticeship? Key Fact: You must be employedYou must be employed for 30 hours per week to be able to complete an apprenticeship. Please see page 11 for details of how to find an apprenticeship employer.

Timescales: 12 to 18 MonthsThe minimum length of an Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeship is 12 months, however depending upon your apprenticeship this might take slightly longer.

Study Format: All apprenticeships involve the majority of your time being within your workplace. However, all apprenticeships support your training and development. How you do this might vary dependent upon your employer and apprenticeship framework.

Here are some of the more common types of study format:

• Day release to College

• Block release at College

• Study time away from your day-to-day role within your workplace.

Type of Apprenticeship: Intermediate, Advanced and HigherThere are three different levels of apprenticeship. Most apprentices would start at an intermediate level,

as often the chosen apprenticeship is very different to anything you have studied or worked as before.

Here’s an overview:

• Intermediate Apprenticeship Level 2 Equivalent to 5 GCSE’s (at grade C)

• Advanced Apprenticeship Level 3 Equivalent to two A Levels

• Higher Apprenticeship Level 4/5 Equivalent to a university

level qualification.

The Apprenticeship Qualification:You might often hear the term ‘apprenticeship framework’ mentioned, essentially this is your apprenticeship course (as you would have a GCSE or A Level).

As with GCSEs and A Levels the apprenticeship framework is made up of different elements. For example, with an English GCSE you might have listening, speaking and writing components – similarly an apprenticeship it is made up of different comments.

These components and how they are assessed can vary dependent upon the type of apprenticeship you are undertaking.

12 months minimum duration is just one part of

commitment to quality.

What is an apprenticeship? Generally an apprenticeship is made up of five different elements, each of these provide credits towards your apprenticeship.

Here is a general overview of an apprenticeship framework:

Your NVQThe NVQ is the main component of your apprenticeship. It assesses your competence in your chosen field, such as dentistry or carpentry and joinery. Dependent upon your framework the NVQ can be assessed in your workplace and potentially college. Some apprenticeships do not require you to attend college, however all apprentices should have time away from their day-to-day role to be able to develop their skills. There is no exam requirement for the NVQ.

Technical Certificate:The technical certificate assesses your theoretical knowledge within your chosen field. The actual qualification type is dependent upon your chosen apprenticeship, your technical certificate might take the form of a BTEC. Your technical certificate generally includes some form of end assessment.

Functional Skills: Essentially this is your English and maths skills, potentially with ICT included dependent upon your apprenticeship framework.

If you have a recent maths or English GCSE grade C or above you may be exempt from this element of the apprenticeship framework.

These are considered separate qualifications, and will have an end assessment.

Employee Rights and Responsibilities (ERR):This element looks at your employee rights and responsibilities, it’s about your awareness of your role within the workplace. To many young people an apprenticeship is their first experience of the working world, and this component of the apprenticeship supports your understanding of what is expected of you, and what you can expect from an employer.

The ERR component of your apprenticeship might be a project or it might be embedded within your day to day work. For successful completion of this element, you will be awarded either a College Certificate or a certificate by the relevant awarding body. The ERR is continuously assessed.

Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS): Personal Learning and Thinking Skills are continuously assessed throughout your apprenticeships. They develop your wider knowledge as an employee.


Higher Apprenticeships

available in over 40 subjects

Up to 25,000 apprenticeship vacancies are available online at any

one time.

The entry requirements for an apprenticeship are as follows, this might vary slightly dependent upon the apprenticeship you choose:

• Intermediate Apprenticeship Entry Requirements: English and maths GCSE (D/C Grade) or

equivalent. If you do not have maths or English you will complete Functional Skills as part of your apprenticeship.

• Advanced Apprenticeship Entry Requirements: Three GCSE’s at grade C (including maths and

English) or equivalent level 2 qualification (such as an intermediate apprenticeship)

• Higher Apprenticeship Entry Requirements: Level 3 Qualification (or equivalent) and maths and English GCSE Grade C

TraineeshipsIf you are not sure whether you will fulfil the entry criteria to complete an apprenticeship, or are uncertain whether an apprenticeship is actually for you then you might consider a traineeship.

A traineeship is a ‘pre-apprenticeship’ programme or course. They are specifically for 16 to 24 year olds, and combine a work placement with college study. In particular, they can support you further your maths and English skills.

Typically they last up to six months. Traineeships popularity is increasing with employers, with more and more employers offering traineeship positions.

Please see page 11 to find out about how to find a traineeship vacancy.

What are the entry criteria for an apprenticeship?


What support is available to an apprentice? Workplace: MentorWithin your workplace you should have a member of staff that is responsible for overseeing your apprenticeship, this might be a line manager or mentor. They will support you with your apprenticeship.

College: Trainer Assessor: You will have regular contact with a College member of staff called a Trainer Assessor. This person oversees the completion of the technical aspects of your apprenticeship, and will review your apprenticeship portfolio. They will have contact with you in your workplace. The amount of contact varies dependent upon your apprenticeship, but generally you will see your Trainer Assessor every six to eight weeks.

Review and Progression Officer: You will also have a dedicated Review and Progression Officer at the College. This person will again visit you in the workplace but is really focused on making sure you are happy and settled in your workplace. You should see your Review and Progression Officer approximately every ten weeks.

College based induction: At the beginning of your course you will have a College induction. This will introduce to you the College, and the support services available to you.

Student Union: As an apprentice with Leicester College you are entitled to join our Student Union, and have an NUS Card. Leicester College has one of the largest and most active Student Unions within the further education sector, they are a brilliant group of learners who organise a huge volume of activities.

College Services: Leicester College is a large college and offers our apprentices access to some excellent services and facilities. This includes careers advisors, welfare team, learning support, libraries, social spaces and refectories.


More than 850,000 people have been

earning and learning on an apprenticeships

in 2013 to 2014

£

19% of advanced apprentices progress to Higher Education

(university level courses)

Progression opportunities An apprenticeship offers you excellent opportunities to progress with your education and with your career.

You might often hear people talking about ‘traditional apprenticeships’ or ‘a good old apprenticeship’ which would have taken four years or more to complete.

Today’s apprenticeships still hold this extended period of learning a trade at their core. However, to monitor progression and to enable an apprentice to accrue valuable qualifications, apprenticeships are now classed by level – Intermediate, Advanced and Higher.

Higher Apprenticeships open up a unique progression route to advanced apprentices. Where historically training might have ceased upon completion of an advanced apprenticeship, it can now continue and allow you as an apprentice the same development opportunities as your peers in full-time education.

Here’s an overview of the progression route for apprentices:

Intermediate Apprenticeship

Advanced Apprenticeship

Higher Level Apprenticeship/University level study/Work

Proper jobsApprenticeships lead to proper jobs. This is overwhelmingly proven fact supported by both national and college held statistics. Whether the apprentice stays with the same employer, or progresses to another role, or sets up their own business; the vast majority of apprentices progress from an apprenticeship into work.


How to find an ApprenticeshipTo complete an apprenticeship, you must have first secured an apprenticeship position with an employer.

At the moment it is you, the apprentice, who is greatly in demand. Employers are now fully aware of the value and impact that recruiting an apprentice has on their business, and there are numerous apprenticeship vacancies available.

What is desperately needed are apprentices. Enthusiastic, driven and motivated young people to fill the hundreds of current apprenticeship vacancies.

But you need to prove you have what it takes; employers want a young person who is able to begin in their working world and take their role as an apprentice seriously.

The apprenticeship job searchFinding an apprenticeship is similar to finding a job. You need to identify a vacancy that you are interested in, apply for the job and then attend an interview.

There are a number of ways in which you can find apprenticeship vacancies. These are:

Leicester College website: Our website advertises all of our current apprenticeship vacancies. You can refine your search by industry sector, and whether you are looking for an apprenticeship or a traineeship. leicestercollege.ac.uk

Applying couldn’t be easier, simply send your CV to [email protected].

National Apprenticeship Service (NAS): The NAS website lists all apprenticeship vacancies. You can search vacancies by key word, vacancy type (ie apprenticeship/traineeship) and geographic location. To apply for these vacancies you need to register with the website and apply online.

www.apprenticeship.gov.uk

The direct approach: The proactive direct approach often impresses employers. If you know the type of company you want to work for, and the type of apprenticeship you would like to complete, why not approach a couple of employers directly? For example if you want to be a hairdresser, and there are a couple of hairdressers in your local area, pop in with your CV and find out if they have any apprenticeship vacancies.


Women now take up to 55% of

apprenticeships

Tips for writing a good CVKeep it simple: The easier a CV is to read, the better. An advertised apprenticeship vacancy will often attract a large number of replies, keep to the point – don’t tell the employer your life story.

Keep it short: Ideally your CV should be no longer than two sides of A4 paper.

Keep it clear: Your CV needs to be easy to read. The flow and structure should encourage an employer to read more. A CV should always be word processed, and well laid out with wide margins, clear section headings, and the information should be organised logically and flow easily.

Keep it relevant: Show the employer that you are interested in their specific vacancy by keeping your CV relevant to the job you are applying for.

Create an impression: As well as keeping your CV short, clear and relevant, make sure it looks professional too. A CV is an exercise in presenting information concisely.


90% of apprentices stay in

employment after finishing their apprenticeship.

11

Example Learner CV

Your profi le should summarise the skills you’ve gained from both academic and work experience

You can include details of any modules, projects or placements covered in your course that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Including any work-experience gained from unpaid work shows that you are competent and able to conduct yourself in a professional work setting. You have gained skills, abilities and experience that can be easily transferred to paid work.

Hobbies and interests are important as they can complement your existing work skills.

Amy Davies14 Any Road

Leicester, LE1 3WATel: 0116 224 0200 Mob: 07782 567 856

[email protected]

Personal Profi leAn enthusiastic and friendly individual with experience within the beauty industry specialising in skin care, cosmetics and perfumes. Maintains good working relationships with colleagues and provides an excellent standard of customer service at all times. A quick learner, who can communicate effectively with others.

Key Skills and Abilities

• Good interpersonal skills which enable me to build a positive rapport with people of all ages and backgrounds.• Enjoy teamwork and understand the importance and benefi ts of working effectively with others.• Willing to learn; I always welcome new training opportunities to update my skills.

EducationSept 2014 - Present Leicester College, Leicester: Beauty Therapy Level 2Technical units include manicure, pedicure, lash and brow treatments, waxing, facial treatments and make-up, associated anatomy and physiology, health and safety and team work.

Sept 2013 - June 2014 Leicester College, Leicester: Beauty Therapy NVQ 1This course included: Health and Safety, reception, assisting with treatments, manicures and facial treatments. Lessons cover basic anatomy and physiology related to the beauty treatment you are studying. I also included Key Skills tests in communication, IT and numeracy.

Sept 2008 - June 2013 Guthlaxton Community College LeicesterGCSE – English Literature F English Language C History D Home Economics C Biology D Spanish B Maths D Physics C

Beauty Therapy Experience2013 – Present Leicester College Salon Work PlacementWorking alongside my studies I worked with fee paying clients in the College’s salon. My duties included:• reception work which included booking appointments• checking and ordering supplies• facials – cleansing, massaging and toning the skin• eyebrow shaping and eyelash colouring• manicures, pedicures and other nail treatments like extensions and nail art• removal of unwanted facial and body hair

Work ExperienceMarch 2014 - Present Boots, Gallowtree Gate, Leicester (Part-Time)Sales Assistant: Responsible for working within the fashion and skin care departments within a busy retail environment. My role involved advising clients about products, demonstration of products, operating the till and cash/credit handling.

Sept 2013 - March 2014 Fenwick’s Leicester, (Part-Time)Sales Assistant: Demonstrated skin care, cosmetics and perfumes to customers, provided in depth advice about products and operated the till when I sold products to customers.

Additional InformationConfi dent using a range of IT packages including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet and email. Fluent in Spanish and hold a provisional driving licence.

Hobbies and InterestsIn my spare time I enjoy swimming, reading and surfi ng the web and creating online blogs.

ReferencesMrs Annette Smith, Course Tutor Mr Peter Smith (Manager) Boots Leicester College 30-36 Gallowtree Gate Aylestone Road LeicesterLeicester LE2 7LW LE1 1DDTel 0116 224 2240 Tel: 0116 262 2266


Tips for greatInterviewsFor almost all apprenticeship vacancies you will be required to attend an interview.

If you would like help preparing for your interview please give our careers team a call on 0116 224 2240 and they can support you.

Top tips:

Prepare: Find out as much as you can about the company. Most businesses nowadays have a website, so make sure you spend time exploring the potential employer’s website.

Research: Make sure you read the apprenticeship advert carefully and make a note of key words used in the job description and/or criteria section of the advert. Think of examples where you have met these key words.

First Impressions: As a guide, dressing smartly, neatly and appropriately for the apprenticeship interview, is a safe rule to follow.


Women now take up to 55% of

apprenticeships


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Apprenticeships - An Essential Guide