Cogent Technical Apprenticeship ServiceThe go-to place for science industry skills

A Guide to Apprenticeships in the Science Industry

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96%of businesses report the business benefits of Apprenticeships.

83%of employers rely on their Apprenticeship programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future.

81%of apprentice employers say they make their businesses more productive. The average Apprenticeship completer increases business productivity by £214 per week.

80%of employers feel that Apprenticeships reduce staff turnover.

Recruiting for tomorrow todayTransform your talent pipeline with Cogent Skills, the go-to place for science industry skills

The demand for skilled workers in the science industries is increasing, yet employers are struggling to find young people with the practical skills and experience they are seeking. For the science industries to flourish, it is important to equip the next generation with the skills to succeed.

Cogent Skills believes that Apprenticeships are the answer to building and preparing your talent pipeline. With over a decade of expertise in skills for science industries, we respond to the skills demands of businesses and provide expert advice and guidance throughout the Apprenticeship process. Everything that we do is underpinned by a robust quality system.

Recruiting an apprentice can feel like a complicated task, but it needn’t be with the support of Cogent Skills. We are a National Apprenticeship Service Approved Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA), quality assured to deliver our services to employers in the science and technical industries. We can employ your apprentice on our headcount and help with all HR and payroll functions and assist in the recruitment of the apprentice.

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About ApprenticeshipsAn Apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme which leads to a nationally recognised qualification and enables young people to earn whilst learning on the job. Apprenticeships are available to young people over the age of 16 and provide the practical skills sought after by industry.

Hiring apprentices help businesses to grow their own talent and train employees in line with company requirements.

Cogent Technical Apprenticeship Service works with organisations of all sizes and covers the whole of the science industries, including chemicals, polymers, process, biotechnology, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biomedical technologies, environmental technologies and biomedical devices.

Apprentices and employers will be supported throughout the Apprenticeship by a skilled Apprenticeship Adviser who will ensure that the apprentice is receiving the training they need to perform effectively in their role.

There are three different levels of Apprenticeships available:

Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2)

• Equivalent to five A*-C GCSEs• 12-18 months on average

Advanced Level Apprenticeship (Level 3)

• Equivalent to two A Levels• 18-24 months on average

Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4 and above)

• Equivalent to a HND, NHC, Foundation degree or degree

• 3 years on average

Types of Apprenticeships available in the Science IndustriesApprenticeships in the science industries cover a wide range of job roles in the sector, and not all of them are technical.

Cogent Skills can help you to access Apprenticeships in the following areas:

Laboratory and Science Technicians

Process Manufacturing

Engineering

Polymer Processing Operations

Quality Control

Quality Assurance

Sign making

Supply Chain

Logistics

Customer Services

Business Administration

Human Resources

IT

Accountancy

Water Treatment

Explosives

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SMART Apprenticeships Cogent Skills is the expert delivery partner of the Science Industry Partnership (SIP). SMART Apprenticeships, designed in response to concerns about the quality of Apprenticeships, are a flexible approach to the delivery of Apprenticeship training and focus on quality.

SMART Apprenticeships put employers in control of the training to ensure that it is in line with the developments of industry, the company and job landing role of the apprentice. This guarantees that the apprentice is fully competent at the end of their Apprenticeship.

The apprentice will be expected to meet the national standard, which specifies what they must know and be able to do. This will be independently assessed at the end of their training. If they meet the standard they will be deemed to be fully competent in that job and will receive a graded Apprenticeship Award.

Unlike the traditional approach to the delivery of Apprenticeship training, the apprentice’s development is mapped out at the beginning in the form of a bespoke Apprenticeship Training Plan (ATP).

The ATP is specifically tailored to the requirements of the business and the individual. An Apprenticeship Adviser from Cogent Skills will provide expert support to help develop the ATP. In-house training can be incorporated into the ATP making sure that the apprentice is getting the right training to perform effectively as a key member of the team.

SMART Apprenticeships are based on a standards approach defined by employers. The SMART approach is focussed on the ability of the apprentice to perform their ‘landing role’, the job that they joined the company for.

Benefits of SMART Apprenticeships

Employers have control of designing the standards so that the Apprenticeship responds to the needs of industry and the company.

Funding available through the SIP

New and existing employees are able to learn and develop skills whilst making a positive contribution to the development and output of the company.

A perfect opportunity for experienced members of staff to pass on their company specific knowledge to enthusiastic new workers.

Increased focus on training for the job means that the apprentice must demonstrate their ability through rigorous assessment at the end of their Apprenticeship.

Recruit new members of staff at the very beginning of their career and develop them in-line with company requirements

In-house training can be used towards developing the apprentice’s competence.

All training providers are quality assured by Cogent Skills

Support of a Cogent Apprenticeship Adviser to develop the training plan and support the employer and apprentice throughout the Apprenticeship.

Cogent can additionally assist in the recruitment of an apprentice.

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Higher ApprenticeshipsHigher Apprenticeships combine on the job training with employees studying for a higher level qualification, giving businesses the knowledgeable workforce required.

Higher Apprenticeships (HAs) provide employers with an alternative to graduate recruitment. They fill the gap between traditional Apprenticeships and university degrees in terms of vocational skills. The Higher Apprenticeship (HA) for Life Sciences and Chemical Science Professionals provides laboratory, scientific and technical employees with the opportunity to gain qualifications up to graduate level with the addition of hands on experience gained through work.

The HA framework contains five pathways; Life Sciences, Chemical Science, Process Development, Packaging Development and Food Science. Each pathway offers a choice of qualifications, including Higher National Diplomas or Foundation Degrees at Level 5, which have been designed to maximise work-based learning through flexible delivery mechanisms that are suited to both large and small employers.

There are now opportunities for the apprentice to progress onto a BSc Hons in Chemical Science or BSc Hons in Life Science.

Benefits of Higher Apprenticeships

The HA pathways were designed by employers and reflect the range of technical and business skills that leads to the professional competence employers need.

Build a diverse workforce with a range of different skills and perspectives.

Higher apprentices will develop the knowledge and occupational competencies demanded by specific job roles, meeting unique business requirements.

Skills are developed that are not only relevant to the science-based industries, but are specific to your business.

Access untapped, underrepresented pools of recruits with the talent to contribute to business success.

A logical progression opportunity for Apprenticeships.

Although an apprentice must do eight hours a week study, this is flexible around the employers requirements

Fill skills gaps with loyal, motivated members of staff.

Life Sciences Pathway Chemical Science Pathway

Process Development Pathway

Packaging Development Pathway

Level 6Any p/t BSc Life Sciences

or Bioscience

Level 6Any p/t BSc Chemical Science or Chemistry

Level 6Any p/t BEng

Chemical Engineering

Level 6Any p/t BEng

Chemical Engineering

Level 5FdSci Applied Bioscience

Technology (Kent) or HND Diploma Biological

Sciences for Industry

Level 5FdSc Chemical Science

(MMU) or (Hull) or HND Diploma Chemical

Science for Industry

Level 5FdEng Plant & Process

Engineering (Hull)

Level 5FdEng Mechanical Engineering (Hull)

Level 4HNC Diploma Biological

Sciences for Industry

or FD Science Subject plus LATA Level 4

or HNC Applied Biology plus LATA Level 4

Level 4HNC Diploma Chemical

Science for Industry

or FD Science Subject plus LATA Level 4

or HNC Applied Chemistry plus LATA Level 4

Level 4HNC Diploma in

Operations Engineering plus Level 4 NVQ Diploma

in Process Industries Operations

The Higher Apprenticeship includes an integrated qualification with the following elements:

Competence ElementAchievement of this element shows that the apprentice is competent in performing the job role and evidence of this is needed for the apprentice to gain their Apprenticeship certificate.

Technical Knowledge ElementAchievement of this element shows that the apprentice has the necessary technical skills, knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts as well as knowledge and understanding of the relevant industry and its market.

Recognition of professional developmentThe programme has been mapped to the requirements of the Science Council Technician register, allowing the higher apprentice to gain professional recognitions as a Registered Technician (RSciTech) at Level 3 and on completion of the programme, as a Registered Scientist (RSci) at Level 5.

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Managed Apprenticeship ServiceAs an ATA, we can directly employ and mentor the apprentices who are undertaking their Apprenticeship with you. This means that the apprentice will work with you as their host employer.

You, as the host employer pay a fee for the apprentices’ contribution, based on the agreed wage, plus a weekly management fee to Cogent Skills. We will complete the apprentice’s employment administration including contracts of employment, terms and conditions and management of sickness and absence and monitor their progress against objectives.

Quite simply, we can significantly reduce your time and cost to recruit apprentices, as well as improve the quality of candidates you attract. By using all the resources available to us we can help you streamline your recruitment process.

The services offered will be tailored to your needs. If you are acting as a host employer, you can expect the following as a minimum:

Preparation of a job descriptionWe will prepare a full job description based upon your specific requirements and agreed criteria.

Advertising your vacancyWe will advertise the vacancy online, and we will create a job specific database that captures all the candidates that apply for the Apprenticeship vacancy.

Screening CandidatesThe Cogent Skills recruitment team will screen CVs and application forms to identify the most suitable candidates to be selected for the interview stage and will advise unsuccessful candidates.

Engaging with candidatesWe will arrange interviews, confirming arrangements in writing, prepare and coach candidates before their interview, and, if required by the employer, we will also attend interviews.

Informing candidatesWe will advise both successful and unsuccessful candidates on your behalf and provide constructive feedback.

Expert supportThrough the Managed Apprenticeship Service, we will liaise regularly with the training provider to ensure that your apprentice is gaining the skills that your business needs and support your nominated apprentice mentor.

Apprentice Recruitment ServiceIf you would prefer to employ the apprentice in full, from the beginning of the programme then we can help you to recruit your ideal candidate.

Cogent Skills will:

Work with you to create a job description and person specification

Advertise the vacancy on the Cogent Skills, National Apprenticeship Services Website and trusted partner websites

Screen applications and shortlist

Inform successful and unsuccessful candidates on your behalf

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The Simple Steps to Hiring an Apprentice

Cogent Skills will draw up an Apprenticeship Training Plan with standards and modules to meet the unique needs of your company

The apprentice will start employment with you and commence their training

An Apprenticeship Adviser will visit you to discuss your requirements

If required, Cogent Skills can hire the apprentice on our headcount and manage HR and payroll functions

Email info@cogentskills.com or ring 01925 515 200 and speak to an Apprenticeship Adviser

We will shortlist and send you the applications

We will work with you to write a bespoke job description

Cogent Skills will offer support throughout the Apprenticeship, to employer and apprentice, keeping regular contact with the apprentice to ensure they are receiving the most from their training.

We will advertise the vacancy for you

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I would certainly recommend that if you are thinking about apprentice recruitment as a business then use Cogent Skills, as it’s good value for money and an excellent service.

Linda Millet Head of HR Takeda Cambridge

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“You can tell that Cogent Skills is passionate about what they do. The Managed Apprenticeship Service provided the support we needed with our recruitment process. They maintain regular contact and arrange site visits to support our apprentice as well as providing an excellent HR and payroll service.

Louise Barnes Senior HR Specialist, Kemira Chemicals (UK) Ltd

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“It is important to Concept that we find the right people for our business needs, especially when we are developing a team that will help our business grow. Cogent Skills provided Concept with a shortlist of suitable candidate’s which speeded up our recruitment process and saved Concept a lot of time. Most importantly we got an apprentice who brings skills to the team and aids our ongoing success.

Colin Savery Site Manager Concept Chemicals

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FAQs

How much do I have to pay an apprentice?The National Minimum Wage for an apprentice is £2.73 an hour, although employers often choose to pay more than this.

How many hours does the apprentice need to work?An apprentice must work a minimum of 30 hours a week.

How will the training be delivered?Depending on the training provider, the training will either be delivered in the workplace, or through day release at college.

How long do Apprenticeships last?The length of the Apprenticeship varies depending on the level of Apprenticeship, from 12 months to 3 years.

Are Apprenticeships available to existing members of staff?An employee who is changing job roles can take advantage of Apprenticeship training.

Do I have to employ the apprentice?Cogent Skills can employ the apprentice on your behalf and manage all HR and payroll functions.

Is there help recruiting the apprentice?Cogent Skills offers a recruitment service, where we write the job description, advertise and shortlist.

What happens at the end of the Apprenticeship?There is no obligations to hire the apprentice at the end of the Apprenticeship, however, if the apprentice has performed well there are often progression opportunities.

How do SIP SMART Apprenticeships differ to traditional Apprenticeships?SMART Apprenticeships have been designed alongside employers in the science industries to ensure that they suit the needs of the industry. Additional modules can be chosen to suit the companies requirements, and employer can draw down funding from the SIP.

How can I access funding from the SIP?Through the Science Industry Partnership, employers can access funding for Apprenticeships. Your Cogent Skills Apprenticeship Adviser will help you to access this funding.

Cogent SkillsThe go-to place for science industry skills

Cogent Skills works with employers to develop, design and deploy skills solutions for the science industries.

We support science industry employers to attract, retain and develop people who can contribute to business success. We understand that recruiting new talent and ensuring you maximise the potential of your current workforce is key to your future success.

Cogent Skills has successfully facilitated, on behalf of employers, a bid to establish a Science Industry Partnership (SIP). This is piloting an employer owned skills system, determining what is needed and commissioning what gets delivered. Cogent Skills is the expert delivery partner for the SIP.

There are many opportunities for employers to get involved with developing their existing workforce or growing their talent pipeline through introducing new members of staff, including:

Traineeships

SMART Apprenticeships

Industry Degree Scheme

Modular Masters

Industrial Placements

Courses

Workforce Development – Gold standard

Workforce Development – Skills for GrowthIf you would like to find out

more information about any of our programmes and funding available, please contactinfo@cogentskills.com

If you are interested in Apprenticeships, please contact:

apprenticeships@cogentskills.com

01925 515 200

@cogent_skills