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the learner’s guide to
apprenticeships
the stepsto success
Learn new skills, gain qualifications and get paid.
Find out all the information you need in this booklet.
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a new world for you
• Administration, (business and office work)• Building and Construction• Catering and Hospitality• IT• Design and Creative• Engineering• Environment, Animals and Plants• Care (children, health and social, playwork)• Sport• Manufacturing and Production• Service Industries (including hairdressing)• Retail (sales and customer services)
page 4good for you
page 6more for you
page 8the right move
page 10more than money
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page 12how they work
Wiltshire College offer a wide range of Apprenticeships in many different subjects. We are always happy to look at new areas, so if what you want to do isn’t obvious over the page, give us a call and we’ll help/advise you: tel: 0845 345 2235 or email [email protected]
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good for you
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More than money
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How it works
learn new skills and get paid. There is more to an Apprenticeship than you may think. Not only do they offer you qualifications but they provide a clear route for you to progress your career. They require hard work, motivation and dedication, but they provide great rewards. A recent study revealed that 60 per cent of employees who complete an Apprenticeship, stay with their employers for five years or more.
You get real job experience in an industry you choose, you work towards nationally recognised qualifications and you get paid whilst you’re doing it. If you’re leaving full time education or looking for a career change, take a look at what an Apprenticeship could do for you. There are many occupational areas for you to choose from, so contact Wiltshire College to discuss your area of interest and the entry requirements.
After completing your Advanced Apprenticeship you could move onto a related foundation degree or degree course, making you even more appealing to employers.
“After leaving school I did a few different jobs in the retail sector before getting a job with Wiltshire College. They encouraged me to sign up for an Apprenticeship in Business Administration and I haven’t looked back since. The support that I received from my tutor and training co-ordinator was brillia nt and I made some really good new friends. I now feel like my career is moving forward. I have completed my
Apprenticeship including a current IT qualif ication and am now studying at Level 3. I hope to get a couple of more years experience before moving into management.”
step 1: apprenticeships are good for you.
Kerri Gullis, 20, Admin Assistant, Wiltshire College
Need more info? 0845 345 2235 www.wiltshire.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships
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good for you
more for you
The right move
More than money
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“I’m in the f irst year of my Apprenticeship after starting straight from school. I recognise the importance of picking up certif icates; I’ ll do much better through having a qualif ication. I want to progress on to Level 3 to do more advanced work. Eventually I think I might emigrate to Australia and work over there. I’m more likely to get work there if I have an advanced qualif ication.”Bradley Coombs, 17, Carpentry & Joinery, Hulbert Brothers
be flexible, be determined, be prepared! When applying for an Apprenticeship it pays to be flexible. So, for example, if you are interested in Engineering, look at other industry sectors where engineering is involved instead of just the obvious choices.
If you are undecided on a career path, Wiltshire College have a full Information, Advice and Guidance service available at all main campuses, which is free and impartial.
Once you’ve decided on an occupation, contact Wiltshire College to discuss your requirements.
You will also need to look for an employer if you haven’t already got one. Companies generally advertise in local newspapers and Job Centres, whilst large businesses also use their own websites. The trick is to be determined and constantly on the look-out. When you secure an interview be keen and knowledgeable about the company to which you are applying.
Wiltshire College can sometimes help you find employment – local employers looking for an apprentice often contact us directly instead of advertising.
You can also check the governments Apprenticeship Vacancy website where details of current Apprenticeship vacancies are posted. https://apprenticeshipvacancymatchingservice.lsc.gov.uk
If you’re already working and want to gain skills and a qualification, talk to your boss about becoming an apprentice. The chances are they’ll welcome improving the skills and experience of their staff.
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step 2:there’s more for you.
Need more info? 0845 345 2235www.wiltshire.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships
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good for you
more for you
the right move
More than money
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“I really enjoyed the course as it has allowed me to maintain my training and sporting ambitions while ensuring that I have the qualif ications should my situation change. The classroom sessions were interactive and informative and the support staff were brillia nt. I would def initely recommend this course to others.”Kirsty Delves, 19, Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (Team Bath Netball)
stepping stones to your new career…Whatever Apprenticeship you choose, you’ll be working towards an NVQ, Key Skills (or Functional Skills) and possibly Technical Certificates.
national vocational qualifications (NVQs)Based on your competency in the work place (practical skills) and your industry skills/knowledge, NVQs are achieved through a series of continual assessments (no final exams), monitored by your Wiltshire College Training Co-ordinator.
key skillsKey Skills (or Functional Skills) focus on developing essential knowledge that we all need in order to flourish in work and life.
These include:
• Communication
• Application of number
• Information technology
• Working with others
• Improving own learning
• Problem solving
Your chosen occupation will determine which of these are relevant and at what level. Sometimes a recent A-C grade GCSE can cover this requirement.
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step 3:the right move.
technical certificatesSome Apprenticeship programmes enable you to gain Technical Certificates, such as a BTEC. These prove that you fully understand the theory behind the job as well as being able to carry out the practical tasks.
An experienced Training Co-ordinator will explain exactly which framework of qualifications are applicable to your chosen career before your Apprenticeship starts.
Need more info? 0845 345 2235 www.wiltshire.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships
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“I did some plumbing training before but I’ve come here to gain my qualif ications locally. The course covers everything you need to know in depth. It has given me a better insight into the trade and I hope it will lead to bigger, better things. It has helped me gain experience for the job I want to do and eventually I hope to start my own business as a plumbing and heating engineer.”Ryan Clark, 23, Plumbing , Mark Horobin Plumbing & Heating
You may be an apprentice, but you are also an employee. Apprenticeships enable you to access a company’s benefits, like paid holiday leave, pension plan and sick pay – in fact you will have a Contract of Employment like any other employee.
let’s talk moneyLike any job, your wage will depend on your skills and experience. If you join an employer as an apprentice the minimum starting wage is £95.00 per week, but many pay more or quickly increase pay as your skills improve. If you are already employed by the company and join the Apprenticeship programme, you will earn a salary that is agreed between you and your employer – this shouldn’t be less than you already earn, but often leads to a pay rise.
Most apprentices are employed and get the going rate for the job as a trainee. If you are placed with a company but not employed, you can apply for the education maintenance allowance (EMA) visit ema.direct.gov.uk for more information (under 19s only).
sick leaveUnfortunately, we all fall ill occasionally. If you do, ensure that everyone who needs to know is kept informed.
holidaysAs an apprentice you will be entitled to at least 20 days paid holiday per year (including bank holidays), but your employer’s own terms of employment may allow more.
extra helpIf you need books, specialist/protective clothing or equipment which are essential to your job, or if you need help to adapt your training environment to cope with a disability, please discuss this with your employer and Training Co-ordinator. You may also be entitled to help with travelling costs if you are in a placement. Some childcare costs may also be paid.
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step 4: more than just money - decent qualifications and a decent wage.
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how they work:the levels.
Apprenticeships consist of four levels:
young apprenticeshipsPractical-based learning commencing in year 10. You’ll gain vocational skills through extended work placements whilst continuing towards core GCSEs. You can then continue on to do an Apprenticeship after finishing school.
pre-entry to employment (pre-e2e), and entry to employment (e2e)Entry level courses for those with the potential to join an Apprenticeship, but need a little more experience. Entry to Employment improves your skills and gives you the opportunity to try out different jobs. You will also have support to tackle issues that may have stopped you from progressing before.
apprenticeshipA Level 2 programme (equivalent to five GCSEs at grade A-C) which covers NVQs, Key skills and possibly Technical Certificates.
advanced apprenticeshipA Level 3 programme (equivalent to two A Levels) covering NVQs, Key skills and possibly Technical Certificates.
P.T.OTo find out about the people involved in Apprenticeships and who they are…
“Initia lly I was a little sceptical about taking up education again, but f ive months in I am really enjoying it. Some of my colleagues have completed similar courses and were really positive about their experiences. I’ve learnt lots of new skills and also conf irmed a lot of the knowledge that I already have. My conf idence in working on a computer has really improved as I have to complete a lot of my work on-line.
My employer has really supported me by giving me time to do college work and also helping with the resources I need. My Training Co-ordinator at Wiltshire College has been great and has been out regularly to see me just to make sure I am doing well.”
John Macindoe, 45, Groundsman, Wootton Bassett Town Council
Need more info? 0845 345 2235 www.wiltshire.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships
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the apprenticeYou’ll have left, or are leaving, full-time education and be ready to embark on an exciting career path.
the employerThe company you work for. Most of the time here will be spent gaining industry knowledge and hands-on experience. Your employer will pay your wage, so generally you will need to find a company that needs an apprentice and is happy to employ you before you start your training.
the training co-ordinatorWiltshire College will allocate you a member of our team, who will ensure that all elements of your Apprenticeship run smoothly and progress toward a successful outcome for you and your employer.
the people:who they are.
Need more info? 0845 345 2235 www.wiltshire.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships
notes:
Contact Wiltshire College to arrange appointment
contact us
Contact Connexions direct on: 080 800 13219
or visit www.connexions-direct.com
for additional advice
Aged between 13 and 19?
Aged 20+?
0845 345 2235
or email [email protected]
For further information or to make an appointment contact us on:
Contact Next Step on 0845 850 50 70
or visit www.nextstep.org.uk
