Apprenticeships

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a way to learn a profession and gain a nationally recognised qualification, whilst working in that profession and earning a wage. Apprenticeships are recognised as the gold standard for work-based training, with more than 130,000 employers offering apprenticeships.

The Apprenticeship standard was developed to be occupation focussed, meeting the needs of employers by developing the Apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours. Employers want the assessment process to reflect the importance of an individual’s behaviour as well as skill. This approach provides a more effective springboard to higher education and long-term career prospects.

Training & development

On-the-job training
Working with a mentor, an apprentice will develop the skills, knowledge & behaviours to perform in their job role. A Learning Advisor will visit at regular intervals to review and monitor apprentice’s performance.

Off-the-job training
20% of apprentice training will be classed as off-the-job. This will include residential learning as well as time during your normal working hours to complete tasks set, e-learning / remote learning, assignments, or mentor guided tasks.

Progress and assessment
At the start of apprenticeships, both the apprentice and the employer will be given access to the E-log book. Here apprentices record the evidence gained throughout their apprenticeship. This could include:

Audio / video clips
Pictures
Work sheets
Witness testimonies
Policies & procedures
Work sheets / Job cards

The Learning Advisor will explain how to access, use and update the E-log book ,but it is the responsibility of the apprentice and the employer to ensure it is kept up to date.

Workplace reviews
A Learning Advisor will visit at regular intervals throughout the apprenticeship, to discuss progress to date and set targets to achieve by the next review. They will discuss the e-log book and check that evidenced of the 20% off-the-job training as well as any other work set has been completed. They will discuss progress with the Mentor / Manager, to ensure apprentices are given the opportunity to complete the jobs required to successfully achieve their qualification, as well as making sure they are performing to the required standard and completing their e-log book.

Residential training
Over the course of the training, apprentices will attend residential training blocks at regular intervals. This training is an integral part of these apprenticeship and they are paid exactly as if they were at work. This is a more focussed approach to training, allowing us to cover not only the basic material, but additional information relevant to specific qualifications, allowing time for in-depth discussion and the sharing of how knowledge learned can be implemented. In addition to this, apprentices will be developing social skills, new friendships, a greater sense of independence and gaining valuable transferable life skills.