Frequently asked questions - Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a mixture of on and off the job learning. County Training offers apprenticeships to anyone aged 16-24 and enable you to develop your workforce to a nationally recognised standard.

How long will it take?

As a general guide, a Level 2 Apprenticeship takes approximately 12 months. A Level 3 Apprenticeship can take up to 18 months. However, this timescale is flexible as an NVQ is designed to be taken at a pace that suits an individuals’ needs. County Training will support your staff around the working hours of your business, which can help maintain regular progress throughout the programme.

What’s in it for me?
The manager spends a small amount of extra time in recruitment and supervision and also spends an hour a month on liaison with the college assessor. The manager benefits from what the apprentice learns about the team and the service, because this is reflected back in their work.

Who is eligible for an Apprenticeship?

All staff aged 16-24, whether they are new recruits or existing employees – can
enrol on an Apprenticeship with County Training. Eligibility for funding is dependant on previous qualifications. Individuals qualified to degree level are exempt from apprenticeship funding, however they may be eligible for funding on other schemes such as Train to Gain.

How much will it cost?

County Training access funding from the Learning & Skills Council, which means Apprenticeship training is free for staff aged 16 - 24.
As an employer you are responsible for paying the apprentice’s salary. This will reflect the skills, experience, age and ability of your staff.

How much time away from the workplace will be needed?

On average, apprentices will need to attend training sessions at one of County Training’s offices one day per week. However, in some vocational sectors this does not apply.

Can I get help with recruiting a suitable apprentice?

Yes, County Training has a great deal of contact with young people and adult learners looking for work placements. With our support, we can assist your search for a suitable candidate.

What does an Apprenticeship involve?

An Apprenticeship framework includes;

• National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
• Key skills – providing transferable work related skills including IT, Communication, Application of Number, Teamwork, Problem Solving and Improving own Learning and Performance
• Technical Certificates – vocationally related qualifications that provide the under-pinning knowledge of the NVQ and assess occupational knowledge and understanding. Evidence can be collected on a daily basis as part of a candidate’s normal working routine. It is essential that all elements of the framework are complete.

Why choose an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships allow you to invest in your organisation’s future. No matter how large or small your organisation, apprenticeships give you the chance to develop the skilled staff you need for your business. With the support of County Training, an apprenticeship can make your organisation more effective, productive and competitive by addressing your skills gaps directly.

Advantages of a County Training Apprenticeship include:

• Improved productivity
- Apprenticeships equip staff with the skills and knowledge to work within their particular roles more efficiently. As your staff become more motivated they work harder and more effectively for your business.
• Motivated people
As a result of their apprenticeship, staff become more motivated and keen to learn. This enthusiasm can also invigorate other staff members. By offering Apprenticeships, recruiting and retaining the right people for your organisation will become easier.
• Relevant training
Apprenticeships are designed by businesses in your sector, to meet the needs of your industry. This means the training is always relevant and it is tailored to the needs of your sector by people who genuinely understand what you do.
• Avoid skills shortages
The apprenticeship programme can identify your team’s training requirements and structure your staff’s development. This will help to grow your business and review skill gaps.

What is an NVQ?

An NVQ is a work based learning programme which consists of units based on the national standards for each occupation. These standards detail the competencies required of an individual working at each NVQ level.
In order to achieve an NVQ the learner must provide evidence of their experience and knowledge within each of their chosen units. This will then be discussed, reviewed and assessed by County Training and will form a portfolio.

How often will the apprentice be assessed?

A County Training Assessor will visit the candidate in the workplace once every 3 to 4 weeks and spend approximately 1 - 2 hours with the candidate. Action plans are discussed and agreed at every visit and performance is reviewed every 10 weeks throughout the qualification.

How are Apprenticeships developed and who sets the course content?

Sector Skills Councils are made up of business representatives with experience in the relevant sector or industry. These representatives design the apprenticeship units to ensure the course content is directly relevant to your business.

What happens if the Apprentice skips college?
If the post has been converted to an apprenticeship post, then successfully undertaking and completing the NVQ forms part of their contractual obligations. Although Apprentices sign an agreement, they cannot be forced to complete their apprenticeship – they may choose to resign. Managers should liase with County Training and collage to monitor attendance and motivation.

What if attendance, behaviour and quality of work are below standard?
Monitor your Apprentice’s attendance and quality of work (be particularly aware that there may be personal and family problems affecting attendance). Advise your Apprentice of the standards required and how you will work together to meet them. If the relationship isn’t working, liase with your personnel office. Where appropriate, seek a change of employer via County Training, whose commitment to the Apprentice is ongoing

What if I have to dismiss the Apprentice?
If their work and/or behaviour have been unsatisfactory, your business will not want to redeploy the Apprentice, unless there are special mitigating circumstances. If this situation arises, liase with your personnel office and keep County Training fully informed

What if I have to make the Apprentice redundant?
County Training undertakes to find the Apprentice a new employer if no suitable post can be found in-house.

What if I take on an Apprentice and then myself move job?
The Apprentice’s employer is your organisation. As with any other employee, the organisation must make suitable arrangements for handover of line manager supervision, whether temporary or permanent. You and your personnel office should liase with County Training to make sure they are aware of the changes.

Please see 'Your Future' DVD in the attachments section for more information about apprenticeships for young people. There is also a 'Your Future Guide' containing further information.

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