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Information for Parents

Apprenticeships are structured programmes made up of classroom-based learning, employment and training in the workplace, which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

Apprenticeships have been designed by industry professionals and the Institute of Apprenticeships who, together, have developed the “Apprenticeship Standards” that all training providers work towards.

Apprenticeship Standards are industry-recognised certifications for the Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours (KSBs) that must be demonstrated for a particular role at a determined level and may or may not include additional qualifications. All apprenticeships are assessed by an independent and impartial End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). 

All apprentices will be required to achieve a mandatory level of Maths and English before their End Point Assessment (EPA) if they do not already have GCSE Grade 4 and above, or equivalent qualifications.

An apprenticeship includes:

paid employment with holiday leave

hands-on-experience in a sector/role of interest

average 6 hours per week off-the-job training

formal assessment which leads to a nationally recognised qualification


Our Apprenticeship Recruitment Process

Step 1 – One-to-one interviews

All apprenticeship applicants will have a one-to-one interview with one of our Apprenticeship Coordinators. Co-ordinators will assess suitability, set realistic expectations of the chosen sector/role and discuss the content of the programme along with how it’s delivered and answer any questions.

Step 2 – Receiving an offer

Successful applicants will receive a conditional offer of an apprenticeship, which is subject to securing a suitable and relevant offer of employment.

Applicants cannot begin an apprenticeship without securing a contract of employment and an ‘Apprenticeship Agreement’ is in place.

Step 3 – Securing a job role

The Apprenticeship Team works
hard to engage employers and ensure there are vacancies available but there are times when demand from potential apprentices exceeds available local employment opportunities.

Potential Apprentices will be encouraged to contact companies themselves as well, as being directed to vacancies by our Apprenticeship Team. Employers have the freedom to interview and offer the job to the most suitable candidate(s) for the role. The Apprenticeship Team do not place anyone with an employer.

Step 4 – Have a backup plan

For anyone who is unsuccessful in securing an apprenticeship role with an employer, we recommend that all potential apprentices apply for the equivalent full-time course, as well as the apprenticeship, to ensure that all applicants have an alternative education route.

Step 5 – Trial period

Some employers may request that a potential apprentice carry out a trial period before committing to the apprenticeship. The College will support this, but the arrangements will be between the employer and the candidate and the work may be paid or voluntary at this stage. The Apprenticeship Coordinators will monitor these trials and, where appropriate, make interventions or arrange alternative trials where appropriate.

Step 6 – Formalising Apprenticeship arrangements

At the point where the employer and Apprentice feel ready to formalise arrangements, the Apprenticeship Team will draw up documentation and the Apprenticeship Agreement to complete. In some instances, the applicant may have already started at College at this point.

Please note: All employers are required to register the apprenticeship through their unique log-in on the Government’s ‘Manage Apprenticeships’ service in order that funding for delivery can be activated.
Where an employer does not activate the ‘Manage Apprenticeships’ service, funding can be affected and achievement of the Apprenticeship may be delayed. The College will support employers in registration but reserve the right to withdraw the apprenticeship offer after 60 days if the correct systems are still not in place. This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.


Step 7 – Supporting apprentices

If an employment arrangement between the employer and apprentice does not work out, the Apprenticeship Team will work with the candidate to seek an alternative employer or an alternative study programme, in conjunction and agreement with the potential apprentice and parents where appropriate.
An Apprenticeship Coordinator will be assigned to each apprentice to guide and support them through the full apprenticeship journey from recruitment to achievement. This will include liaison with tutors and Learning Development Advisors (LDAs), visits to the workplace and finally through to the End Point Assessment (EPA).  Over this period, they will deal with employment issues, personal issues, barriers to progress or any support requirements identified during their apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship Co-ordinators will also monitor the Health, Safety, Welfare and Safeguarding of each apprentice and, where appropriate, will take action or make interventions. This could include the changing of employers, careers guidance or make adjustments to the delivery model initially agreed.  In some instances, and as appropriate, we will involve parents to ensure there is a joined-up action plan that all can work towards.


After completion of an Apprenticeship

We encourage all apprentices to look at their next stage of development in their chosen industry. This may involve progressing to advanced apprenticeships, higher level apprenticeships or other industry related/professional progression opportunities and qualifications.  In some cases, apprentices may decide to apply for other roles or consider other sectors. In these instances, we have a team of friendly and impartial careers advisor to help them further. Many of our apprentices gain a permanent contract and/or promotion after the successful achievement of their apprenticeship and remain working for their existing employer.

Many of our former apprentices progress onto supervisors or managers roles and some go on to set up their own businesses and become the employers of apprentices themselves, contributing to the regional economy and employment needs.

Further information for Parents:

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