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Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a training programme for people in work aged over 16. It is an excellent way to train for a career and for organisations to develop employees with the skills and experience they need. Apprenticeships are nationally respected qualifications that enable people to build firm career foundations whilst working in a real job. There are 2 levels attainable: The Apprenticeship (level 2) and the Advanced Apprenticeship (level 3).

Training and Assessment is normally carried out both in the workplace and at the College.

Eligibility

Apprentices must be over 16 years at the date of enrolment. There is no upper age limit.
Applicants should have completed school year 11 and should not be continuing in full time education.
Candidates must be in a work placement for a minimum of 16 hours per week.

Entry Qualifications

All potential candidates undertake an initial training needs assessment and guidance interview at the college before they can be accepted.

We welcome enquiries from those seeking employment, employees and employers.

Apprenticeships

The Structure of an Apprenticeship

National Vocational Qualifications:

All apprentices undertake a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ); at level 2 for an Apprenticeship or at level 3 for an Advanced Apprenticeship. This part of the Apprenticeship is based on an employee’s performance at work and provides evidence of the individual’s ability to do the job. Candidates build a portfolio of evidence from their workplace activity. An assessor from the college will visit apprentices in the workplace to guide and monitor their progress. Employers are expected to facilitate the gathering of appropriate evidence, by providing ample opportunities for their apprentices to undertake the full range of tasks required by the NVQ programme.

Technical Certificate:

Not all apprenticeships require a technical certificate but many do. Assessment may be by examination or assignments or a combination of these. Where required, it is delivered at the college through a combination of day / block release training and workshops.

Key Skills:

Key skills are essential for apprentices to be able to function effectively as members of a flexible, adaptable and competitive workforce and to fully benefit from their specialist studies. All apprenticeships require certification in at least the first 2 Key Skills (marked with *) from the following list. Some programmes require all 6 key skills

Application of number*
Communication*
Information Technology
Improving own learning and performance
Working with others
Problem solving

Timescales

The Apprenticeship qualifications are based on achievement rather than time serving. The Apprentice’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP) will specify an expected timescale for successful completion. Most level 2 Apprenticeships last between 1 and 2 years depending on the attainment level achieved. The Advanced apprenticeship can take up to a further 1-2 years to complete.

How much paperwork is there to complete?

Very little! Employers are asked to complete a simple application form to confirm their support for an apprentice. The health and safety audit, the apprentice contract and subsequent assessment and review reports by college staff must be signed to confirm agreement, and that’s it!

Availability of programmes

In general, all programmes offered may be commenced at the start of the Academic year. However, often, additional training courses are arranged to accommodate applicants at other times.

Apprenticeships

Health and Safety

In order to comply with the requirements for funding, a health and safety audit of the workplace must be conducted by a member of the college before the apprenticeship can commence.

Mentoring Monitoring and Reviews

Every student has a Liaison Officer appointed to them who’s job it is to support and encourage each apprentice at a personal level. The Liaison Officer , who works for the college, is concerned with the pastoral care and general progress of each apprentice and will liaise between the employer, the apprentice and the teaching staff in college. In addition the College will appoint an Assessor, who will visit the learner at work, to formally observe and assess their occupational competence in the required tasks.

Apprentices often benefit from having someone to talk to during their training and this increases the chances of them successfully completing their training. We recommend that employers appoint a mentor for their apprentice, to assist with their professional development.

Equal Opportunities

The College is committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all people who work or study at the College and actively encourages partner organisations to promote equal opportunities.

Achievement

To receive a full apprenticeship award, learners must have successfully gained their NVQ and Key Skills certificates and where required the Technical Certificate.

A number of prizes are available for students who are considered to have shown outstanding commitment or performance. These are awarded at an annual presentation ceremony. We very much welcome the involvement of local organisations that support our Apprenticeship programme by sponsoring these prizes.

Progression

Apprenticeship qualifications are nationally recognised. The framework provides individuals with the opportunity to enter their chosen industry at an operational level and progress to a more supervisory role whilst training. Candidates wishing to continue their studies are well placed to undertake an NVQ Level 4 qualification, a Higher National Diploma or to progress into Higher Education at Foundation Degree level.

How to Apply

Call now to arrange an appointment with an advisor to discuss your specific requirements.

How to Apply

Apprenticeships

The Apprenticeship Centre

Huntingdonshire Regional College
California Road
Huntingdon
Huntingdon
PE29 1BL

Tel: 01480 379163

Some of the Apprenticeships available 2010:

Accountancy
Business Administration
Bricklaying
Beauty Therapy
Body paint and Repair (Motor Vehicle)
Carpentry
Childcare
Customer Service
Catering
Electrical Installation
Engineering
Hairdressing
IT
Heating and Ventilating
Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
Plumbing
Warehousing

Apprenticeships