How do apprenticeships work?

Apprenticeships - This seems to be the buzz word that is going round at the moment. More and more companies are getting involved and are creating vacancies to give candidates opportunities to reach their goals. However some organisations are still are not sure of what it involves. I want to offer you some information to help you make the right decision. This month I want to start with a general over view of apprenticeships.

What are they?

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed to meet the skills needs of a range of industries.

There are four levels of apprenticeship:

   Level 2 - Intermediate Level Apprenticeship (GCSE)

Level 3 - Advanced Level Apprenticeship (A Level)

Level 4 - Higher Level apprenticeship (Degree)

Level 5 - Higher Level apprenticeship in conjunction with Brighton University (Health & Social Care)

    What does it involve? it involve?

All apprenticeships include on-the- job competence and skills training, together with the underpinning knowledge and essential work skills such as communication, teamwork, numeracy and IT.

An apprenticeship includes the following components:

• An expected minimum of 30 hours a week paid employment
• A knowledge-based element
• A competence-based element
• Transferable or ‘key skills’
• A module on employment rights and  responsibilities

All apprenticeships now include Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS).

How long does an apprenticeship take?

This will depend on the type of apprenticeship being followed, the prior skills of the apprentice and the industry sector. Generally, apprenticeships take between one and three years to complete.

How often will an apprentice need to attend college?

Attendance is flexible. While working, apprentices may attend college one day or evening a week, or for several weeks as a block release. Some apprentices are completely work based with the apprentice getting support and guidance in the workplace from their assessor and workplace- based mentor. When this is the case, apprentices need only come to college to take necessary exams or attend specific workshops. Attendance depends on the framework that an apprentice is studying. The majority of an apprentice’s assessment takes place in the workplace.

What are the costs of an apprenticeship?

The government provides the funds to cover the full cost of the mandatory elements of the framework for all 16 -18 year olds. Therefore, there are no fees. However, government funding is reduced for apprentices aged 19 + so now a £500 fee per year is payable by the employer to complete the apprenticeship framework. For over 24s studying a Level 3 apprenticeship, the new 24+ Loan Scheme is available from April 2013.

Who pays the apprentice’s salary?

Like all employees, apprentices receive a wage. Employers are obliged to cover an apprentice’s salary. The apprentices need to be paid the National Apprenticeship Minimum Wage - all details

can be found on the National Apprenticeship  website, www.apprenticeships.org.uk

However, as skills develop, many employers tend to increase wages – in fact, research has found that apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week.

What funding is available to my business?

Some apprenticeships are fully- funded depending  on  eligibility. The size of the contribution varies depending on your sector and the age of the candidate. If the apprentice is aged 16 -18 years old, you will receive 100 per cent of the cost of the training. For 19-24 years olds, Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships are funded but a £500 contribution per year is required from employers. For over 24s on Level 2 apprenticeships, funding has been replaced by a loans scheme which the College can support with. For over 24s on Level 3 and above, no funding is available and costs are spit 50:50 between the apprentice and the employer with 24+ loans available to the apprentice to cover their half.

Funding is paid directly to the organisation that provides and supports the Apprenticeship - in most cases this will be a learning provider such as City College.

At City Apprenticeships whatever your business sector, we have the right apprenticeship for you.

• Accounting
• Barbering
• Beauty Therapy
• Business & Administration
• Carpentry
• Child Care
• Culture & Heritage
• Digital Media
• Electrical
• Hairdressing
• Hospitality & Catering
• Health and Social Care
• Motor Vehicle
• Plumbing
• Retail
• Supporting Teaching & Learning

We will support you and your apprentice every step of the way and will be on hand to answer your questions and offer advice whenever you need it.

For more information and get the right apprenticeship for your business, please contact City Apprenticeships on 01273 667771 or cityapprenticeships@ccb.ac.uk.