Apprenticeships

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Information for the Employer

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Employer Brief - What, How, Where, Who

What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes for both current and future employees aged 16+. They are funded by The Learning and Skills Council (LSC), in conjunction with the Sector Skills Council representing your industry.

Is it the same as Y.T.S/Y.O.P
No, there is now a very strict quality control system that ensures both employers and apprentices maximise the funding. As the LSC part-fund apprenticeships, they take a very keen interest in the quality of training. The apprenticeship scheme has evolved with a more rigorous assessment framework in a more supportive environment.

How long do they last?
This is very dependant on the learner’s commitment, the occupational area and the level of support at the workplace. It is really only on completion of the Skills Scan that a more definite length of programme can be agreed.

Where do NVQs fit into this?
An NVQ forms part of the apprenticeship framework, alongside Key Skills and generally a Technical Certificate. An NVQ is made up of a number of units, both mandatory and optional, allowing learners the flexibility they need to complement their job.

Where are Apprentices trained?
Mostly ‘on the job’ at your site or office, but apprentices may be expected to attend our training centre to enhance their skills, dates are agreed at the start of the programme.

Are there apprenticeships available for any job?
Yes, there are apprenticeships in most vocational areas although MPH specialise in Administration, Customer Service, Information Technology (the new iTQ), Team leading and Management.

What does it cost?
As LSC part fund apprenticeships the cost can vary depending on the qualification, this is discussed at the initial stages.

How does the programme work in outline?
After a short briefing meeting with you, our assessor interviews your employee to discuss their job role and completes a Skills Scan. This will indicate the most appropriate NVQ and level of entry that suits both the apprentice and your needs as a company.

What is the company involvement?
If you recruit an Apprentice through MPH, as well as being responsible for their wages, you must give them an induction into their role, and provide on-the-job training. If the potential apprentice is already in your employ, we assume this has already been covered. It is true to say, though, that the apprentices themselves are responsible for their progress and MPH is there to support you.

The assessor will visit the apprentice at work regularly (every 3-4 weeks) to check that the work they are doing can be used as evidence towards their qualification.

You are kept informed of their progress by taking part in a formal review with the Apprentice and the Assessor every 12 weeks. Better employers often find the time to see for themselves how their Apprentices are shaping up, by attending these reviews.

What help will I get?
MPH will always be available to answer questions and offer you guidance; if you need to discuss any part of the programme, we are happy to make additional visits. The Assessor on your account is important in making things run smoothly. We provide a comprehensive range of services throughout the programme from start to finish including:

• Initial advice and guidance
• Skills Scan
• Employee induction and registration with the awarding body
• Resources (guidance on their portfolio etc.)
• Organisation of their Individual Learning Plan
• Assessment visits and a planned review programme
• Verification of their portfolio and certification from awarding body
• Exit counselling on completion

What about numeracy and literacy?
These skills are developed within the Key Skills part of the apprenticeship and form an important part of the overall programme. Various elements of the apprenticeship programme enable learners to gain confidence and, increasingly, in a recent survey, 80% agreed they were better at managing their time and responsibilities after several weeks.

What next?
Apprentices often ask how to continue their learning, this can be done via an Advanced Apprenticeship and by complementing their knowledge by completing an additional framework at the same level. The advantage to the employer is even more loyalty and enthusiasm in the workplace.

Is there a catch?
Most people assume that if something has little or no cost it has no value. However, since we are part government funded, the majority of our services are provided free to the employer. There may be occasions in specific industry sectors when some costs will become necessary. However, this is only after they have been discussed with you – there will be

If you would like to know more about Modern Apprenticeships, or, you would like further information on the full range of courses available from MPH Customer Centred Training, simply:

Pick up a leaflet from the MPH Training & Conference Centre
Call June Brewis (Training Manager) on 0191 438 6063
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Information for the Learner

Download the Leaflet here

What is an Apprenticeship?
Many young people can’t wait to leave school or college and put revising, re-sits and rules behind them for good – the last thing they want is to go back to swotting for exams?

Some realise that work can be quite boring and soon realise that only THEY can plot a career path that will take them where they want to go. Many find a good job but want to move on faster than they currently are; others are torn between getting stuck-in at a job and going to further education. If you fit into any of these categories, an apprenticeship may be the perfect solution.

What are apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are work based training programmes for young people aged between 16+. If you are currently employed they will take place at your current employer’s site or office.

I’ve heard of NVQs – where do they fit into this?
An NVQ forms part of the apprenticeship framework, alongside a Technical Certificate and Key Skills.

Where will I be trained?
You’ll be trained at your existing employer, but you may be required to attend our training centre to enhance certain skills. This will be agreed with you and your employer.

What are the benefits?

• The qualifications gained are equivalent to GCSEs or A levels and can be used to access higher education
• You’re working as well as learning so you’re bringing home a wage
• Your apprenticeship is aimed at what you do every day so its relevant and can help on your chosen career path
• Research shows that 80% of Apprentices surveyed agreed they are better at managing their time and responsibilities after the course
• Your employer actually wants you to do well – it’s in their interest to be supportive

What is an Assessor – what do they do?
When you start the course, you will be assigned an assessor. Your assessor is your main point of contact and, for many, becomes a mentor and source of encouragement. Our assessor completes a Skills Scan for you – this will indicate the most appropriate NVQ and level of entry that suits your skills and the needs of your employer. The assessor will also visit you at work regularly (every 3 to 4 weeks or so) and check that you’re making good progress.

Are Apprenticeships available for any job?
Yes, although MPH Customer Centred Training specialises in Administration, Customer Service, Information Technology (the new iTQ), Team leading and Management.

Is there a lot of paperwork?
With most things in life, the more you put in the more you get out. There’s paperwork but its mainly for you to record the things you are doing at work that can become part of your portfolio – proof that you’re getting the right sort of experience. Exams – they do exist but they are more like a series of formal assessments of the work you do day-to-day than reading up large amounts of theory.

What help will I get?
Your assessor will ensure you’re settled, and give you regular encouragement. However, they are not there to do everything for you. The assessor on your account is important in making the programme run smoothly and also provide a comprehensive range of services throughout the programme from start to finish, which include:

• Initial advice and guidance
• Assessing your skills
• An analysis of your job and your training needs
• Your registration and induction onto the course
• Guidance on your portfolio and helping you with your training plan
• Regular assessment visits every few weeks at your job
• Approval of your portfolio and gaining your certificate
• An interview on completion of the course (if further guidance is required)

What next?
Apprentices often ask how to continue their learning, this can be done via an Advanced Apprenticeship or by complementing their knowledge by completing another apprenticeship at the same level. For example, you can move on from Administration to IT or Team Leading then Management. You needn’t do it straight away – some opt to have a few months off, but increasingly people are looking to build on what they have already achieved

This is only a brief overview for you to decide whether you would like to take the process further. For more information visit:

http://www.mph-training.co.uk/
http://www.apprenticeship.org.uk/
http://www.connexions-direct.com/

Apprenticeships Course List

Administration

Customer Service

Information Technology (iTQ)

Team Leading

Advanced Apprenticeships Course List

Administration

Customer Service

Management