What is an Apprenticeship?
They are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to recognised qualifications.
- Apprenticeships give employers a competitive edge in the marketplace
- Apprentices have high levels of commercial awareness and actively implement activities that generate more revenue
- Training apprentices is more cost effective than hiring skilled staff, leading to lower overall training and recruitment costs. *(Survey conducted by Populus on behalf of the Learning and Skills Council) February 2009
- Apprenticeships provide a structured national training route, across all pathways that caters for the on-going professional development of employees in the sector
- Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to develop sustainable employment opportunities across the sector
- Apprenticeship frameworks provide the opportunity to undertake a ‘portfolio’ of skills and qualifications that will allow individuals to progress
- Apprenticeship wage is a minimum of £2.60 per hour; however employers can pay more, if they choose to.
Who are they for?
Apprenticeships are for both new and existing employees aged 16-24yrs. The entry requirements relate to the specific apprenticeship framework. An apprenticeship generally takes between 12 to 18 months to complete per level – with the apprentice studying off the job generally one day per week.
There are three levels of apprenticeships –
- Intermediate level – equivalent to GCSEs
- Advanced level – equivalent to two A-levels
- Higher level – equivalent to HNC/D
The apprenticeship training consists of a range of different parts:
- Competence based qualification NVQ/QCF
- Knowledge based technical certificate
- Functional skills in Maths, English & ICT
- Employer Rights and Responsibilities
- Personal Learning and Thinking Skills
What if I want to employ someone new as an apprentice?
We can support you to do this through the national apprenticeship vacancy matching service and manage the advertising process, at no extra cost to you.
For further information about the full range of apprenticeship services available call the employer engagement team on 0121 477 1400 or email apprentice@bournville.ac.uk
