What is our Apprenticeship Programme?
Apprenticeships are designed with the help of employers in
industry. An Apprenticeship helps you to develop skills and
knowledge, and work towards achieving nationally recognised
qualifications, whilst being employed full time, or whilst working
in a work placement. They offer a structured programme that gives
you the skills you need to do a job well. Apprenticeships can be
demanding but they are very rewarding. Apprenticeships train you in
the skills employers want. When you’ve finished you can carry on
working, maybe get promoted or go on to higher education. Career
progression for apprentices is excellent.
Am I eligible to apply for an Apprenticeship?
If you’re leaving or have left education, you are unemployed, or
you are in work and want a change, an Apprenticeship could be a
great way for you to work and gain qualifications.
Apprenticeships are open to 16+, except those people who have
already graduated with a degree or higher from University.
What qualifications will i study in an
Apprenticeship?
The programme enables you to receive training, support and
assessment to achieve an NVQ Certificate or Diploma and a technical
certificate in your chosen vocational area, and undertake up to
three functional skills. You will also study Employment Rights and
Responsibilities and Personal Thinking and Learning Skills. If you
achieve all of the qualifications in the apprenticeship you will
not only receive certificates for the qualifications but you will
also receive a framework certificate to show you have completed
your apprenticeship.
What subjects and levels can i do in an Apprenticeship?
Northumberland Adult Learning Service offers apprenticeships at
level 2, advanced apprenticeships at level 3 and some NVQ’s at
level 4. The following programmes are available;
• Construction: General Construction, Construction Maintenance,
Trowel Occupations, Wood Occupations, Fitted Interiors,
Fenestration, Roofline Products, Highways Maintenance, Construction
and Site Supervision, Painting and Decorating
• Business Administration
• Information Technology
• Cultural Heritage
• Customer Service
• Retail and Warehousing
• Children and Young People's Workforce
• Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Adult Care
• Hospitality and Catering: Professional Cookery, Food
Production and Cooking, Preparation and Cooking
• Team Leading and Management
Will i be paid whilst I do an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship is a blend of on and off-the-job training that
provides you with the skills you need for your chosen career, while
earning a wage. If you are an existing member of staff in a company
undertaking an Apprenticeship, you will be paid your normal salary
whilst you work and study.
If you are joining the Apprenticeship programme with a placement
for your learning, your training wage will be as follows;
•16 – 18 year olds £2.60 per hour
•19 – 20 year olds £2.60 minimum per week in year 1, and from
year 2 onwards £4.96 per hour
•21+ year olds £2.60 minimum per week in year 1, and from year 2
onwards £6.08per hour
Our Apprentices are paid monthly, directly into a nominated bank
account. You will need to budget for your first month until you
receive your first pay.
If you are currently in receipt of benefits and wishing to start
an Apprenticeship you may wish to discuss the impact of becoming
employed as an Apprentice on your benefits with the Department for
Work and Pensions.
How will I be supported during my Apprenticeship?
You will be allocated a dedicated Training Officer who
specialises in your qualification to help you through your
programme. Your training officer will visit you at your normal
place of employment or work placement to provide advice, guidance,
training and assessment. You will undertake your programme during
your normal work time and your employer will be expected to release
you to study in our training centre. You will normally spend at
least one day a week off the job in formal training sessions. You
may have to do some self study in your own time. The time it takes
to complete your Apprenticeship programme is based upon your age
when you commence your NVQ and normally takes:
- 12 to 15 months at Level 2
- 15 to 18 months at Level 3
Do I need prior qualifications or achievements to apply for an
Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are not just based on academic achievement, but
you should ideally have 5 GCSE’s at Grade A* to C (or equivalent).
Your practical skills and your interests also count.
How do I apply and how much will my training cost?
There are a number of ways to apply for an apprenticeship;
• If you are already employed and want to start an
apprenticeship in your existing job, then download an application
form, complete it and send it to us with a covering letter from
your employer confirming they support you to do your apprenticeship
and they guarantee to continue to pay your salary whilst you study.
If you are 16-18 the apprenticeship training will be free. If you
are 19+ the employer will be expected to pay up to £250 fee towards
training.
• If you are not currently employed and you are looking for
an apprenticeship, then you need to check out the vacancies we have
available, our vacancies are listed on
this website and also online on the Apprenticeship Vacancy
Matching Service (AVMS) at www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
You need to apply for each vacancy you wish to be considered for on
the AVMS website. Your online application will then be sent direct
to us and will be assessed by us and the placement provider. To
be considered for an interview you must attend a screening day
where we will be looking at your English, Maths, ICT, Problem
Solving skills and your attitudes towards Equality and Diversity,
Safeguarding and Health and Safety. You will receive a one to one
interview to see if you are ready for the demands of an
Apprenticeship.
If you do not attend the screening day you will not be
offered an employer interview.
Interviews are competitive against other applicants. If you are
successful you will be offered a start date for your Apprenticeship
and the employer will pay you your salary.
If you are unsuccessful we will advise you on alternative
apprenticeships available or other suitable training
programmes.
Where can I get more information?
Information sheets are available for download from this page or
you can telephone Jane on 01670 622102 for more help.
If you are an employer and want a staff member to undertake an
apprenticeship or you think you'd like to employ someone new as an
apprentice, please see the Employers Handbook for Apprenticeships.
Click
here. Alternatively please contact Karen, David and Jane on
01670 622102 for more help.For more information on grants to help
you take on an Apprentice click
here.
