About Apprenticeships
Q. What are Apprenticeships?
A. Apprenticeships are intended to help employers to develop both existing staff as well as their business. These work-based training programmes are designed to enable you to offer your employees the opportunity to develop their skills and achieve a nationally recognised qualification relevant to their work role. Over the years we have also worked with a large number of employers helping them recruit new members of staff by matching suitable young people who wish to participate in an Apprenticeship programme.
If you are currently looking for young people aged 16-18 we would be happy to help you with the recruitment process. Please contact us via e-mail or call April Usher on 01296 612401
Q. What Type of Qualification will my Employee Achieve?
A. Depending on your vocational area we offer three levels of Apprenticeship specialising in:
Accounting
AAT Foundation (Level 2) Apprenticeship AAT Intermediate (Level 3) Advanced Apprenticeship AAT Technician (Level 4) Higher Level Apprenticeship
Child Care
Children’s Care and Learning Development (Level 2) Apprenticeship Children’s Care and Learning Development (Level 3) Advanced Apprenticeship
Certificate in Early Years Foundation Stage Practice Level 3
Classroom Assistant
Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Level 2
Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Level 3
Q. How long does an Apprenticeship take?
A. On average an Apprenticeship takes between 12 and 14 months with your employee working towards a Level 2 qualification, Key Skills where appropriate and a Technical Certificate (the package of training being equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades A-C)
An Advanced Apprenticeship can take up to 18 months with your employee working towards a Level 3 qualification, Key Skills where appropriate and a Technical Certificate (the package of training being equivalent to 2 A Levels/1 Vocational A Level)
Higher Level Apprenticeships will take up to 24 months and include assessment by projects and computer based formal tests. Progression can be to professional accounting studies eg ACCA, CIMA or ICAEW or exemption to Year 1 or 2 on an Accounting Degree course, depending on the University.
Q. Are there any training costs involved?
A. Apprenticeship funding is available from the government for all young people aged 16 onwards. The priority group is currently 16 – 18 year olds where you as an employer could expect all fees to be paid. However a contribution towards funding would be expected for candidates aged 19 and over and this varies depending on the target qualification and age of the individual.
Q. Are there any special terms and conditions which apply to Apprentices?
A. We would expect Apprentices to be paid a salary appropriate to their experience, qualifications and responsibilities or if aged between 16-18 you will be expected to pay the current minimum apprentice rate. Terms and conditions should match those of your other employees.
Q. How will Learners be supported through their qualification?
A. Each Apprentice is assigned an Assessor who will support and guide them through their qualification. The Assessor will work closely with both you and the learner to ensure that the qualification is achieved within the agreed timescale with minimum disruption to work patterns within your organisation.
Employers are expected to work with us to ensure that the employee receives appropriate help and support.
Q. How is the qualification structured?
A. Apprenticeships or work-based qualifications are made up of units covering individual topics relating to a particular occupational area. Learners have to prove competence in a required number of units to be able to achieve their qualification.
Learners must supply evidence of their work activities which will then be assessed by their Assessor. Assessment may also include observations, discussions and witness statements from colleagues.
In the case of the Child Care programme candidates would periodically be required to attend off-the-job training at Haydon to cover theory work that they may not be able to complete during their time in the workplace. Such sessions are kept to a minimum and you will be given ample notice beforehand to alleviate any disruption to your organisation.
Due to the make up of the qualification, AAT candidates are required to attend weekly afternoon or evening sessions at our centre with projects and assignments relevant to their role and responsibilities within the workplace.
Q. What are the benefits of working towards an Apprenticeship?
A. For employers the benefits are:
- Well trained staff who are performing to nationally agreed standards that can be applied to specific requirements of their job
- Improved staff motivation
- Improved staff recruitment and retention
- Flexible training programme to minimise disruption in the workplace
- Improved service to customers
- Reduced training costs
Q. What happens once a Learner has completed their qualification?
A. The essence of an Apprenticeship is to enable employers to help their employees to achieve their full potential and at the same time provide an on-going contribution to the development of your business. You may wish to encourage further development by progressing them to a higher level qualifications either with Haydon Training or another provider.
Q. How do I get involved with offering Apprenticeships to my staff?
A. In the first instance you should contact us either by e-mail at enquiries@haydontraining.co.uk or by telephone on 01296 612401 (April Usher, Programmes Director).
