Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guide Slide 1

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 1 This presentation has been designed to provide information, facts and statistics to support teachers in gaining a comprehensive understanding about Apprenticeships so that they are able to provide pupils with impartial advice on Apprenticeships as a desired route into employment and learning.

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 2 Who is an Apprenticeship for? An Apprenticeship is available to anyone over 16 years old and living in England, whether individuals have just left school or have been working for years and are now seeking to start a new career. An overview of how learning is delivered through an Apprenticeship An Apprenticeship is essentially a set of qualifications called a ‘framework’ developed by Sector Skills Councils. Most Apprenticeship frameworks follow a standard format that comprises: A National Vocational Qualification (e.g. Level 2 for Intermediate Level Apprenticeships, Level 3 for Advanced Level Apprenticeships). Key Transferable Skills. A Technical Certificate. The learning provider or college provides the knowledge and develops skills while the employer provides the practical experience to put those skills to the test. Training can be classroom based, in a workshop or in a workplace, depending on the subject and on the learning provider.

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 2 (continued) The role of the employer The employer will give you an induction into the company and the job role. Each apprentice will be assigned a mentor in the workplace for the duration of their Apprenticeship. The mentor will work closely with the apprentice and provide all necessary support. The employer will also provide on-the-job training and pay the apprentices’ wages. Entry requirements for an Apprenticeship: • Different Apprenticeships have different entry requirements. However the most important requirements are that: • You must be living in England and not taking part in full-time education. • You must be aged 16 or over. • If you took your GCSEs more than five years ago and didn’t gain a top grade (A or A*), or you don’t have good GCSE grades in Maths and English you will need to take a literacy and numeracy test.

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 2 (continued) Structured training • Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes apprentices through the skills they need to do a job well • There are targets and checks to make sure that their employer is supporting them and they are making progress. As an employee they will be in employment for most of their time as most training takes place on the job. The rest usually takes place at a local college or a specialist training organisation. Apprentices can complete this off-the-job training on day release or over a number of days in a block. The amount of time an apprentice spend varies according to their Apprenticeship. It could be anything from one day every other fortnight to two days every week. • Apprentices also spend time off the job with a training provider – often a local college or a work-based training provider – studying for vocational qualiﬁcations - so all the things they study will be useful in their job and help them succeed in their future career.

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 2 (continued) Duration of an Apprenticeship • The length of an Apprenticeship varies depending on prior skills levels of the apprentice, the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability, the qualification being obtained and industry sector. Advantages of an Apprenticeship • Gaining qualifications while training on the job can also mean: • You work better and more effectively • It can set you up to move into new and better jobs • You get better pay (on average apprentices’ earn over £100,000* more than those without, over the course of their career.) • You get to experience new and different challenges • Your existing skills and knowledge are recognised and can help you gain a qualification faster • You learn at your own pace and get support when you need it • Better job security • You gain skills and knowledge which can be used across a range of jobs and industries. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 2 (continued) Benefits of an Apprenticeship - statistics • Apprenticeships can be a great way to begin a career. You earn while you learn • In 2010/11 the Apprenticeship completion success rate was 76.4% • The majority of apprentices in the Youth Cohort Study & Longitudinal Study of Young People in England: The Activities and Experiences of 18 year olds: England 2009 were very positive about all aspects of their Apprenticeship • 45% ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ with the statement ‘I wanted to do something practical rather than academic’ • 45% ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ with the statement ‘I like the idea of getting a job and doing training at the same time’ • A third (33%) of apprentices ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ that their Apprenticeship provides good pay prospects for the future • At age 18, 87% of apprentices thought that the quality of training they received was either very good or good • A smaller proportion of apprentices (54%) were happy with the pay they received • 83% thought the extent to which the course was meeting their expectations was very good or good • The training for 16-18 year old apprentices is fully funded by the Government • The minimum apprentice wage is £2.60 an hour. From 1st October 2012 this will change to £2.65 per hour National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 3 Levels of Apprenticeships Intermediate Level Apprenticeships - • Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as a Level 2 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification. Advanced Level Apprenticeships - • Apprentices work towards work-based learning such as a Level 3 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge based qualification. Higher Apprenticeships - • Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as a Level 4 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in some cases, a knowledge-based qualification such as a foundation degree. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 4 Overview of Framework - Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies • This Apprenticeship covers a wide range of job roles within Food and Drink, from quality checkers and bakers to logistics officers and butchers. Getting food and drink on the shelves depends on a range of different people doing various jobs within the sector. For example, in order for a loaf of bread to reach your trolley, it has to go through a sequence of sourcing, processing, baking, packaging and distribution. An apprentice could specialise in the main operations involved in manufacturing and processing a wide range of food and drink products. This may include some exciting production areas, such as dairy processing; bakery production; butchery; brewing; fishmongery; or chocolate and sweets. • The work-based learning programme will involve both on-the-job and off-the-job training. Through this combination the individual will develop both technical and practical skills. This Apprenticeship offers many options, whether it’s someone who likes to be physically on the go, or someone who is interested in how food and drink is made and machinery works. The individual will get to work as part of a busy team, which will involve solving problems, meeting specific targets and ensuring food safety requirements are met. The prospects are good and the job is an important one – the demand for food will always be with us. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 4 (continued) Entry conditions for this framework Entry onto the framework is available to individuals from all types of backgrounds who show a strong desire to gain a career in Food and Drink industries. Although entry does not require formal academic qualifications such as GCSEs it does require specific personal qualities. To be successful in an Apprenticeship the individual will need to demonstrate attributes such as: • self-reliance • high motivation and • good inter-personal skills. It is likely that the individual will have gained some experience that will enable these personal qualities to be identified. For instance, having participated on a work related placement (especially within the Food and Drink sector) would provide evidence. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 4 (continued) Functional Skills are included in the framework, there are no proxy qualifications for these. However, to ensure a smooth transition from Key Skills to Functional Skills, the government has extended the relaxation rule that has applied for Key Skills so that learners starting an Apprenticeship before September 2016 will satisfy the Apprenticeship requirement for the relevant Functional Skills qualification if the Key Skills have been achieved within the previous five years and before September 2012. Key Skills will remain as an alternative to Functional Skills until September 2012. • Key Skills Communication at the equivalent level or GCSE English (Grades A* - C) or A level or AS Level English Language, English Literature, or English Language and Literature (Grades A – E); • Key Skills Application of Number at the equivalent level or GCSE Mathematics (Grades A* - C) or A level or AS level Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, or Further Mathematics (Grades A - E). National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 4 (continued) Entry conditions for all pathways also include: • Having a high standard of cleanliness • Following strict hygiene and health and safety rules. Also, it is advisable that medical advice is sought about the suitability of the Apprenticeship if the individual suffers from a food related allergy. Access to this framework is open to all learners who meet the entry requirements regardless of gender, race, age or special needs. Providers and employers are obliged to uphold the law and equal opportunities policies. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 5 Overview of Framework – Information and Communication Technology • This Apprenticeship covers work in a broad range of digital technologies that help us use and share information, such as mobile phones, computers, broadband provision, and satellite communications. IT and telecoms jobs are no longer just about the technology. All jobs now require you to have good people skills as well as the technical skills you’ll gain during your Apprenticeship • Apprentices have the choice of focusing on either telecoms or IT. Telecoms covers broadband, mobile phones and satellite communications. It’s a fast-moving sector, so apprentices should have a keen interest in new technology. Telecoms apprentices will learn things like customer care, system security, managing software development, and basic IT applications • The IT industry develops computer solutions that help businesses and individuals become more successful in their work. IT professionals serve customers in all types of business. They could be developing software or websites, helping companies set up new systems, or training people to use their IT facilities. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 5 (continued) • An Intermediate Level apprentice could work as a Support Technician, setting up new equipment or upgrading existing systems, or as a Helpdesk Professional, working with customers to identify, troubleshoot and escalate IT faults. • On the Advanced Level Apprenticeship there are opportunities for roles such as a Software/Web Developer, creating software applications and websites, or as a Software Tester, testing applications before they are released. • The Higher Level Apprenticeships include working as an IT Project Manager, overseeing the development of customer systems to meet a client’s business needs, or the opportunity to work as a Network/Telecoms Manager, managing network growth and development, and supervising technical staff National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 5 (continued) • Entry conditions for this framework • There are no entry conditions for this Apprenticeship framework. However, many employers require good (A*-C) GCSE passes in English and Maths in order to enter an Advanced Apprenticeship, and a Level 3 qualification (such as A Level or BTEC National) in order to start the Higher Apprenticeship. • (N.B for more detailed requirements on Advanced Apprenticeship and Higher Apprenticeship entry, please refer to later sections) Prospective apprentices who have achieved a GCSE grade A*-C in Maths and English will be exempt from completing the corresponding Key Skills or Functional Skills, if these were gained within 5 years of beginning the Apprenticeship programme. • The majority of Apprenticeship roles within the IT and Telecoms sector require: • Individuals to be proactive, fast learners; able to work both in a team and sometimes alone • The ability to focus on assisting customers and colleagues find solutions to problems • The ability to work logically and methodically, often under pressure to set deadlines • Good attention to detail and the ability to deliver what is required, when it is required • Individuals to be open to change and focus on the requirements of the business at all times National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 5 (continued) • Roles in areas, such as Software and Web Development would suit individuals who: • Have an interest in design and creativity, with good attention to detail • Have a mathematical or analytical mind • Have good logical reasoning and problem solving skills • Roles in IT Services would suit individuals who: • Are able to analyse and solve problems • Have an interest in both hardware and software • Enjoy working to deadlines and under pressure • Roles in Technical Sales and Consulting would suit individuals who: • Have a broad knowledge of technology • Have excellent interpersonal skills and are comfortable presenting to others National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 6 Overview of framework – Business Administration and Law • This Apprenticeship can be applied across a broad range of sectors and job roles. Good managers are essential to the success of any business, so the skills gained on this Apprenticeship are transferable and valuable. • The Intermediate Level Management Apprenticeship involves supporting organisational objectives through a wide range of functions, including: monitoring work, giving feedback, briefing teams, supporting team members, resolving problems, procuring supplies, project management and delivering and improving customer service. • The Advanced Level Management Apprenticeship will develop an individual’s skills to include planning, allocating and monitoring the work of a team, supporting team members, managing conflict, resolving problems, project management, agreeing budgets and managing customer service. Finally, progress to the top by achieving a Higher Apprenticeship in Management - at this level the apprentice will be informing strategic decision making, managing budgets, planning and implementing change, leading teams and managing programmes of complimentary projects. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 6 (continued) Entry conditions for this framework There are no mandatory entry requirements for this Apprenticeship framework. However employers are looking to attract apprentices who have a strong interest in a career in management. They expect applicants to demonstrate a "can do" attitude and have at least basic numeracy, literacy and communication skills on which the Apprenticeship will build. Entrants will come from a diverse range of backgrounds and will have a range of experience, age, personal achievements and, in some cases, prior qualifications and awards which may count towards achievement of an Apprenticeship. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 6 (continued) Examples may include learners who have: • Held a position of responsibility at school or college • Undertaken work experience, voluntary work or a work placement • Completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award or similar award • Undertaken learning in the Foundation Learning Curriculum • Achieved QCF Awards, Certificates or Diplomas • Undertaken a Young Apprenticeship programme • Achieved a (14 - 19) Foundation or Higher Diploma, each of which have underpinning Management & Leadership themes • Achieved GCSEs or A levels • Completed other Intermediate Apprenticeships from a wide range of sectors. • Apprentices who are undertaking the Management Advanced Apprenticeship are also likely to have some prior experience in a managerial or team leader role, although this is not a formal requirement. Apprentices who are undertaking the Higher Apprenticeship in Leadership & Management are expected to have significant experience of working at a middle management level to ensure they have the suitable foundations on which to further build their knowledge and skills. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 7 Participation in education and training is rising and the Government is committed to raising the participation age to 17 in 2013 and 18 in 2015. This will help to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to gain skills and qualifications that help them progress to higher education, work and adult life. This process is known as the 'September Guarantee'. It was announced in the ‘Building Engagement; Building Futures: Our Strategy to Maximise the Participation of 16-24 year olds’ that the government will continue this process. As part of the Spending Review and the White Paper, The Importance of Teaching, the Government confirmed its commitment to raising the participation age to 18 by 2015. The government wants young people to participate because they recognise the benefits it will bring and because the reforms to education and training will create a system that caters for the needs and aspirations of every young person. The support and encouragement that young people receive should be sufficient to reach the government’s goal of full participation without the need to use enforcement. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 7 (continued) The Education and Skills Act 2008 increases the minimum age at which young people in England can leave learning, requiring them to continue in education or training until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17 from 2013 and until their 18th birthday from 2015. Participating in education or training beyond the age of 16 offers young people an opportunity to get qualifications that can significantly increase their prospects of future employment and earnings: • People with five or more GCSEs at A* - C earn, on average, 9-11% more than those without • Getting two or more A levels leads to men earning £80,000 and women £110,000 more over the course of their lifetime more than someone whose highest attainment is getting 5 or more GCSEs A*-C • Getting a Level 3 Apprenticeship increases earnings by an estimated £105,000 and a Level 2 Apprenticeship by £73,000. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 8 • There are a selection of case study films which you can use to illustrate to pupils the benefits of doing an Apprenticeship, including: • Career prospects • Earning a wage • Gaining nationally recognised qualifications • Progression into university • How employers value apprentices within their business • Films are always a great way of engaging with pupils as it helps to bring the subject to life. If you would like to see a greater selection of case study films then please visit apprenticeships.org.uk National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 9 No supporting notes needed for slide 9 National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 10 Determination Pupils need to realise that applying for an Apprenticeship is no different to applying for any other job - they must remain focused on their goal of securing the Apprenticeship they want. Example: individuals may need to apply for more than one Apprenticeship if they are not successful the first time round. An Apprenticeship is a competitive process and there will be lots of people trying to secure a popular Apprenticeship, in particular one with a large organisation such as Bentley, BT, BAE etc. they should not be discouraged by this. Good Communicator Being able to communicate well can boost an individuals overall performance both in everyday life and within the workplace. Good communication is essential to being part of an effective team - you also need to communicate well to build and maintain effective relationships with your colleagues and your mentor who has been assigned to you. The first step in good communication is to listen effectively. Example: As an apprentice the individual will be learning new skills and ways of working therefore good communication skills are paramount. When the mentor is explaining something or briefing you on a project you must listen carefully and be confident to ask for clarification. It is better to ask if unsure to make sure you have understood correctly. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 10 (continued) Drive & Commitment What is it that makes an individual successful in the workplace? Commitment and drive are a major factor in achieving excellence. In order to be successful you need to be committed, and in order to advance in your career and move forward it is important to have drive and passion – this shows the employer that their apprentice really wants to make a difference and is serious about embarking on a career within the business. Example: in order to be committed to your work you need to put in 100% effort and always think ‘outside the box’. If you have been given a piece of work to carry out then you must understand that it is your responsibility to see this through to the end. (this does not mean that you cannot ask for help, but you must ensure that the end result is as expected and it is delivered in a timely manner) Motivation Motivation is a result of our individual needs being satisfied (or met) so that we have inspiration to complete the task. These needs vary from person to person as everybody has their individual needs to motivate themselves. Depending on how motivated we are, it may further determine the effort we put into our work and therefore increase the standard of the output. Motivation not only influences the quality of ones work produced, but it also has an impact on how much we actually enjoy what we do. Example: if you are motivated it will mean that you are releasing positive energies which will make you a much happier person, and this will shine through into your work. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 10 (continued) Reliability Employers want people who are reliable to work in their organisation. Reliability is very important as it means that managers can hand over a project to selected members of the team and be ensured that it will be completed. The last thing that managers want to do is constantly chase employees for completion of projects. If you are a reliable member of the team then your manager will be confident to assign you important tasks knowing that they will be completed on time and to the highest quality. Example: your manager has asked you to pull together a report for an important meeting which she needs to attend – your manager has briefed you with what she needs and left you to do the report. As you are a reliable member of the team she is assured that the task will be completed on time, and she is confident that if you are unsure of anything that she has asked you to do, you will ask for clarification. This reputation will benefit you and support you in development within the workplace. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 10 (continued) Eager to Learn New Things As an apprentice the key component of your role is to ‘learn’, the more you learn the better you will become at your job. If you are seen to being proactive and approaching your manager with a desire learn then this will show that you want to develop and move forward – the greater your skill set the more change you have to being promoted and moving ahead on the career ladder. Example: other than acquiring the skills and knowledge for your own role aspire to learn new things and skills in other areas by shadowing team members and gaining an overall understanding of the business. This will not only help you develop in your own role but will also show that you have the initiative and drive to move forward. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 10 (continued) Trustworthy Being trustworthy shows character – your employer will trust you if you have a reputation of being honest, reliable and responsible. Dishonesty can easily tarnish that reputation; such you are considered untrustworthy and not to be relied upon. Being considered trustworthy provides benefits from the way people deal with you, as well as your own self esteem - others will respect you more and want to continue working with you. Also, you will feel a sense of self-respect. Example: If there is information of a sensitive nature in the organisation then your colleagues will feel they can discuss this with you and ask for your in particular scenarios. Being trustworthy will help raise your profile within the organisation and build a solid reputation for yourself. National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 10 (continued) • Key facts of how employers perceive apprentices : • 81% of consumers favour companies that employ apprentices • 81% of apprentice employers say apprentices make their businesses more productive • There are nearly 250 frameworks and over 1,200 job roles available to apprentices, from Nursing to Graphic Design, Horticulture to Electric Vehicle Engineering • Over 100,000 employers in over 160,000 workplaces in England offer Apprenticeships • Apprentices increase productivity and efficiency. 80% of those who employ apprentices agree that they make the workplace more productive • Apprentices are loyal and hardworking and help businesses grow. 88% of employers who employ apprentices believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce • 83% of employers who employ apprentices rely on their Apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future • 81% of consumers would prefer to use a company that employs apprentices National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guideSlide 11 & 12 No supporting notes needed for slides 11 &12 National Apprenticeship Service

Apprenticeships; a comprehensive guide Slide 1