Apprenticeships

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Apprenticeship programmes are about producing the next generation of skilled staff and also helping current staff develop their careers.  An Apprenticeship is a great way for individuals to 'earn as they learn' and for employers to discover skilled and talented employees.

Apprenticeships are government-backed training schemes which provide a structured learning route within a working environment. The schemes are focused on motivated people who are determined to succeed within their workplace and with entry age at 16, there is no upper age limit.

Apprenticeships are more than just a qualification they are a shared experience between an employee and employer delivered where necessary with the help of a recognised training provider.

Investing in apprenticeship programmes for your staff improves their abilities and your effectiveness as an organisation. The government helps fund recognised apprenticeship programmes but it s the joint investment between you and your employees that really make them work.

As an employer you should work with the training provider to ensure the learning programme is designed and delivered the way you want it. The training and assessment for the qualification is delivered by an external training provider or maybe your own training staff.

Download a "FairTrain" Employer Pack.

We all have a part to play

As an employer:

• Help design or outline the apprenticeship programme you want for your staff
• Allow apprentices the opportunities to learn and experience the various aspects of your organisation and the sector it operates in
• Engage with the apprentices progress and celebrate achievement
• Invest in your future workforce

As an apprentice and employee

• Commit to learning and achieving in the workplace
• Experience the different aspects of your organisation and how it works
• Recognise that your employer is investing their time, money and resources in you and your future

As a training provider

• Provide excellence in service and learning for the employer and apprentice throughout the programme.
• Design programmes of learning that enable the apprentice to fulfil their potential and not hinder normal business operations.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with all stakeholders.

So what do you have to do as an apprentice?

1. Help design a programme of learning that meets the work role and career needs
2. Document this with your trainer / assessor as well as your line manager/supervisor.
3. Get started on the training programme and regularly review where you are up to with those involved with helping you learn.

Apprenticeship Frameworks and qualifications

In each industry sector a standard setting body called a skills sector council develops a set of qualifications that are nationally recognised for employees working in that sector. They then put together a framework for qualifying employees usually under two levels, Apprenticeship level for those who are working in general operational roles and Advanced Apprenticeship for staff who have supervisory or more technical roles with the workforce.

4 parts make a whole – usually

Most apprenticeship qualifications have 4 parts to them.

1. A work based NVQ which is all about the skills and abilities you need to do your chosen job
2. A knowledge based qualification that is tested
3. Some smaller qualifications that test your everyday skills such as ICT, team work, word and numbers skills.
4. Some apprenticeships also have an employment rights and responsibilities element to them. This sets out the rights and responsibilities of employees usually within a workbook.

Apprenticeship frameworks for the third sector

There are a large number of apprenticeship frameworks for the Third Sector here are some that may help your organisation:

• Business Administration
• Customer Service
• Retail
• Youth Work
• Community Development
• Housing
• ICT
• Health & Social Care
• Childcare
• Property Services
• Hospitality & Catering 

Business & Administration Apprenticeship Framework

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a mixture of work based learning and education, which includes the following elements: 

• Business & Administration NVQ
• Business & Administration Technical Certificate
• Communication Key Skill
• Application of Number Key Skill

Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, achieving qualifications and earning money at the same time. The competencies are linked to the skills identified by employers as necessary for the job.

Apprenticeships are aimed at the technicians and managers of the future. The programme is designed for people who have what it takes to develop quickly in their job, with a view to progressing to supervisory, managerial or technician status within a few years of completing their apprenticeship. The programme is designed for employers to use with staff between the ages of 16+, and is based upon achievement, which is work based and work relevant. It brings together a number of qualifications to create a framework, which provides breadth and flexibility, both in content and delivery, to meet the needs of employers and apprentices.

Every Third Sector organisation needs effective administration, and that need remains whatever else changes in terms of new projects and services, new technologies and new organisational structures. There are two levels of Business Administration frameworks available these are Apprenticeship (Level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3).They have been designed to meet the differing needs of people and employers from both large and small Third Sector organisations.

What are the opportunities for employers?

For many Third Sector employers major advantages of apprenticeship programmes are that they can employ individuals and train them within the culture and ethos of the organisation whilst having the reassurance that this is also to a nationally recognised standard. Salaries for younger apprentices are exempt from the minimum wage.

Employers benefit from:

• improved staff efficiency
• better quality of work
• higher staff retention levels.

Apprentices themselves benefit from:

• developing their skills e.g. IT, literacy and numeracy
• improving their self confidence and job satisfaction.

Third Sector employers of every size and type are beginning to experience the benefits of the apprenticeship programmes; from Housing Associations, training and employment skills providers, charities, and health centres.

What are the entry requirements?

Whilst there are generally no nationally laid down minimum entry or previous experience requirements for the frameworks, employers may wish to identify their own in line with their current recruitment practise. The ability to be successful as an apprentice may be indicated by a range of attributes and achievements such as:

• A proven commitment to working in the sector, through work experience or work placement
• Ahievement of academic and other qualifications e.g. GCSEs, A Levels, NVQs, Duke of Edinburgh Award etc
• Positions of responsibility held at school or college
• Voluntary work and part time employment

Examples of skills and attributes could include:

Motivation to succeed within the industry/sector

Willingness to learn and apply that learning in the workplace

Ability to demonstrate that they have the potential to complete the qualifications which are part of the apprenticeship

Willingness to communicate effectively with a range of people

Being numerate and literate

Willingness to undergo a police check, for example, when working with children and vulnerable adults. (Police checks are mandatory for all those working with young people under the age of 18 e.g. Early Years Care and Education)

What is the duration of the course?

Whilst there should be no time serving, the length of time taken will depend on the ability of the individual apprenticeship and employer requirements.

What is in the programme?

The Business administration framework consists of three mandatory components, each of which must be completed before an Apprenticeship can be achieved. All apprentices have to achieve all three components, but can claim credit as appropriate, depending on age, qualifications and experience at point of entry.

Apprenticeship

NVQ Business & Administration Level 2

1. Technical Certificate Level 2
2. Communication Key Skill Level 2
3. Application of Number Level 1

Advanced Apprenticeship

1. NVQ Business & Administration Level 3
2. Technical Certificate Level 3
3. Communication Key Skill Level 2
4. Application of Number Level 2

What are the progression routes?

It is important when considering Business & Administration in the Third Sector to remember that the skills and knowledge involved are transferable. There are many ways of progressing from the frameworks to further or higher education as well as using the skills learnt within the Third Sector to move to work within the public and private sectors.

 ‘I have some typing and filing work as well as dealing with office phone calls’  BA level 2 apprentice

 ‘... I supervise a small office team and ensure that we administer our local boroughs grant scheme effectively’ BA Level 3 apprentice

 ‘.... Since achieving my apprenticeship qualification it has given what I need to apply for more senior roles’ Level 3 Apprentice

Example of Third Sector roles suitable for apprentices

• Receptionist
• Team Administrator
• Project Administrator
• Administration services or support role
• Office assistant
• Project assistant
• Club or society secretary
• Partnership Administration Assistant
• Events Coordinator

 This framework is also suitable for those entering or returning to work or those entering an office based environment for the first time.

It may be possible to use money from the Future Jobs Fund to help fund an apprentice.  Please talk to Angela at ViSTA:  08453 580372

More information about Future Jobs Fund can be found here.

Publication:  Opening the Door to Apprenticeships.  Reaching young people who are disadvantaged and disengaged from Apprenticeships – Opening Door

Apprenticeship Consultations with Third Sector

Evaluation of the VCS Apprenticeship Scheme in Somerset - Executive Summary