APPRENTICESHIPS AT NORTH KENT COLLEGE

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1 APPRENTICESHIPS AT NORTH KENT COLLEGE NKC NORTH KENT COLLEGE

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3 Apprenticeships at North Kent College The benefits of an apprenticeship programme are far-reaching and have a positive effect on all involved. Apprenticeships can offer you the chance to leave school at 16 and go straight into work, or improve your skills if you re already in work. This brochure and our case studies show why so many businesses are employing apprentices and the progressive influence they have on their organisations. North Kent College has been offering work-based training and qualifications for more than twenty years and our reputation for providing flexible and quality training is supported by local organisations that work closely with us. They help provide apprenticeship opportunities for our students, within the local, regional and national communities. The Government has identified apprenticeships as a huge growth area for training and up-skilling staff also, as well as a key progression route after GCSEs. They are heavily promoting apprenticeships through their Get In Go Far campaign, which has led to increased employer demand for apprentices across a variety of trades and skills. 1 2

4 What is an apprenticeship? Apprenticeships offer you the chance to leave school at 16 and go straight into work so you earn while you learn and establish a valuable career path, gaining real on-the-job experience. Many young people leave school or university without any real work experience. An apprenticeship gives you the experience that employers need, it improves your employability, and makes you an ideal candidate for employers when they re looking for newly qualified and skilled staff. You can start an apprenticeship at any age, not just 16, and with any level of qualifications. If you re already in a job, changing to an apprenticeship programme with your employer can help you develop your skills and increase your chances of promotion and career progression. If you have qualifications above GCSEs, you may be able to start an advanced or higher level apprenticeship depending on the apprenticeship programme and the job role. KEY FACT 86% of apprentices stay in employment after finishing their apprenticeship 3

5 There are three levels of apprenticeships available: We can advise you and your employer which level to undertake depending on your qualifications and the needs of the business. You can work through each level as you qualify if you want to. If you re already in work and want to gain more skills, speak to your employer about changing to an apprenticeship and we can advise which is the best apprenticeship programme for both you and your organisation. Intermediate Level 2: equivalent to five GCSEs at 9-4 (A*-C) Advanced Level 3: equivalent to two A Levels Higher Level 4 & 5: equivalent to an HNC, HND or Foundation Degree Search our apprenticeship vacancies online:

6 How do I apply for an apprenticeship? Firstly, you must find an apprenticeship before you start your training programme with us. If you have an organisation ready to take you on as an apprentice, call us to arrange setting up an apprenticeship training programme with you and your employer. We can then support you both throughout your training. If you are looking for an organisation who can offer you an apprenticeship, there are plenty of vacancies advertised on both our College and Skills Hub websites. Check for vacancies on or Or you can visit for vacancies available nationally and apply online. You ll need to set up an account to use this service, but it s very simple. Once you ve applied you will go through a normal interview process with the employer. Usually the employer will already have set up the training programme with us before this stage, but if not we can help both you and your employer with the apprenticeship training programme. If you or your employer need any help and guidance you can contact the NKC Apprenticeship Team on or apprentices@northkent.ac.uk We can offer the following FREE services to employers: Help regarding the Levy and funding Training needs analysis Apprentice recruitment service On-going dedicated support and specialist advice from our assessors and business advisors 5

7 Apprenticeships offered Through our partnership with The Skills Hub Kent & Medway we offer a huge variety of apprenticeships based at specialist training facilities at campuses in Dartford, Gravesend, Medway or Maidstone. These include: Business AAT Accountancy Business Administration HR Management HR Support IT Leadership Management Sales & Telesales Construction Carpentry Construction Management Painting & Decorating Surveying Marine & Maritime Industries Maritime Studies Maritime Studies Boat Master License Maritime Caterer Maritime Officer of the Watch Service Industries & Education Catering & Hospitality Customer Service Hairdressing Learning Support Assistant (Teaching Assistant) Pharmaceutical Services Engineering Electrical Installation Engineering o Electrical & Electronic o General Engineering o Mechanical Manufacture o Performing Engineering Operations o Performing Manufacturing Operations Motor Vehicle Plumbing & Heating Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning KEY FACT There are apprenticeships in over 170 industries covering more than 1,500 job roles. 6

8 The details... What is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a work-based learning qualification that enables students to gain qualifications and experience at the same time. You can find out more on our websites and How do I apply for an apprenticeship? Search for an apprenticeship vacancy advertised on both our College and Skills Hub websites: and then apply via to apprenticevacancies@northkent.ac.uk Or visit for vacancies available nationally and apply online. Or get in touch with our Apprenticeship Team at NKC on or apprentices@northkent.ac.uk and we can discuss your options with you. Who can I speak to about which apprenticeship suits me? We have a dedicated Apprenticeship Team available to supply you with information, advice and guidance. Please contact us on or apprentices@northkent.ac.uk How many hours a week do I study and then also work? You will work and study for a minimum of 30 hours per week. Attendance at college can be one day a week, one day a month, one week each month, block release, or entirely in the workplace, depending on your occupation. You will be paid for both the hours you work and the hours you study. The programmes can also be flexible depending on your employer s requirements. 7

9 How long will it take me to qualify? Each apprenticeship training programme - known as a Framework or Standard - can range from one year, to four years, this is dependent on the occupational area and level of qualification. Can I become an apprentice if I m already working? Yes apprenticeships are a great way to gain additional skills and qualifications to help you get promoted and you can stay in your existing job while you train. Just speak to your employer about apprenticeship training and call us for further details of how you can transfer to an apprenticeship. What are the costs? There are no costs for training for the apprentice (or their parents), apart from normal travel to work, tools, clothing and equipment costs that any employee would pay. Training costs for apprentices are funded by employers through their Apprenticeship Levy. This Levy requires all employers operating in the UK, with a pay bill over 3m each year to invest in apprenticeships. For smaller companies who don t pay the Levy, training is funded (or part-funded) by the Government. Our Apprenticeships Team can assist your employer with advice about the Levy or training funding. Please call us on and ask for the Apprenticeship Team or apprentices@northkent.ac.uk How much will I get paid? Pay depends on the Apprentice National Minimum Wage. Apprentice s minimum wage from April 2017 is 3.50 per hour if under 18 and in the first year of your apprenticeship. This rises if you are over 18 and when you progress into your second year. For example, a 22 year old apprentice in their 2nd year would be paid a minimum of 7.05 per hour (April 2017). The National Minimum Wage changes regularly; for current information please visit: 8

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11 Key benefits of an apprenticeship Earn a salary The average wage for an apprentice is around per week. Check out for current information. Get paid holidays Because you are employed, you are entitled to paid holiday just like other employees. Progress your career You ll be one step ahead in your career, because you ll already know the job and have experience! Sought after qualifications Apprenticeships are highly recognised by employers because you ll already have the experience that they need. Not only that, but you ll gain a nationally recognised qualification, so you can progress to other levels as you qualify. A higher apprenticeship qualification is the equivalent of an HND or Foundation Degree. Learn job-specific skills and training You ll be learning the job alongside professionals, which will help you to learn your skills from qualified, experienced workers. KEY FACT More than 100,000 employers use apprenticeships to attract new talent, re-skill existing staff or tackle skill shortages. 10

12 Case study: Motor Vehicle Apprentice Tom Newell Level 2 Light Vehicle Maintenance Barkaways Ferrari Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? So I could learn, gain qualifications and earn money at the same time. What did you learn? Principle workings of light vehicles to give me a background knowledge in the workplace. What skills have you developed during your apprenticeship that will help you with your career? How to get around difficult problems that may arise. How has North Kent College helped you realise your achievements? NKC helped me to gain a Level 2 qualification and keep focused. What advice would you give to anyone who s thinking about starting an apprenticeship? Ensure you start work at a workshop you can see yourself staying at for the duration of the apprenticeship and beyond. If you had the choice again, would you choose to do an apprenticeship? Yes, because it has given me wider knowledge and helped support my experience in the workplace. My apprenticeship has helped me gain the qualifications I need to develop my skills in the workplace. Apprentice Ben Barkaway Level 2 Light Vehicle Maintenance Barkaways Ferrari Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? So I could learn and earn at the same time. What did you learn? All of the criteria for Level 2 light vehicle maintenance. What skills have you developed during your apprenticeship that will help you with your career? Communication to communicate better with fellow colleagues. What advice would you give to anyone who s thinking about starting an apprenticeship? It s a great way to learn new skills if university is not suitable for you. If you had the choice again, would you choose to do an apprenticeship? Yes because it suited my style of learning Learn on the job. Learn and earn. KEY FACT Research shows that apprentices earn on average, over 100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees 11

13 Employer Ian Barkaway Barkaways Ferrari Why did you choose to take on apprentices? To offer young people the opportunity to learn the skills required for classic car restoration, and in so doing investing in the skills that our business requires. What benefits have the apprentices brought to your organisation? Youthful enthusiasm! Would you take on an apprentice again and why? If the opportunity arises to continue to develop and grow our staff then we would consider this route again. As an employer, what are your thoughts on the apprenticeship scheme? It is often marketed to young people with limited qualifications and in our case our apprentices have completed their A Levels before coming to us, making them excellent apprentices with the potential to be great restoration engineers in the future. We all started as apprentices and have become an award winning team and our apprentices have a fantastic future ahead of them as part of this team. Photographs (from top): Ian Barkaway, Tom Newell & Ben Barkaway 12

14 Case study: Business Administration Employer Jennie Thomas Stone Parish Council Why did you choose to take on an apprentice? The Council introduced the Parish Apprenticeship Scheme to provide an opportunity to local young people, to obtain valuable work experience with the Council while undertaking a relevant qualification. The Council also wanted to set an example to other local SME businesses and organisations that this was a positive thing to do for the community. What benefits have the apprentice brought to your organisation? Having apprentices has been very rewarding for the organisation, we have benefitted from the commitment of the apprentices to gain as much experience as possible, and this has been demonstrated through the diverse workloads they have been prepared to undertake. Would you take on an apprentice again and why? Yes, we would definitely take on further apprentices as the Council s programme evolves. As an employer, what are your thoughts on the apprenticeship scheme? As an employer, I think the apprenticeship scheme offers an excellent opportunity to develop the skills of young people to enable them to obtain experience and qualifications necessary to be successful in the workplace. The introduction of a Parish Apprenticeship Scheme has enabled the Council to benefit from the enthusiasm and commitment of young people while they obtain valuable skills and experience. Apprentice Charlotte Powsey Business Administration Level 3 Stone Parish Council Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? I chose to do an apprenticeship to gain more knowledge, achieve qualifications and to further my career with the help of the course, whilst in the workplace. What skills have you developed? I learnt that it is possible to gain knowledge through theory and the workplace. This has helped me to be organised and prioritise my work as well as college work. I have learnt great communication and administration skills which will help me to further my career in administration. How has North Kent College helped you realise your achievements? North Kent College has helped me by reassuring me when I need it and helping me every step of the way throughout the apprenticeship. They also helped me to realise that I was capable of taking the next level of the apprenticeship. What advice would you give to anyone who s thinking about starting an apprenticeship? I would advise anyone who is thinking about starting an apprenticeship to go for it! Do your research into which course is best for you and be willing to work hard towards your goal. Choosing to do an apprenticeship and going onto a higher level was one of the best choices I made. 13

15 Case study: Accountancy Apprentice Olivia Gladden AAT Accountancy Level 2 Riddingtons Ltd Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? I enjoyed the idea of carrying on my education in a specific subject whilst earning, without getting into debt from university fees. What did you learn? Experience is as valuable as education being able to do both at the same time really helps improve your knowledge. What skills have you developed during your apprenticeship that will help you with your career? It s helped me with the basics of accounting to set me off in my career. It has helped me to manage my work, studying and personal life. Employer Jan Carter Riddingtons Ltd Why did you choose to take on an apprentice? We offer positions so we can train staff in-house. What benefits have apprentices brought to your organisation? We train them on how we want things to be done which is easier for us. They are a great help with the VAT workings. Would you take on an apprentice again and why? Yes, hopefully we are in the process of recruiting one now. As an employer, what are your thoughts on the apprenticeship scheme? It s a good idea! We like to pay them more than is suggested as we think the minimum wage is too low. How has North Kent College helped you realise your achievements? The tutors have been motivational and have helped me to pull through and remember the reasons why I am doing it. What advice would you give to anyone who s thinking about starting an apprenticeship? To do it, the experience is invaluable and it is so rewarding seeing your skills grow. Experience is as valuable as education. 14

16 NKC NORTH KENT COLLEGE Contact us for help with apprenticeships on: or visit or Dartford: Oakfield Lane, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2JT Gravesend: Lower Higham Road, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 2JJ