Higher Apprenticeships for Employers

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1 Higher Apprenticeships for Employers Designed to meet the needs of modern business, BTEC Higher Apprenticeships give you, as an employer, the opportunity to improve your productivity, develop your skills base and stay competitive. They will help you develop the skills that your business needs. Introducing Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are bringing benefits to businesses in increasing numbers and across an ever-widening range of sectors, including Engineering Environmental Technologies. Today s apprenticeship is a work-based training programme that brings rewards to employers and apprentices alike. The apprentice gains on-thejob experience, develops specialised skills and comes away with a nationally recognised qualification. The employer gains a motivated member of staff who contributes from day one, and can be trained to meet your needs at every stage. The new Higher Apprenticeships Higher Apprenticeships were introduced by the government in 2009 in direct response to the need of employers for people with higher-level skills. Graduates fresh from college or university weren t always work ready, and businesses were looking for individuals with the right enthusiasm, qualities and aptitudes to fill their specific skills gaps. Higher Apprenticeships offer just that. Higher apprentices can learn as they go, on your premises and in your context, with training that can be adapted to suit you both. And because it is employers who shape what these qualifications look like, the end results are sure to match what your business needs. A great alternative Higher Apprenticeships attract a wide range of people. Higher apprentices may come direct from A levels or other Level 3 qualifications, such as BTEC Nationals, because they want to get into the world of work and keep on learning. Others may work in a different industry but see a Higher Apprenticeship as a great way to change career for an industry that really inspires them. Some may even come from within your business. Higher Apprenticeships provide a good option for employees at lower levels who want to move up without moving on. NAS Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free. 1

2 Perfect timing The time is just right for Higher Apprenticeships. For employers, they offer a cost-effective way to recruit and train bright new talent, with proven payback within a short timeframe. For young people concerned about the growing cost of higher education, a Higher Apprenticeship is an attractive alternative to university that still allows them to progress to graduate level, through top-up, flexible, part-time modules leading to a BA Honours degree. Among all types and sizes of business, from small- and medium-sized employers to large organisations, the popularity of Higher Apprenticeships is growing all the time. When you read this guide, we hope you ll see why. Four out of five employers say that apprenticeships are going to play a bigger part in their future recruitment policy. The benefits for your business Higher Apprenticeships bring tangible benefits to your business, both immediately and for the future. They operate in a way that suits employers, and add value from the start. Additionally, they re extremely cost effective, which is important in today s harsh business climate. One in five employers is hiring more apprentices to help them through the tough economic climate (source: NAS). A study by Sheffield University measured the long-term financial benefit of investing in apprenticeships. A Level 3 Advanced apprentice will generate an additional lifetime benefit to themselves and their employer of 105,000 compared with someone who does not gain an apprenticeship. Focus on the Higher Apprenticeship in Engineering Environmental Technologies With the increasing importance of sustainability in engineering, the Higher Apprenticeship in Engineering Environmental Technologies is designed to meet the needs of modern industry. A Higher Apprenticeship in Engineering Environmental Technologies gives you the opportunity to improve your productivity, develop your skills base and stay competitive while being considerate of the environment we live in. This apprenticeship has three different pathways to give a high level of flexibility and cater for the needs of a wider range of engineering employers. These pathways are: Pathway 1: Higher Apprenticeship in Engineering Environmental Technologies (Construction and the Built Environment) Pathway 2: Higher Apprenticeship in Engineering Environmental Technologies (Manufacturing Engineering) Pathway 3: Higher Apprenticeship in Engineering Environmental Technologies (Building Services Engineering) It is important that the pathway and units in each qualification are selected based on a discussion between you, the apprentice and your training provider. 2 NAS Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.

3 Developing tomorrow s environmentally focused engineers today It can be a struggle for employers to find the engineering, scientific and technical skills that they need. Higher Apprenticeships let you grow your own talent, nurture staff to fit specific roles, and retain skills by developing staff who will stay with you longer. More and more employers are discovering the advantages of the new Higher Apprenticeships, which offer work-based training programmes that deliver the high-quality skills that your business needs. Their support was echoed by Paul Jackson, Chief Executive of Engineering UK: Engineering is central to the UK s economy, and environmental technologies represent a wealth of opportunity, from offshore wind and new energy harvesting devices through to software solutions for sustainability management. Our research highlights the need for more recruits into engineering if we are to take advantage of these opportunities and the Higher Apprenticeship s business-backed model of academic and hands-on training will play an important role in safeguarding the UK economy and a home-grown future workforce. Getting the skills you need, your way, with Higher Apprenticeships Higher Apprenticeships: enable you, the employer, to gain a fully competent employee with the skills and knowledge you require offer a work-based alternative to university an attractive route for new talent seeking highly skilled jobs in a dynamic sector recognise skills in existing staff, motivating them and benefiting you offer progression to further study, which may include an honours degree and beyond give you the opportunity to nurture ambitious people who are genuinely committed to developing a career in your company provide the opportunity for other employees to develop their supervising and mentoring skills can be a potential route to gain professional status for example: the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) recognise that this apprenticeship is based on proven industry-backed qualifications that provide the necessary knowledge and skills development to qualify the holder for Associate Membership of the Institute the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) recognise that this apprenticeship provides the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to allow apprentices to apply for Engineering Technician status within their institutions. NAS Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free. 3

4 What does employing a higher apprentice mean for me? As with any trainee or intern, the more you put into their training, the more you will get out. Even so, the basics required of you as an employer are quite straightforward and you can get support from your training provider as you go. The diagram below outlines the key stages where you need to be directly involved. Employer Training provider Identify a job role for your Higher Apprenticeship Select a training provider Recruit the higher apprentice Register the higher apprentice Identify a workplace mentor Agree a learning plan for your higher apprentice Provide stimulating work-based learning opportunities Workplace assessment and progress reviews Higher Apprenticeship certification 4 NAS Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.

5 Employer-driven training The Higher Apprenticeship gives employees the opportunity to work to a national quality-assured framework and leads to the professional competence that employers need. The work-based programme includes the elements detailed below. Competence element Completion of the competence element will provide the apprentice with the necessary competencies and skills to undertake their job role as outlined in their Apprenticeship Agreement. For example, on completion of the competence element of Pathway 1 (Construction and the Built Environment), apprentices will have the practical skills needed to perform jobs such as construction technical supervisor and built environment sustainability manager. The units in the competence based element on Pathway 2 (Manufacturing Engineering) will provide apprentices with the skills needed to perform jobs such as environmental supervisor or environmental and manufacturing planning supervisor. The units in Pathway 3 (Building Services Engineering) prepare apprentices for job roles such as technical managers or development managers. The competence qualification for all three pathways of this framework is the Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Engineering Environmental Technologies (QCF). The mandatory units for each pathway ensure that the apprentice is competent in essential elements of their job, such as health and safety, while the optional units give opportunities for the training programme to meet both your needs and the interests of the apprentice. Knowledge element This element provides the theoretical and industry knowledge that will enhance and underpin the apprentice s competencies and skills. In most cases, a Higher National Certificate (HNC) is the chosen qualification. In addition, the apprentice will develop professional competence by gaining skills in creative thinking, independent enquiry, teamworking, self-management, reflective practice, communication, problem solving and professional practice. Tim Thomas, Head of Employment Policy at EEF, the manufacturers organisation, pledged his organisation s support for the new Framework: In our Route to Growth campaign we set a benchmark for a 25 per cent increase in STEM Apprenticeships at Level 3 and above by The new Engineering Environmental Technologies Higher Apprenticeship will help us to reach this target. Manufacturers do not prioritise vocational or academic pathways, but increasingly demand a combination of the two. Higher Apprenticeship programmes get young people started on a career, whilst at the same time studying university-level qualifications. Through learning on the job and spending time in the classroom, those undertaking the apprenticeship will accumulate the qualifications, practical skills and experience all demanded by employers. NAS Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free. 5

6 The perfect fit for your company This exciting new Higher Apprenticeship has been developed by employers, for employers. As part of the Higher Apprenticeship, the employee will gain work-based qualifications. The Higher Apprenticeships have been built to allow flexibility, enabling you to customise them to fit your needs. You will select the appropriate pathway and qualification that fits your industry requirements. Each pathway has a range of choices and offers different delivery methods so that you can customise the programme to suit your needs. Limited natural resources, different types of pollutions and legal responsibilities have created a gap in the job market for environmentally conscious engineers. There is now great pressure on businesses to embed sustainability into their operations and this is becoming more challenging if businesses do not employ or train engineers with the right skills. The Higher Apprenticeship in Engineering Environmental Technologies has been designed to overcome the shortage of engineers with the skills for a sustainable engineering operation across a range of engineering sectors. It is a flexible framework that allows employers and training providers to work together to create a training package that meets the needs of today s engineering industries. Dr Ramin Narimani, Curriculum Manager, City and Islington College The box below shows some of the job roles that a higher apprentice may fulfill within a business, depending on the pathway they take. Construction and the Built Environment pathway: Construction technical supervisor Built environment sustainability manager Supply-chain coordinator Manufacturing Engineering pathway: Environmental supervisor (manufacturing engineering) Operations supervisor Environmental, manufacturing planning engineer Building Services Engineering pathway: Technical manager Facilities manager Contract manager Technical business development manager 6 NAS Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.

7 Frequently asked questions Q. How long does a Higher Apprenticeship last? It depends on the specific course, previous qualifications of the apprentice and their commitments towards their training program. On average, it is expected that the Higher Apprenticeship in Engineering Environmental Technologies will take about three years to complete. However, the majority of the training is on-the-job training and, after successful completion of Higher National Certificate (about two years part-time), almost all the training is done on the employer s site. Q. What wage do I need to pay? The apprentice will need to be paid a wage, like any other employee. Apprentices are paid from the first day of their apprenticeship and are entitled to the National Minimum Wage. As of 1 October 2012 these are: 6.19 the main rate for workers aged 21 and over 4.98 the rate 2.65 the apprentice rate, for apprentices aged and those 19 or over in the first year of their apprenticeship. These rates are likely to change each year, so keep up-to-date with the minimum wage levels by checking Q. Is any funding available? The costs of apprenticeships vary depending on the level and the provision selected. Apprentices can now apply for a student loan to contribute to their tuition fees. Government grants may be available via your provider. For further information: Technical Apprenticeship Service National Apprenticeship Service Pearson Work-based Learning s funding guide: A_short_guide_to_Apprenticeship_funding_for_employers.pdf Q. Who is it for? It is open to anyone with the aptitude to achieve the qualifications (as long as they are over 16 and not in full-time education). As a general guideline, they need to have five GCSEs at C or above, including Mathematics and English, and have completed a Level 3 qualification in a related discipline. Candidates with relevant industry experience and equivalent qualifications can also be considered. This apprenticeship has the additional benefit of offering existing employees a structured way to develop their supervisory skills. Q. What are my next steps if I want to have a higher apprentice? Select and contact your training provider. In most cases they will support you all the way throughout the process. They will help you choose the pathway and units that are right for your organisation, and will help you with the recruitment process if needed. NAS Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free. 7

8 Q. What are the progression routes for apprentices and how can the apprentice gain a top-up to get a BSc Hons? On completion of the Higher National Certificate (HNC), apprentices can apply to universities through UCAS for entry to BSc courses. Some universities will accept candidates with an HNC qualification onto their second-year BSc programmes, thus saving the first-year tuition fees. There are also progression routes to Higher National Diplomas (HNDs). Apprentices completing pathways 1 or 3 will be able to apply for the following courses: BTEC Level 5 HND in Construction and the Built Environment (QCF) BTEC Level 5 HND in Construction and the Built Environment (Building Services Engineering) (QCF) BTEC Level 5 HND in Construction and the Built Environment (Civil Engineering) (QCF). Apprentices completing pathway 2 will be able to continue their education towards HND programmes such as: BTEC Level 5 HND in Manufacturing Engineering (QCF) BTEC Level 5 HND in Mechanical Engineering (QCF). Q. What qualifications are there in the different pathways? Each pathway includes completion of a competence-based qualification, which is assessed on the job, and a knowledge-based qualification that provides the apprentices with the required underpinning knowledge. The titles of these qualifications for each pathway are as follows. Pathway 1: Higher Apprenticeship in Engineering Environmental Technologies (Construction and the Built Environment) Competence qualification: Pearson Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Engineering Environmental Technologies (QCF) Knowledge qualification: Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (QCF) Pathway 2: Higher Apprenticeship in Engineering Environmental Technologies (Manufacturing Engineering) Competence qualification: Pearson Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Engineering Environmental Technologies (QCF) Knowledge qualification: Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering (QCF) 8 NAS Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.

9 Pathway 3: Higher Apprenticeship in Engineering Environmental Technologies (Building Services Engineering) Competence qualification: Pearson Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Engineering Environmental Technologies (QCF) Knowledge qualification: Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (QCF) Q. What are the terms and conditions of an apprentice s employment? Apprentices have to be employed by employers, or in some cases, ATAs, and will follow the terms and conditions of their contract similar to your other employees. Steps to a successful Higher Apprenticeship Identify a line manager, as you would with any employee. Agree a learning plan between the apprentice, yourselves and the training provider to ensure that the apprentice will gain the skills and knowledge you need for the business and successfully complete the Higher Apprenticeship. Support and guide the apprentice, providing a link between the training provider and the business to get the best from the programme. Provide stimulating work-based opportunities. You are training your apprentice for a job role that meets your company s current needs and future progression, so you must provide the apprentice with opportunities for on- and off-the-job learning whilst in the workplace. This might include finding business buddies to help develop the apprentice s skills and knowledge within specific areas of work that are important to your company. This can be a good way of passing on company expertise. Facilitate workplace assessment and progress reviews. Throughout the programme, the provider will liaise with you to conduct regular reviews of the apprentice s progress and work-based assessments of their skills. This allows you to be confident that the apprentice is on track to achieve their qualifications and is gaining the skills you need. NAS Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free. 9

10 Useful information and support The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) Supports and coordinates the delivery of apprenticeships throughout England. They provide an online system where employers can advertise their apprenticeship job vacancies and potential apprentices can apply. Training providers Training providers can support you with more in-depth information about the Higher Apprenticeship programme and qualifications on offer, ensuring they match your needs. They may have different models of delivery, from distance learning through day release to block release, and you can find the method that is most suited to you. They will support you all the way during the process, starting from recruitment through to the final stage when the framework certificate is issued by the issuing authority. They will also support the apprentice, ensuring that they successfully meet the requirements of the Higher Apprenticeship Framework and, upon completion, have the skills and knowledge that you require for your business. You may already have a relationship with a local provider and want to speak to them first. Pearson UK Has a bank of online learning resources for higher apprentices, covering the study skills needed for higher-level learning and content for a number of the units, plus a guide for delivery of content. This is all available from a dedicated website, online at 10 NAS Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.