Apprentice Prospectus Business and Administration

Transcription

1 Apprentice Prospectus Business and Administration

2 Welcome About the AMRC Training Centre Why business and administration? The AMRC Training Centre was set up to train highly skilled workers who will go on to regenerate the regions manufacturing industry. Since we opened our doors last year we have trained over 200 engineering apprentices who are now ready to go out in to industry. But the manufacturing sector is not all about engineers, every business relies on effective and efficient administrative support in order to prosper. That is why we are equally committed to training the next generation of business administration apprentices. A business administration apprenticeship from the AMRC Training Centre can truly take you anywhere. Whether you want to stay in administration or move in to marketing, sales, HR or management, the knowledge you will gain as part of your apprenticeship will stay with you throughout your career and is an excellent foundation to build on. Alison Bettac Director of Training The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre opened its doors for the first time in January Our brand new Training Centre is state-of-the-art and provides training in the practical and academic skills that manufacturing companies need to compete globally. We have established links with the best manufacturing companies in the region who are all seeking to take on business administration apprentices. We also take on our own business administration apprentices with the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and the Faculty of Engineering. The Training Centre is led by a team of industrialists and learning specialists who have experienced challenges of developing world class talent. Work with us to launch your successful career in business and administration. The business and administration apprenticeship teaches you how to play an important administrative role within a manufacturing or engineering business. The support function of engineering companies is vital. Just think, without administrators, receptionists and office managers, how would they work? They need you - super people with super skills! Administrators handle the day-to-day tasks in an office to ensure that an organisation runs smoothly 97% of employers say that effective administration is essential to their business. As a business and administration apprentice your exact duties will vary depending on your employer. It s likely that you ll be working with a team or member of staff to handle various tasks. You may be typing up board meeting documents, creating and maintaining filing systems, updating financial information, invoicing, helping to organise events or assisting in marketing campaigns. The list goes on, but one thing you can be sure of is that no two days are exactly the same. The varied experience and transferable skills you will develop over your apprenticeship will ensure that you can work in a variety of business roles in the future. Administration is also an excellent starting point to move into management once you have more experience. 97% OF EMPLOYERS SAY THAT EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL TO THEIR BUSINESS 2 3

3 Reasons to choose an apprenticeship Wages & holidays Earn while you learn All our apprentices receive at least the national minimum wage. See our section on wages to see what you could earn. It s a real job All our apprentices are employed full-time and should work at least 30 hours a week, apart from in exceptional circumstances. The AMRC Training Centre delivers apprenticeships on behalf of a number of employers. All of our apprentices are like any other employees and are paid while they are in learning, but what do they earn? As your skills progress, your employer may increase your pay to match. This not only helps your bank account, but gives you an extra incentive to do well in your apprenticeship. 32% of all former apprentices received a promotion within 12 months of finishing and, of those in work, 75% reported taking on more responsibility in their job. Career It s a real qualification All our apprentices gain a nationally recognised qualification that is respected by employers across the world. We also offer opportunities to continue with your education throughout your career. It s a really amazing place The AMRC Training Centre is brand new and purpose built to give you the very best opportunities to learn. You have a real future The National Apprenticeship Service has found that with the huge majority of apprentices... 85% will stay in employment after finishing their training, 64% staying with the same employer. All apprentices must receive at least the appropriate national minimum wage. From October 2013, this is 2.68 for apprentices under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship, 5.03 for year olds, and 6.31 for those aged 21 and over. Apprentice NUS card As an apprentice you will also be able to register for an NUS Apprentice extra card. This gives you access to the same discounts and benefits as college and university students for just 11 per year. The Apprentice extra discount card has been developed by the National Union of Students and is valid at more than 120 high street and online retailers. Used wisely, discounts can save card holders around 525 per year. Discounts are available on travel, sport, books and DVD, technology, mobile and broadband, as well as fashion, beauty and going out. While on your apprenticeship, you will be treated like a regular employee of the company and will receive a certain amount of paid leave in addition to bank holidays. Your actual entitlement may vary depending on your employer, but you are guaranteed at least 20 days each year. 525 OF DISCOUNTS AT OVER120 HIGH STREET & ONLINE RETAILERS Employers think that qualified apprentices are more employable than those with other qualifications. 4 5

4 How does it work? What qualifications can I gain? Your business and administration apprenticeship lasts one to two years, depending on the level that you are taking. You will spend most of your time with your employer. For around three months, you will spend one day a week in the AMRC Training Centre to undertake the theory learning for your apprenticeship. During the time with your employer, you ll gather evidence that proves you can carry out certain activities or tasks. While you will be able to do some of this at work, you need to be prepared to commit some of your own time to make sure that you achieve your qualifications. The AMRC Training Centre is fully committed to promoting equal opportunities throughout the training process and ensuring all our apprentices are treated fairly. Entry requirements You are required to have three GCSEs A D or above (or equivalent), including mathematics and English. Experience or a qualification in ICT is also an advantage. What will I study? Your technical certificate, which you will cover in the Training Centre, comprises four mandatory units and one or two optional units. These cover the principles that sit behind administration in areas such as change management, budgeting or project management. The National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), delivered entirely in your workplace, is where you build a portfolio that proves your competence. There are four mandatory units and a range of optional units that you can choose depending on your role. These cover activities such as using ICT, organising events, developing information systems, managing stock, co-ordinating meetings, arranging travel and accommodation, or developing and delivering presentations. If you can t prove that you have achieved GCSEs or their equivalent in maths, English or ICT within the past five years, you will need to undertake Functional Skills in these subjects at Level 2. You will also undertake Employment Rights and Responsibilities (ERR) and Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS). By taking a business and administration apprenticeship, you can gain a variety of qualifications including: NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Business and Administration NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Customer Service Level 2 Award in Employment Rights and Responsibilities (ERR) Level 2 Award in Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) Functional Skills in Maths, English and ICT (depending on your existing qualifications) Technical Certificate How is the course delivered and assessed? Your technical certificate is delivered in a classroom format and assessed by ongoing assignments and a final exam. Your NVQ is assessed in the workplace. Your assessor will judge whether the evidence you have gathered from work meets the specified criteria. Don t worry about this your assessor will discuss the criteria with you beforehand. Functional Skills are delivered in a classroom and assessed by exam. ERR is assessed from your answers to questions about employment topics, which your assessor will mark and discuss with you. PLTS is assessed by you and your assessor mapping your NVQ evidence against a set of criteria again, these will be discussed with you in advance. Your apprenticeship will open doors for you in different areas of administration. You could choose to specialise in areas of administration such as finance, HR or event planning. You can progress from Level 2 to Level 3 or into team leading. You may even want to build on your qualifications by taking a part-time degree in business and management. 6 7

5 BUSINESS & ADMINISTRATION APPRENTICESHIP? Stacey Curtis, Receptionist at the University of Sheffield, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering I work at the University of Sheffield as a receptionist in the department of civil and structural engineering. I was looking for an administration opportunity at the University for a while, before my apprenticeship, but unfortunately I didn t have the required experience. So the business and administration apprenticeship was a great opportunity for me. I have had the opportunity to work in four or five different departments, gaining experience in finance, admissions and general administration. I have had a number of training opportunities and have even taken a course in Chinese pronunciation. I really enjoy my job, particularly the student admissions aspect and I am pleased to say that I have just gained a full time permanent position as a receptionist. I plan to settle in to my job and then potentially look at further education. 8 9

6 Application & interview tips Application tips What to do: Read the application form thoroughly and make sure you complete all sections and follow the instructions provided. Answer the question asked. Make sure that all your answers are truthful and in as much detail as possible. If unsure, ask for clarification on questions. Check your application for spelling, grammar and clarity. Be clear on the submission deadline, and don t leave it until the last minute. How to apply... Go to our website, and click on apprenticeships then how to apply. Fill in our online application form you must have at least 3 GCSEs, grades A-D. We will then sift through the applications based on GCSE results or predicted grades. If you meet the requirements, you will be invited to a half day assessment where you will be tested on your team work and presentation skills, as well as a short interview. If you succeed you will then go onto our database and where possible you will be invited in for interview skills training, with the view to going to interviews with employers. Hopefully you get the job! Interview tips What to do: Dress smartly, look bright, attentive, and speak clearly and confidently. Don t forget that only a small amount of the interviewer s opinion of you is formed by what you say the rest is judged on how you look, act and sound. Find out where the venue is beforehand, how to get there and how long it takes. Find out what kind of interview it will be so you can prepare. Research the role and organisation in advance. Examine the person specification and your CV or application form, and think about what type of questions they will ask you. Prepare answers for the main questions for example, why do you want the position, what are your strengths and weaknesses, what are the main tasks in this role. Check what you said on your application. Make about three or four points in each answer. Quote real examples of when you ve used certain skills just saying you ve got a skill isn t enough. Make sure you understand the question and take your time if you need to think. Sell yourself no one else is going to. Be positive about yourself and your experiences. Prepare some questions to ask at the end use it as an opportunity to find out more about the role and the company. But don t ask about money or perks just yet. Turn off your mobile. Treat the interviewers with respect and give them your undivided attention. Keep your answers focused on what you can do for the employer, not what they can do for you. Get feedback on your performance, whether you were successful or not

7 @AMRCtraining amrc-training-centre AMRCTrainingCentre AmrcTrainingCentre Eur J1 A630 to M1 (J33) J1 Morrisons Supermarket A630 to Sheffield Castings Technology International Nuclear AMRC AMRC Factory of the Future IMG Assembly Hall Knowledge Transfer Centre Design Prototyping and Testing Centre Wallis Way Highfield Spring Brunel Way Rolls-Royce AMP Technology Centre AMRC Training Centre The AMRC Training Centre is located off Highfield Spring. To access the car park turn down the road next to the Winter Green pub (Mitchell Way). AMRC Training Centre, Advanced Manufacturing Park, Off Highfield Spring, Catcliffe, Rotherham, S60 5BL