APPRENTICESHIP PROSPECTUS

Transcription

1 Telephone: Website: #BestChanceSBHG APPRENTICESHIP PROSPECTUS

2 Welcome to the Shepherds Bush Housing Group (SBHG) Apprenticeship Prospectus, which we hope you will find useful and informative. We pride ourselves on being more than just a landlord. We have been part of the west London community since We are a housing association and provide much, much more than homes! Our services build strong, inclusive communities. Many of those services are for the wider community as well as our own residents. This includes our apprenticeship programme where we want to offer people the opportunity to kick start or change their career. Our apprenticeship programme provides a fantastic opportunity to gain a qualification along with some practical industry experience. We have some brilliant examples of how our apprentices have progressed in their careers both in SBHG and other organisations. I would like to wish you all the very best with the application process and I look forward to meeting many of you in the future. Paul Doe Chief Executive We have been part of the west London community since We are a housing association and provide much, much more than homes! Our services build strong, inclusive communities. Many of those services are for the wider community as well as our own residents. Our work is enhanced and developed by our apprentices. Your experience, abilities, dedication and goodwill make a real difference. We really appreciate what you do and in return offer rewarding roles where you can gain experience and a nationally recognised qualification. We are delighted that you are interested in our apprenticeship programme and wish you all the best with your application. This Prospectus sets out what you can expect from us and what our expectations are from you.

3 What is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a job with an accompanying skills development programme designed by employers in the sector, in our case the housing sector. It allows the apprentice to gain technical knowledge and real practical experience, along with functional and personal skills, required for their immediate job and future career. These are acquired through a mix of learning in the workplace, formal off the job training and the opportunity to practise and embed new skills in a real work context. This broader mix differentiates the apprenticeship experience from training delivered to meet narrowly focused job needs. On completion of the apprenticeship the apprentice must be able to undertake the full range of duties, the range of circumstances appropriate to the job, confidently and competently to the standard set by the industry. Why consider a housing apprenticeship? Social housing professionals directly affect the living conditions of one in four households and therefore play a large role in shaping the quality of life for communities. Housing covers a wide range of activities, from managing properties, day to day repairs of housing stock, community development, supported housing and hostel accommodation to planning new homes. Housing associations are well positioned to offer great opportunities for apprentices to learn a variety of new skills and gain an understanding of the housing industry. A competitive salary and company benefits Apprentices are paid a competitive salary and are offered a comprehensive benefits package to include a flexi-time system, contributory pension scheme, Simply Health cash plan and a choice of flexible benefits. The cost of the Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), offered as part of the apprenticeship, is also paid for by us. The salary offered for our apprenticeships are market tested every three years to ensure they are fair and represent the right value for the role and responsibilities undertaken. An employment offer and learning agreement Every apprentice is offered an apprenticeship opportunity on the basis of a specific job profile which clearly outlines the role and responsibilities. Apprentices are expected to work for us in accordance with the company s policies, procedures, values and terms and conditions. Apprentices are also provided with a learning agreement which outlines the expectations in respect of the training element of the apprenticeship. Why an apprenticeship with us? Our apprenticeship programme offers a structured curriculum consisting of on the job training and professional qualifications. Our apprenticeships have been uniquely designed to meet the needs of a trainee housing professional and that of SBHG.

4 Available opportunities The opportunity to gain a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification Apprentices will be expected to achieve a Level 2 NVQ as part of their apprenticeship. This requires you to undertake weekly learning sessions either offsite or in-house with a training provider, typically one day per week. The level of work, assessments, evidence and involvement will differ depending on each training provider. Apprentices are expected to demonstrate a portfolio of work including a mixture of examinations, assignments and practical assessments. On-going support is provided by the learning provider assessors and tutors. Further learning and development opportunities Apprentices are able to access our comprehensive staff training programme and where appropriate the IntoTraining Hub courses. IntoWork programme We deliver an IntoWork programme which apprentices can access when they are nearing the end of their apprenticeship. The IntoWork programme provides employment support and can help apprentices to secure full time employment in housing or other sectors. Line management support Every apprentice role is managed by a line manager and they provide day to day support, monthly supervision and an annual appraisal. In addition, every apprentice will be supported by the community investment team. The community investment co-ordinator will conduct regular supervisions, provide support and the opportunity to discuss any challenges and achievements experienced as part of the apprenticeship. Apprentices will also be able to access one to one coaching support from the Best Chance coaching programme which aims to support apprentices to achieve their full potential in their apprenticeship role and more widely their lives in general.

5 Find out if you are eligible Eligibility Our residents, customers and others living in west London who: Have a British passport/indefinite leave to remain or access to public funds Are over 18 years of age Are not a graduate or hold an NVQ level 4 qualification Can demonstrate good basic skills in literacy and numeracy Are motivated and willing to commit for up to two years to work hard to achieve a qualification and on the job skills and experience Are reliable, keen to learn and get on in a career working directly with other people Have achieved or are capable of achieving GCSE grades A to C or equivalent How long is the apprenticeship? Our apprenticeships differ in length depending on their specific role. However, every apprentice is required to successfully pass a probationary review at six months and an annual review at one year. If unsuccessful the apprenticeship is at risk of being brought to an end earlier than originally anticipated. The apprentice is also required to work within the terms of their employment contract and apprenticeship learning agreement otherwise, again, the apprenticeship may finish earlier than anticipated. What qualifications do you gain? All apprentices will be expected to study and achieve one nationally recognised qualification at NVQ Level 2 in one of the following apprenticeship roles; Housing Assistant Housing Maintenance Assistant (i.e. Gas, Electrical, Plumbing, Roofing) Customer Services Business Administration What to do when an apprenticeship finishes On completion of an apprenticeship we cannot offer any guarantee of a job or further training and development opportunities, including any financial support towards the costs of on-going training. However, the following progression opportunities could be considered by an apprentice that has completed their Level 2 apprenticeship with us: Continue to the Level 3 advanced apprenticeship in housing Study for the CIH Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Housing Practice Work towards membership of the professional organisation, the Chartered Institute of Housing Access employment support to identify and find appropriate jobs via our IntoWork programme Apply for non-apprenticeship roles in the housing sector including those in SBHG Apply for non-apprenticeship role in other sectors such as customer service or social care

6 Applying for an apprenticeship Stage 1 Making an application Apprenticeship opportunities will only be advertised once a year in March. Applicants can apply by completing an online application form at or by downloading an application form and posting it to: Community investment co-ordinator (Apprenticeships) Craft Court Glenthorne Road Hammersmith London W6 0LJ Stage 2 Assessment Successful applicants will be expected to complete an initial assessment with the identified college provider or community investment team at SBHG. This will involve a basic English and Maths functional skills assessment and in some cases an IT literacy assessment. Stage 3 Interview On successful completion of the initial assessment candidates will be invited to an interview at our offices. The interview will typically involve a Human Resources (HR) representative and the relevant team line manager. The interview will involve a series of questions relevant to the role and in some cases a presentation. Stage 4 Pre-employment checks If you re successful at interview you will be informed and HR will carry out a number of preemployment checks to include the Disclosure and Barring Service check and references. Stage 5 Offer of Apprenticeship If stages 1-4 are completed successfully then you will be formally offered an apprenticeship role within SBHG.Your employment offer letter will set out your employment terms and conditions in full. Stage 6 Induction Once appointed, apprentices will be expected to attend an induction session at SBHG led by the community investment team before starting their role.

7 Learning agreement Apprentices will be expected to sign a learning agreement which outlines the responsibilities of the apprenticeship provider and the responsibilities of an apprentice. This is a learning agreement between SBHG and our apprentices. We, in partnership with the college provider, agree to provide: 1. An appropriate induction to the college and your apprenticeship programme 2. High quality teaching backed up by appropriate technical and administrative services 3. Regular discussions on your progress with a tutor 4. Additional support to help with a learning difficulty, disability, basic skills or other barrier which might restrict your learning 5. Impartial advice on careers, employment, welfare, finance and pastoral care issues 6. Safe and appropriate environments in which to study and work As a SBHG apprentice, I agree to: 1. Possess a high level of commitment to the apprenticeship opportunity provided 2. Conduct myself in a way which respects the rights of others and complies with both SBHG and the college policies, procedures and terms and conditions 3. Undertake the full range of duties, confidently and competently to the standard set by the housing industry 4. Attend all timetabled activities punctually and explain absence or lateness in accordance with both the training provider and SBHG s sickness and absence policies 5. Take responsibility for my own learning, completing all assignments on time and to the best of my ability 6. Take responsibility for attending the correct assessments and exams. 7. Successfully complete a level 2 qualification within the timescales set by my tutor and SBHG 8. Attend regular reviews with my line manager, assessor, tutor and community investment co-ordinator to monitor progress and support achievements 9. Integrate fully and professionally with other team members and peers. 10. Return all books or equipment loaned to me when I leave/finish my course 11. Inform the college and SBHG in writing, within five working days if my contact details change or if I ve decided to leave the programme of study, giving reasons for this

8 Equality and diversity Contact details Equality and diversity policy statement Shepherds Bush Housing Group is committed to equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion. This commitment is reflected throughout the Group s values, policies, procedures and practices. We believe that people are our most valuable resource and we are committed to ensuring that our employees are provided with a positive working environment that is free from discrimination, harassment and bullying. Our goal is to ensure that these commitments, reinforced by our values, are embedded in our day-to-day working practices with all our employees, customers, colleagues and tenants. We will provide equality of opportunity for all and will not tolerate discrimination on grounds of gender, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, religion, age, disability, HIV positivity, working pattern, caring responsibilities, trade union activity or political beliefs, or any other grounds. Shepherds Bush Housing Group Mulliner House Flanders Road Chiswick London W4 1NN Telephone: Website: Office opening hours Monday Friday: 9am 5pm Community investment team Craft Court Glenthorne Road Hammersmith London W6 0LJ Telephone: community.investment@sbhg.co.uk Website: #BestChanceSBHG Accessibility Full wheelchair access and hearing loop induction facilities are available at Mulliner House.