APPRENTICESHIPS INFORMATION ABOUT ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES POLICY

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1 APPRENTICESHIPS *** INFORMATION ABOUT ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND OUR POLICY Updates Who Updated Comments Jan 2016 Lewis Wood On-going

2 Contents 1.1 Introduction Key Details of The Wishing Tree Nursery Apprenticeship Scheme Apprenticeship Frequently Asked Questions... 4 Copyright - The Wishing Tree Nursery P a g e 2 of 6

3 1.1 INTRODUCTION Apprenticeships are designed for younger people who wish to train whilst actually performing a particular job role and drawing a salary at the same time. Apprenticeships are subsidised by the government and we are authorised to offer such a scheme working in conjunction with our training partner. Here at the Wishing Tree we will take on apprentices between the age of 16-19, however, older apprentices will be considered up to age 25. Apprenticeships are best suited to people coming into the workforce for the first time, either after school/ college or after a career change. An Apprenticeship is a combination of on- and off-the-job education and training. It is available at two levels: the Apprenticeship at Level 2 and the Advanced Apprenticeship at level 3. Generally it is nursery policy to train apprentices to level 3, however, we will also consider level 2 apprentices. These Apprenticeships have three elements: a qualification, a technical certificate, and a functional skills unit. In the past the qualification element would have been an NVQ but in the future it will be the Level 2 Certificate or the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People s Workforce. 1.2 KEY DETAILS OF THE WISHING TREE NURSERY APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME Whilst studying for the childcare qualification, apprentices will be provided with a full contract of permanent employment, which guarantees the same rights as other members of our staffing team. Candidates will be provided with a contract of employment and a full job description. The key elements of our scheme comprise A fixed term contract of employment to run for 12 months initially, which can be extended if (1) the candidate is still undertaking the course and we are comfortable that they should continue (2) we have a full time permanent position elsewhere in the nursery. We are a large nursery so the chances of extending the contract are very good. The hours are a maximum of 40 per week and subject to a shift system. Overtime may be offered. Initially it is expected that the candidate will work 40 hours per week, but we may reduce these hours if the candidate needs more time to study. Minimum hours will be 25 per week. The apprentice is covered by the same employment legislation as other members of staff. The probationary period runs alongside the 12 months contract and ends when the 12 months training has finished. If the training has not finished in 12 months we reserve the right to either terminate the agreement or extend the probationary period. The notice period for termination on either side is 2 weeks within the first 12 months and 4 weeks after that. The apprentice has similar benefits as permanent members of staff i.e. 15 days holiday in the first year, 20 days after that and 8 bank holidays; sickness during the apprenticeship training period will be SSP (Statutory Sick Pay) only. Full sickness benefits will be paid after the successful probationary period of 12 months. For apprentices we will pay all training costs and these are non-recoverable. For apprentices we will pay all training costs, however, if the candidate fails to complete the course in a manner considered wholly unreasonable, the candidate may be responsible for paying back some of those training costs. Salary for the first 12 months will be 2.60 per hour. At the end of a successful apprenticeship where the qualification has been attained and assuming a further contract has been offered, the candidate can expect to earn a minimum of 5.00 per hour and rising to 6.50 per hour as a full practitioner. Rates are subject to change and are dependent on age, qualification and role offered. In the event that workplace learning packs are not provided, the candidate may be expected to attend either City College (Brighton) or Southdown College (Lewes) for one day per month whilst on training. Generally, we can be flexible as to which College is chosen. These Apprenticeships have three elements: a qualification, a technical certificate, and a functional skills unit. In the past the qualification element would have been an NVQ but in the future it will be the Level 2 Certificate or the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People s Workforce. Copyright - The Wishing Tree Nursery P a g e 3 of 6

4 The candidate will be assessed by our chosen training company, Childsplay Training Ltd of Eastbourne. Assessors will come in usually once per month for roughly an hour. The candidate will also have a supervision session with a senior member of staff. This is once per month also. If the candidate does not have a Maths or English GCSE, a key skills module will be added to the apprenticeship. Apprentices can expect to take on more of the children s care needs initially, however, as they progress with training, they will take on more of the play and learning aspects including some key children. 1.3 APPRENTICESHIP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Where can I obtain general apprenticeship information? For further information and guidance on getting started with your Apprenticeship, contact the National Apprenticeship Service at or, if you are years old, contact the Connexions Direct service by calling or visiting Or if you are 19 or over contact Next Step by calling or visit nextstep.direct.gov.uk. How is learning done through an Apprenticeship? An Apprenticeship is essentially a set of qualifications called a framework developed by Sector Skills Councils. Most Apprenticeship frameworks follow a standard format that comprises: A Diploma (e.g. Level 2 for Intermediate Level Apprenticeships, Level 3 for Advanced Level Apprenticeships). Key Transferable Skills. A Technical Certificate. The learning provider provides the knowledge and develops skills while the employer provides the practical experience to put those skills to the test. What types of Apprenticeships are there? They generally fall into one of three categories: Intermediate Level Apprenticeships Advanced Level Apprenticeships Higher Apprenticeships Can a university graduate do an Apprenticeship? Yes - You can do an Apprenticeship but you will not be eligible for funding. That means your employer or you would have to pay your training costs. If I change employers, do I have to restart my Apprenticeship? No You can continue on the same Apprenticeship programme. If you are aged 19 and over and change employers after you have completed your first year, you will also be able to receive the national minimum wage. What are the advantages of an Apprenticeship? Gaining a qualification whilst employed can mean: You work better and more effectively. It can set you up to move into new and better jobs. You get better pay. You get to experience new and different challenges. Copyright - The Wishing Tree Nursery P a g e 4 of 6

5 Your existing skills and knowledge are recognised and can help you gain a qualification faster. You learn at your own pace and get support when you need it. Better job security. Will an Apprenticeship give me a good career? Career progression is excellent for apprentices, and over the course of their careers, those with an Apprenticeship earn, on average, ,000 more than those without. [A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Apprenticeships and Other Vocational Qualifications, University of Sheffield, 2007] Some Apprenticeships already attract UCAS points or allow you to study for a Technical Certificate. Once the Apprenticeship has finished there s the opportunity to carry on working, maybe get promoted or go on to higher education in a college or university. The National Apprenticeship Service is working with UCAS to extend this system so that more qualifications gained during an Apprenticeship count towards an individual s university application. What s the role of the employer? The employer will give you an induction into the company and your role. They provide on-the-job training and pay your wages. Each apprentice has a manager at work who will be responsible for helping you throughout your training. What are the entry requirements of an Apprenticeship? Different Apprenticeships have different entry requirements. However the most important requirements are that: You must be living in England and not taking part in full-time education. You must be aged 16 or over. If you took your GCSEs over 5 years ago and didn t gain a top grade (A or A*), or you don t have at least GCSE grades (C) in Maths and English you will need to take a literacy and numeracy test. Do I have to pay Tax and National Insurance? Yes. As is the case for all employees aged over 16, apprentices must still pay tax and national insurance on their income. Can apprentices claim additional benefits? Yes. In some limited cases, apprentices can claim additional benefits. You can find out more on benefit claims at Do I have to pay anything to become an apprentice? While you are on an Apprenticeship, your employer pays you a salary and supports you whilst you undertake your training. Most of the training is on the job within the workplace however the rest can be provided by a local college or by a specialist learning provider or in some cases it could all be undertaken by your employer. The National Apprenticeship Service will pay the costs of your training depending on your age. ( years - up to 100%, years - up to 50%, 25 years + Contribution for specified places. How long does it take? The length of an Apprenticeship varies depending on prior skills levels of the apprentice, the qualification being obtained and industry sector. Generally, Apprenticeships take between one and four years to complete. Copyright - The Wishing Tree Nursery P a g e 5 of 6

6 What are my employment rights as an apprentice? Most apprentices are employed and therefore have the same rights as other employees. To find out more about your rights as an apprentice go to Copyright - The Wishing Tree Nursery P a g e 6 of 6