prospectus

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1 prospectus

2 2 Welcome to the Acorn Academy The Acorn Academy enables you to build the valuable skills, experience and qualities you need to succeed! At the Acorn Academy our courses give you real work experience, combined with in-depth knowledge and the opportunity to enhance your English and maths skills to help you get your dream job. We aim to give you an exceptional learning experience using our great facilities and a fantastic work experience placement with a local employer in the sector of your choice. When you leave us you ll be in the perfect position to find employment or continue on to a Traineeship, Apprenticeship or further or higher education. Alongside that we: Have great success rates in all vocational areas Have excellent progression rates for learners Are an excellent alternative to college Have a wide range of qualifications and opportunities for all Give learners the chance to develop new interests, meet new friends and have fun! All of us here at the Acorn Academy look forward to seeing you very soon. #contents About us Welcome to the Acorn Academy 4 Acorn Academy our offer 2015/ Support available 6 Acorn Study Programmes 8 Construction 10 Business & Administration 12 Childcare & Early Years 14 Health & Social Care 15 Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy 16 Traineeships 18 Apprenticeships 20 Raising the Participation Age (RPA) 22 Drop in Careers information, advice and guidance available! About us Study Programme Traineeships Apprenticeships RPA

3 4 Steps to success 18 year-old Lewis Gillott joined Acorn Academy s Innovate programme in October 2014 having left college in August of that year. Prior to joining the programme, Lewis was studying a two year media course at college. During his first year at college Lewis felt that his course wasn t going the way he wanted and decided to leave. He decided to look for an Apprenticeship instead and enrolled himself on to Acorn Academy s Innovate programme to improve his chances. While Lewis was on the programme, a six-week Business Administration Traineeship vacancy became available within the work based learning department of Acorn Training Consultants. Lewis worked four days a week full time, gaining valuable real work experience, and studied one day a week in the Academy developing his skills for the role. Lewis successfully completed his Traineeship and was offered a full time Level 2 Apprenticeship in Business Administration. Lewis is now enjoying his Apprenticeship and the rewards that go with it. Lewis said, The sign up for my programme was a very easy process and the progression from one programme to another was very quick. Currently I am half way through my Apprenticeship and I m really enjoying it. I m always kept busy and enjoy the learning aspect set for me by my Assessor that goes towards my qualification. The work is never that hard but if I am struggling, I simply ask my Assessor for advice on what to do. I really enjoy coming to work every day, I m learning all the time and I m getting paid. I m so glad I took the first step of joining the Academy. Acorn Academy our offer 2015 / 2016 Getting started Your Acorn Academy journey begins with a friendly interview with our Information, Advice and Guidance team. Depending on your interests, age, experience and prior qualifications, they will talk you through the most suitable programmes we have available. Finally, if you do choose one of these programmes, they will help you to plan your future career path that will support you on your journey to achieving your dream job! Our Programmes Acorn Study Programme Construction Business & Administration Childcare & Early Years Health & Social Care Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy Traineeships Work placement in any vocational area Apprenticeships Business & Administration Management Customer Service Warehouse & Storage Team Leading Performing Manufacturing Operations What you can expect from us An individual learning plan based on your needs Information, Advice & Guidance Quality vocational learning On the job learning with an employer in your chosen vocational route Maths and English support to achieve your goals Student led activities and rewards days Support from our great team to help you achieve your potential A fantastic learning experience that helps you secure employment About us Study Programme Traineeships Apprenticeships RPA

4 6 Support available Leaving school and moving on can be a daunting experience. The Acorn Academy encourages a supportive and enjoyable environment for students, where staff are on-hand to offer free and impartial advice to all who need it. We regularly run workshops providing information on the following subjects: Safe sex information and advice Drug and alcohol misuse Healthy eating and support Quit smoking advice and support One-to-one support Managing your personal finances Citizenship Drop in! Careers information, advice and guidance available In the world of work, employers have high expectations and in order for young people to excel in the work place they need relevant experience and qualifications, including maths and English. English and maths The skills involved in English and maths underpin everything you do in your working and adult life. Studying English and maths is an integral part of your programme of study at the Academy. Our specialist tutors will work with you to identify which is the best qualification and level for you, based on your previous study and provide the support you need to achieve. Information, advice and guidance Pastoral Support: Our highly trained and friendly pastoral team offers counselling, help and support to students as well as providing them with information, advice and guidance in all areas of employment, academic and personal life. Financial Support: We understand that some learners may need support with the costs of attending learning so we provide a bursary scheme for learners aged 16-19**. *Conditions apply **Learners must meet the set eligibility criteria in order to access a bu rsary. For those who need some extra help, we will provide one-to-one support, group and workshop sessions and, most importantly, additional revision sessions to help you successfully achieve your qualifications. You will need to provide evidence of all GCSE and Functional Skills qualifications attained prior to starting at the Academy, no matter what the grade or level. Learners who are in care or care leavers also qualify for up to 40 per week. All travel costs are paid for weekly. Learners have the opportunity to earn bonuses for referring friends on completion of qualifications. Bursary Scheme We provide a bursary scheme for learners who are aged 16-19*, enrolled on our courses and meet the right criteria. About us Study Programme Traineeships Apprenticeships RPA

5 8 Acorn Study Programme Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy, Health & Social Care, Construction, Childcare or Business & Administration. Get the skills you need for a great job We offer courses for year-olds in Health & Social Care, Childcare, Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy, Customer Service, Construction and Business & Administration. Our programmes are different from all the rest We want you to get the skills and qualifications you need. We achieve this through a mixture of learning these skills on the job with a real employer for two to three days per week, whilst supporting you to achieve a nationallyrecognised vocational qualification. Additional support is provided for you to improve your English and maths skills to help you secure your dream job. Once enrolled onto the Study Programme we will ensure you are working with an employer on placement by week You will attend the academy for one to two days per week to gain the knowledge required to support you in achieving your vocational qualification. English and maths skills will be taught within your vocational learning, ensuring you develop the right skills to secure a job in the future. If you enjoy working in a practical environment and are interested in developing skills in one of our specialist subjects, our Study Programme can offer you the opportunity to succeed! At our last inspection, OFSTED rated us good with outstanding qualities About us Study Programme Traineeships Apprenticeships RPA

6 10 START DATES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR! Construction Skills This course is designed to develop your practical skills and knowledge base in relation to the construction industry. The qualifications, skills and experience gained whilst learning with the Acorn Academy will allow you to move on into further education, a Traineeship or an Apprenticeship/employment. This programme is ideal for people who are not afraid of hard work, enjoy working in a practical environment and are willing to get their hands dirty. Level one Qualification Award, Certificate or Diploma in Construction Skills at Level 1 Course Length Up to 32 weeks including induction and work placement. Course summary Gain practical experience in the construction industry Develop brickwork and blockwork skills Develop painting and decorating skills Understand how to prepare surfaces Learn about health and safety in the construction industry Identify career opportunities within the construction industry As well as: Develop employability skills Receive help with CVs, job applications, preparing for interviews and career planning Improve your maths and English skills Attend a work placement for two to three days per week to gain the skills you need to get a job in the construction industry (standard) What next? Move onto a Level 2 Apprenticeship Find employment in the construction industry Further education at Level 2 Traineeship in the construction industry Potential careers Handyman Labourer Technician Bricklayer Painter and decorator I have had fun at the Acorn Academy and it has made me more confident. Jake Gale Former Acorn Academy learner Extended learning and additional activities Having worked closely with employers we have designed our programme to ensure you will have the skills you need to be ready to work on site. In addition to the core qualifications in the Construction course, you may have the opportunity, as part of the Acorn rewards scheme, to complete additional elements. These include: Health and Safety Level 1 CSCS card Community Projects Manual Handling About us Study Programme Traineeships Apprenticeships RPA

7 12 START DATES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR! Business & Administration Giving you the foundations of business and administrative knowledge. This course will help you develop skills needed in any business administration related role and provides work experience placements in your preferred sector. You may also have the opportunity to gain valuable insights from guest speakers. Whilst on the programme you will learn about business and administration tasks and customer service skills. Whether you are looking to gain employment in an office, business operation, or event management, the Acorn Academy can help you on to the right path and support you in gaining the skills required to be successful. Level one Qualification Award, Certificate or Diploma in Business & Administration at Level 1 Course Length Up to 32 weeks including induction and work placement. Course summary Develop customer service skills and understand how to apply them in a work setting Create business documents Provide reception services, use office equipment, correctly archive and file documents Be out with an employer two to three days per week As well as: Develop employability skills Receive help with CVs, job applications, preparing for interviews and career planning Improve your maths and English skills What next? Move onto a Level 2 Apprenticeship Find employment Further education at Level 2 Potential careers Office administrator Receptionist Personal assistant (P.A.) Data processor Acorn staff have helped me to achieve my goals in life. I have now passed my English. Thank you. Ryan Patrick Former Acorn Academy learner Extended learning and additional activities Having worked closely with employers we have designed our programme to ensure you will have the skills you need to be ready to work out in the industry. In addition to the core qualifications in the Business & Administration course, you may have the opportunity, as part of the Acorn rewards scheme, to complete additional elements. These include: Telephone techniques Typing skills Marketing using social media Presentation skills About us Study Programme Traineeships Apprenticeships RPA

8 14 START DATES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR! Childcare & Early Years Qualifications encourage an understanding of the knowledge and the skills needed to care for young children. They cover children s growth, learning and development. Extended learning and additional activities Having worked closely with employers we have designed our programme to ensure you will have the skills you need to be ready to work in the industry. In addition to the core qualifications in the Childcare & Ealry Years course, you may have the opportunity, as part of the Acorn rewards scheme, to complete additional elements. These include: Paediatric first aid Learning through play Manual handling Food hygiene Level one Qualification Award, Certificate or Diploma in Caring for Children Course Length Up to 32 weeks including induction and work placement. Course summary Human growth and development from babies to adulthood Healthy balanced diet for children Learning through play Sharing learning experiences with children Science activities for young children Personal development As well as: Develop employability skills Receive help with CVs, job applications, preparing for interviews and career planning Improve your maths and English skills What next? Move onto a Traineeship or Apprenticeship Find employment in the childcare industry Potential careers Nursery nurse Classroom assistant Nanny Child minder START DATES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR! Health and Social Care This course is designed to introduce you to the world of health and social care and give you the knowledge and confidence to take the first step towards a career in caring for children and adults. This programme is ideal for those who have a caring nature and are willing to help others. Extended learning and additional activities Having worked closely with employers we have designed our programme to ensure you will have the skills you need to be ready to work in the industry. In addition to the core qualifications in the Health & Social Care course, you may have the opportunity, as part of the Acorn rewards scheme, to complete additional elements. These include: First aid Moving & Handling Community projects Food hygiene Level one Qualification Award, Certificate or Diploma in Health and Social Care at Level 1 Course Length Up to 32 weeks including induction and work placement. Course summary Gain an understanding of health and social care Learn about principles and values of supporting other people Gain knowledge and understanding of essential health and safety Learn about safeguarding of children and adults Show understanding of equality and diversity Investigate healthy lifestyles Learn how to communicate with children and adults in a working environment Complete a one-week paid work experience placement As well as: Develop employability skills Receive help with CVs, job applications, preparing for interviews and career planning Improve your maths and English skills Attend a work placement in a care environment two to three days per week What next? Move onto a Traineeship or Apprenticeship Find employment in the health and social care industry Further education at Level 2 or Level 3 Potential careers Childcare assistant Health Care assistant Youth work Community support worker Residential carer Nursery nurse Nursing About us Study Programme Traineeships Apprenticeships RPA

9 16 START DATES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR! Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy This course is designed to equip you with the practical skills needed to work in the hair and beauty sector. Learn professional tips and techniques from our industry-based tutors in areas such as nail art and make up. This programme is suited to people who have a creative flair and are keen to learn more about hair, beauty and cosmetics. Level one Qualification Award, Certificate or Diploma in Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy at Level 1 Course Length Up to 32 weeks including induction and work placement. Course summary Gain practical experience within the hair and beauty industry Identify career opportunities in the hair and beauty industry Gain work-related skills within the hair and beauty sector Learn basic manicure techniques Learn basic nail art techniques Design and create a hair and beauty image Develop knowledge of skin care techniques Learn how to apply make up Attend a work placement two to three days per week to enable you to gain the skills you need to secure a job As well as: Develop employability skills Receive help with CVs, job applications, preparing for interviews and career planning Improve your maths and English skills What next? Move onto a Level 2 Apprenticeship Find employment in the hair and beauty industry Further education at Level 2 Traineeship or Apprenticeship Potential careers Beauty therapist Nail technician Hairdresser I enjoyed the Beauty course the most as that s where I gained new friends and I could show my creativity and skills. Rosie Former Acorn Academy learner Extended learning and additional activities Having worked closely with employers we have designed our programme to ensure you will have the skills you need to be ready to work out in the industry. In addition to the core qualifications in the hair & beauty course, you may have the opportunity, as part of the Acorn rewards scheme, to complete additional elements. These include: Telephone techniques Health & safety in the salon Merchandising and product promotion About us Study Programme Traineeships Apprenticeships RPA

10 18 Traineeships Traineeships prepare young people for the future by helping them to become work ready. What are Traineeships? Traineeships provide the essential work based knowledge and experience employers are looking for, as well as allowing you to work towards a maths and English qualification (if required) to get an Apprenticeship or employment. Traineeships help you gain the skills and confidence needed for an Apprenticeship or other job. They also allow you to have a go at the job before making a final commitment. Traineeships are meaningful work placements which provide insight into experience of the world of work and may even lead to you securing an Apprenticeship position at the end! Why are Traineeships important? Traineeships ensure you have the work skills, maths, English and work experience needed to start your desired career. Developed in response to business needs, Traineeships ensure employers have the talented workforce required for business success. Work preparation training and work experience will put you in a better position to compete for an Apprenticeship and job. At the end of the work experience placement you will get a reference and an exit interview, or a job interview if a role becomes available, with the company. This will help you assess the progress you made and give you a better understanding of what employers want and expect. Who are Traineeships for? Traineeships are an ideal opportunity for young people who are motivated to get a job but who lack the skills or experience that employers are looking for. Traineeships benefit young people who have yet to gain work experience and/or qualifications and just need an opportunity to develop their skills. Traineeships are for those who want to be in the workplace rather than a classroom environment. Suitable for a Traineeship: Unemployed and have little work experience Motivated to work Aged 16 to 18 and qualified below Level 3 Ideal for young people who want to be in the workplace Can be ready for employment or an Apprenticeship within three months of starting the programme. Who can take a Traineeship? You must be years old and: out of work with little work experience working fewer than 16 hours a week leaving school/college finding it hard to get an Apprenticeship not sure you have the skills for an Apprenticeship. How long does it last? Traineeships can last from six weeks to six months. How much will you earn? Traineeships are unpaid but we will support with travel costs and you may be eligible for the bursary scheme. You can expect three things from a Traineeship: 1 High quality work placements where you can learn what s expected of you in the workplace. 2 Flexible training in other relevant areas to help you get ready for work, such as job searching, interview skills, time-keeping and team work. 3 Study in English and maths employers value these essential skills very highly. At the end of your Traineeship, if there is a job or Apprenticeship vacancy with the work placement host, you will receive an interview. If there isn t a job or Apprenticeship opportunity at that time, you will receive a reference and an exit interview with the employer who provided the work placement. In your interview you can discuss what you ve learned and how it might help you with your CV and support you getting into a job or an Apprenticeship. Whether you go for a Traineeship or Apprenticeship will depend on your age, experience and qualifications. What types of Traineeship are on offer? Many employers offer both Traineeships and Apprenticeships so you may be able to move to the next level with the same employer. You could go in to any one of the 170 industries with 1400 different job roles, such as design assistant, cabin crew, dental nurse or trainee accountant. About us Study Programme Traineeships Apprenticeships RPA

11 20 20 Apprenticeships Apprentices do real jobs for real employers so you re paid while you learn. Why an Acorn Apprenticeship? If you are entering work for the first time, you will start earning from day one of your Apprenticeship. There is no set rate of pay for apprentices, however all employed apprentices must receive the minimum salary level of 3.30 per hour (from October 2015) but many earn more than this. Our job is to make sure that our training fits your personal requirements, offers the skills needed for your job and satisfies national standards. Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money all at the same time. We offer both intermediate and advanced level Apprenticeships in Business & Administration, Customer Service, Warehousing, Performing Manufacturing Operations (PMO), Team Leading and Management. You will work towards a work-based qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) alongside a framework of additional qualifications recognised by your chosen sector. Employers all over the country recognise and value Apprenticeships as they show that you ve been trained in the skills they need. An Apprenticeship lasts a minimum of 12 months. A real future After finishing, the majority of apprentices (85 per cent) will stay in employment. One third (32 per cent) of all former apprentices had received a promotion within 12 months of finishing, and of those in work, three quarters (75 per cent) reported taking on more responsibility in their job. Employers think that qualified apprentices are 15 per cent more employable than those with other qualifications. Apprenticeship FAQs What types of Apprenticeships are there? Intermediate Apprenticeship (level 2) Advanced Apprenticeship (level 3) The core components for Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeships are: A nationally recognised vocational qualification Functional Skills, (e.g. English, maths and ICT) A Technical Certificate such as a BTEC or City & Guilds (relevant to your specific Apprenticeship) Other professional qualifications or requirements specified by sector If I change employers, do I have to restart my Apprenticeship? No If the role is similar 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 receive the national minimum wage. How is learning delivered through an Apprenticeship? The learning provider provides the knowledge and develops skills while the employer provides the practical experience to put those skills to the test. Training can be classroom or workshop based, or in a workplace, depending on subject and learning provider. When can I apply? You can apply at any time of year. When you begin the work-based training, depends upon the availability of a position at an employer. I ve already got a job can I still do an Apprenticeship? Yes. If your employer agrees, you can become an apprentice where you work now. How long does it take? The length of an Apprenticeship varies depending on your prior skills, the qualification being obtained and industry sector. Generally, Apprenticeships take between one and four years to complete. About us Study Programme Traineeships Apprenticeships RPA

12 22 Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) From September 2012 the government introduced an initiative called Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) which means that young people like you need to continue in education or training until at least your 18th birthday. You will be able to participate through a range of options: Full-time education, such as school or college; An Apprenticeship; or Part-time education or training if you are employed, self-employed or volunteering for 20 hours or more a week. You can find out more information about RPA at: childrenandyoungpeople/youngpeople/ participation/rpa For parents Child Benefit if your child is in further education or training When your child reaches 16 you can still get Child Benefit for them. What type of education counts for Child Benefit? Education counts for Child Benefit if it s full-time, non-advanced education. Your child needs to have started, enrolled or been accepted onto a course that counts before their 19th birthday. Full-time means that, on average, more than 12 hours a week in term time is spent on: Tuition Supervised study Contacting the Child Benefit Office Practical work Taking exams You can contact the Child Benefit Office in a number of ways. You can tell them about any changes or ask for advice: Online: hmrc.gov.uk By calling the Child Benefit Helpline By writing to the Child Benefit Office PO Box 1, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE88 1AA Your journey We want you to get to the Acorn Academy easily, conveniently and as cheaply as possible. We ll help you find the best transport option whether it s cycling, catching a bus or walking. For cost-effective journeys, you can check out cut-price travel options at: b_line card If you are 16 to 18-years old, resident in Derbyshire and studying full time, this pass enables you to buy bus and train tickets at a discounted rate of up to one third. Visit Where to find us Mango card If you travel by Tent Barton Buses, a rechargeable Mango card may reduce your travel costs by up to 35 per cent. Visit About us Study Programme Traineeships Apprenticeships RPA

13 Part of Get in touch with the Acorn Academy if you would like to enrol or find out more. Call: Ripley Centre First Floor, Knightsbridge Place, Nottingham Road, Ripley, DE5 3DJ