Apprenticeships Applicants Brochure for learners V1. 2014 Apprenticeships - Applicants Guide APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAYS AVAILABLE: Level 2 & Level 3 in Business & Administration Level 2 & Level 3 in Customer Service Level 2 & Level 3 in Health & Social Care (Adults) Lifecare institute is the trading name of Lifecare Qualifications Limited (Registration number: 07369500) Lifecare Centre, Unit 319 Burford Business Centre, 11 Burford Road, London E15 2ST Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8221 4160 Facsimile: +44 (0) 20 3060 3930 e-mail: train@life-care.co.uk www.life-care.co.uk What is an Apprenticeship? Earn while you learn!
For many, the later years at school can be frustrating when all you want to do is get out into the world, start working and earn a living. Likewise, if you're already working, you may be looking to try something new altogether or to improve your skills and knowledge to help you progress up the career ladder. You may also want to improve your prospects of finding a job in your chosen industry. Whether you're looking for your first role or are already in employment, Apprenticeships give you the chance to do just that. They enable you to enter or stay in the world of work, earn a decent wage and learn new skills. An Apprenticeship will offer you amazing opportunities to shine in a job you enjoy. Apprenticeships mix on-the-job training with classroom learning. They provide you with the skills you need for your chosen career that will also lead to nationally-recognised qualifications. As an Apprentice you earn while you learn and receive other benefits as well. Apprenticeships are real jobs for real people. Types of Apprenticeship available Over 150 types of Apprenticeship! There are more than 150 Apprenticeships available in approximately 80 sectors of industry and commerce. These range from nail services to nuclear engineering, sea fishing to scaffolding, carpentry to ceramics manufacturing. You can find details of almost all of these in Section Two of the printed Guide. The range is vast and the opportunities are excellent. Whatever industry you decide to pursue a career in, you should be able to find an Apprenticeship that suits you. Apprenticeship frameworks can be divided into a number of sub-sections: Beauty and wellbeing Business* and IT Charity and volunteering Construction Creative Customer Service* Energy Engineering and electrical Finance Land-based industries Manufacturing and logistics Marine Public services Sport and fitness Travel and hospitality Vehicles and Transport Health and Social Care (Adults)* *Lifecare provides apprenticeships in these three sectors.
Levels There are three levels of Apprenticeship: Intermediate Level Apprenticeship** Working towards work-based qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2, Key Skills and perhaps a learning-based qualification such as a BTEC. The qualifications you receive are equivalent to five GCSEs at grades A C. Advanced Level Apprenticeship** You can expect to gain a work-based qualification such as an NVQ Level 3 as well as Key Skills. In most cases you ll work towards a learning-based qualification such as a BTEC. These qualifications are equivalent to two A-levels. Higher Apprenticeship You ll work towards work-based qualifications such as an NVQ Level 4 and perhaps a learning-based qualification such as a foundation degree. **Lifecare provides these levels only. What are they like? Doing an Apprenticeship is just like having a real job. Basically, you ll work alongside experienced members of staff to learn the exact skills needed for your chosen career, whether that s hairdressing, cooking or engineering. As well as learning on the job, you ll go to a college or training provider, usually on a day-release basis, to study towards a nationally recognised qualification, such as an NVQ. This gives you the perfect mix of theory and practical learning. All Apprenticeships include the following elements: A competencies qualification which you ll need to achieve to qualify for your Apprenticeship certificate. This qualification shows that you are competent in performing the skill, trade or occupation your Apprenticeship requires. A technical knowledge qualification to show you have the necessary technical skills, knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts as well as knowledge and understanding of the relevant industry and its market. Either Key Skills (e.g. team-working, problem-solving, communication and using new technology) or Functional Skills to help you achieve a good standard of literacy and numeracy. How long does it take? There's no set time to complete an Apprenticeship as they vary widely in content and size. The length of time taken will depend on the sector chosen, the ability of the individual apprentice and the employer's requirements. Apprenticeships typically take between one and four years to complete, depending on the type of framework, so it's important that you're committed enough to see it through.
What's in it for me? Give yourself a headstart Apprenticeships offer high-quality, work-based training programmes and are a fantastic way to launch yourself into a career when you have finished school. They are also a great route for those already in employment to develop or change their future prospects and career. Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular. Last year, there were more than 250,000 Apprentices in England alone, training in over 180 different types of Apprenticeship. As you get paid throughout your Apprenticeship you have no worries about paying course fees or student loans. Why should I do one? There are lots of great reasons to do an Apprenticeship, but here are the big ones: Money Qualifications Training Money You ll be working for an employer and earning a salary while you learn. Salaries vary, but apprentices earn an average of 170 per week. Some employers may have a rewarding wage structure where the pay rate increases during the program, generally correlated with the demonstration of a positive performance. Funding While you re on an Apprenticeship, your employer pays you a salary and supports you in your training most of your learning will happen at work, but some might take place with a training provider. Financial help is available and you won t have to pay any fees. If you re between 16 and 18, the Government will pay the full cost of your training (if you re over 19, your employer may be expected to contribute to your training costs). The funding you re eligible to receive depends entirely on your circumstances, your employer and the type of Apprenticeship. Don t worry your employer will work with you to try and support your individual requirements. Salary The National Minimum Wage is 2.68 per hour for apprentices under 19, or those who are aged 19 or over but are in the first year of their Apprenticeship. Many employers will pay you more as you develop your skills the average apprentice takes home around 170 per week. It s important to remember that completing an Apprenticeship will mean you earn more in the long run research shows that apprentices earn, on average, around 73,000 more over their lifetime than other employees, and this figure rises to 100,000 for those who have completed an Advanced Level Apprenticeship you ll also be more employable than those who leave education without these qualifications.
Other benefits As an apprentices you will receive the same benefits as other employees in the company. You ll get paid holidays too. In special circumstances there are Learner Support Funds available, depending on your situation, the type of Apprenticeship you are doing, and your age. These vary depending on your employer and learning provider and need to be discussed with them individually. Qualifications You ll gain nationally recognised qualifications that will be valid for any employer. That means you can change jobs and take your skills and qualifications with you. All Apprenticeships include the following elements: A competencies qualification which you ll need to achieve to qualify for your Apprenticeship certificate. This qualification shows that you are competent in performing the skill, trade or occupation your Apprenticeship requires. A technical knowledge qualification to show you have the necessary technical skills, knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts as well as knowledge and understanding of the relevant industry and its market. Functional Skills to help you achieve a good standard of literacy and numeracy. There are three levels of Apprenticeship: Intermediate Level Apprenticeship (Level 2) Advanced Level Apprenticeship (Level 3) Higher Level Apprenticeship (Level 4+) Training With an Apprenticeship under your belt, employers will know that you ve got the skills and training needed to do the job and they ll be more likely to hire you. Taking an Apprenticeship doesn t restrict you to one specific job role. During your training you ll pick up a number of skills that will make you more attractive to other employers, from basic skills like teamwork and health and safety awareness, to more specialised capabilities that will help you progress through the industry. Training that's useful Employers all over the country recognise and value Apprenticeships. This is because they demonstrate that you've achieved the skills you need to produce great work. This means that you can develop excellent career prospects, depending on your progress, and go on to be offered a full time role by your employer at the end of your training.
What can I do next? When you complete an Apprenticeship, you ll be able to prove to any employer that you have the required skills, qualifications and dedication to do the job. There s also the opportunity to progress on to higher education, either part-time or full-time, with your employer s help and support. An Apprenticeship will also provide you with an edge in the job market, as well as giving you a great sense of personal satisfaction. An Apprenticeship will also increase your chances of gaining a good rate of pay and being promoted. In the long term, you could also proceed to further education there are many Apprentices who go on to complete degrees. What can I expect? Earn a good wage while you continue to learn If you're entering the world of work for the first time, you'll start earning a wage from day one of your Apprenticeship. There is no set salary for Apprentices. However, a recent survey showed that the average wage per week for an Apprentice is now around 170, and in some job roles, around 210 per week. This is dependent on your employer and the type of work you do. As your skills develop and you begin to progress, your pay will increase accordingly. Research shows that Apprentices earn, on average, over 100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees. Qualifications On completion of your Apprenticeship, you'll have a package of nationally recognised qualifications. That means they will be valid for any employer so you can change jobs and take your skills and qualifications with you. Your performance and knowledge is assessed on the job as you reach different levels. These assessments count towards your final work-based qualification, such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), which will be at either Level 2 or Level 3/4. Examining bodies award these qualifications to make sure there's a consistently high level of quality across the nation. Depending on the Apprenticeship you choose, you may also study for a technical certificate which will give you further knowledge and understanding of your job. This might be a City & Guilds Certificate. You'll also learn communications, information technology, problem solving, application of numbers and personal skills. These important skills will help you do any job and make you more employable in whatever career path you choose to follow. Paid holidays Like most employees, you will be given paid holiday and bank holidays. Your individual entitlement will be detailed in your terms of employment or training agreement: 20 days is an average holiday entitlement. Just like any other job, your employer will have rules about how far in advance holidays need to be booked, and the times that holiday can't be taken. You may also be able to take some time off for study leave, in addition to your usual paid leave.
Other opportunities Many employers also offer opportunities to get involved in out of work activities including social events, community projects or volunteer programmes. Support during training Your employer or training provider will ensure that you have a mentor. Their job is make sure that your training fits your personal requirements, offers the skills needed for the job and meets national standards. They'll also be there to help you through any difficult times and answer any questions you may have. Prospects Because Apprenticeships train you in the skills that employers want, they give you choices in your career. When you've completed your Apprenticeship you can carry on working, maybe get promoted, or even go on to higher education in a college or university. How do I apply? Visit the 'Find an Employer' section You'll find lots of companies on this website who are looking for apprentices. It's a great place to start If you wish to apply with for Lifecare vacancies follow the steps below: Option 1 To apply for our Apprenticeship positions please forward your C.V and a cover letter to lurdes@lifecare.co.uk. On your cover letter you should explaining: Why would you like to work for the respective organisation? Why do you believe to be the right candidate for the job? Note: Remember to quote where you have heard about this vacancy and quote the vacancy reference on the subject tab of your email. Option 2 Visit http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/, register yourself as an applicant and search by Lifecare Consulting under search by learning provider. You can then apply for the vacancies which we are currently advertising directly from there. National Apprenticeship Service The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) (www.apprenticeships.org.uk) look after Apprenticeships in England and are good people to contact. You can search for, view and apply for Apprenticeship vacancies across the country through their website, register your details to find out more information, or use their helpline for support and general advice.
Search for vacancies online You can search for Apprenticeship vacancies by postcode, keyword, occupation type, job role, or learning provider. Click on the Search for vacancies link to see what s available. NAS helpline Call the NAS helpline (T: 08000 150 600) for support using the online vacancy matching service. An advisor will also be able to give you general advice on applications and how to put yourself forward in the best light. The call is free and could lead to your future career. Employer contact If you've found an Apprenticeship within a company that particularly interests you then you can approach the employer directly. Before you contact them, it's a good idea to check the company's website as answers to the most common questions might be there. Remember that you'll be contacting the company as a potential employee so act professional - first impressions are important. Finding an employer To find companies offering Apprenticeships, check your local job listings and Jobcentre plus. Local recruitment agencies might also be a good source of advice. Already working? If you've got a job, why not ask your employer if they'd consider taking you on as an apprentice? Point them to the employers' section of the NAS website - www.apprenticeships.org.uk - for more information. Am I eligible? How to get onto a scheme There are no set entry requirements for Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over 16 living in England, not currently in full-time education or holding a university degree. Entry requirements are flexible because Apprenticeships are not just based on academic achievement. Employers value your enthusiasm for work and desire to learn, so your practical skills and interest in your chosen area are very important. In order to apply you need to be: Committed Able to show that you ve fully researched the area of work you want to do, and you re the right person for the job Aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you Prepared for further study Realistic about the amount of work you may have to do Happy to work both as part of a team and an individual Able to use your own initiative Apprenticeships can be demanding, but very rewarding. It s not just a question of seeing what s out there and then selecting your career path. It helps if you re focused enough to know what you want to do before you apply. Access to Apprenticeships If you are aged between 16 and 24 but not eligible to take on a full Apprenticeship you might be able to join the Access to Apprenticeships programme. As a participant on this programme you would work towards the elements of a full Apprenticeship for up to 6 months before moving to a full paid Apprenticeship with a contract of employment
once you have demonstrated your commitment to work and study to the required standards. Talk to your careers advisor to find out if you might be eligible. Equality and diversity Apprenticeship programmes are inclusive and must comply with the principles of equality and diversity. They must show that they take an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Apprenticeships must ensure equality of access for those with a learning difficulty. If there are any legal restrictions that limit entry to an Apprenticeship these must be stated. Useful links Your best friend for this one is of course Google, but there are some other really useful resources out there. The most comprehensive is the National Apprenticeship Service, which has loads of information. You can also check the Government website and National careers Advice. You can search for a job at the JobCentre Plus site. Government website The official UK Government website offers loads of useful careers information for young people. On this site you can: apply for a Jobseeker s Allowance plan your career using the Next Step service build your CV search and apply for jobs via Jobcentre Plus contact a careers advisor and lots, lots more. There s a whole host of advice that might be useful to you, about careers and many other aspects of your everyday life. The Apprenticeship Guide 2014 printed guide The printed guide is now available to purchase at the price of 24.99 including postage and packing. Generous discounts are available for multiple copy orders. To order your copy now contact Jacques Clarkson on tel: 0844 858 2890 or by email:jacques.clarkson@barkerbrooks.co.uk. The Guide is over 300 pages and includes over 50 updated frameworks and a wealth of information on Apprenticeships including case studies and inspiring true stories, together with hints and tips on making an application, CV preparation and contact details of companies offering Apprenticeships. Testimonials I have used the Apprenticeship Guide alongside a range of other books and materials in group activities from Year 9 to Year 12 and, despite what people say about everything being web-based these days, I can tell you from my own experience that the students were almost fighting each other to get their hands on it. The Apprenticeship Guide is an essential part of my small library and I strongly recommend it as a resource for teachers, advisers, parents and discerning students. Alan Bullock, freelance careers consultant This guide represents a fantastic recalibration of information available for Apprenticeships that have been available for degrees and university education for quite some time. It gives me confidence that one day we
will have a system where the signposts for both systems are equally valued; that there will be easy access to both routes. Jason Holt, CEO of Holts Group The Apprenticeship Guide is a must-have for anyone looking into their career options. Updated every year, it has the latest information and contacts for all the UK s Apprenticeship offerings as well a great advice section on how to apply, CV writing, covering letters and interviews. It s a resource I recommend on our site, as I believe it s a great starting point for those who want to find out more about what s available and where it can take them. Keri Allan, editor of the Institution of Engineering and Technology s apprentices web area As an Awarding Organisation whose long-term goal is a stronger, more sustainable economy, Apprenticeships play a key role in what we do. The Apprenticeship Guide provides aspiring apprentices with engaging and valuable content including news and case studies as well as support for taking an Apprenticeship. It is an invaluable tool for anyone aspiring to become an apprentice. City & Guilds Reviews As a freelance Careers Consultant working with schools, colleges, universities and fellow professionals, I keep a small library of books that I find invaluable as information sources and The Apprenticeship Guide is one of my essentials. The initial What s it all about? section provides some very good content and useful advice on where Apprenticeships fit into the wider framework of opportunities and how to prepare CVs and covering letters. What I then find so helpful about the core of the book is how it presents a comprehensive Apprenticeship menu divided into 16 sectors and more than 170 occupational areas. I often use a menu approach as an inspirational guidance tool, showing clients the full range of options that are out there and then helping them to eliminate those that are of no interest, which presents them with a shortlist of what they could potentially do. The Guide is immensely helpful in this context, especially in the way that the 170+ occupations are described in succinct, wellwritten half- or full-page summaries, each with further basic details like potential salaries added in a side-panel. The final section provides regional summaries of learning providers and careers guidance agencies broken down by county (in the case of the latter giving a fair picture of the very fragmented nature of current provision). Throughout the book there are also lots of good case studies ( True stories ) presented as an introduction to each sector. To top it all, even the advertisements contribute very positively to the book because, without exception, they all feature information on real opportunities. Consequently every single one of the 348 pages in the book delivers something useful. I have used the Guide alongside a range of other books and materials in group activities from Year 9 to Year 12 and, despite what people say about everything being web-based these days, I can tell you from my own experience that the students were almost fighting each other to get their hands on it. So, The Apprenticeship Guide is an essential part of my small library and I strongly recommend it as a resource for teachers, advisers, parents and discerning students. Alan Bullock, freelance careers consultant www.alanbullockcareers.co.uk Information source accessed in Jan 2014: http://www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk/