Swindon College Your guide to Preparing you for an Apprenticeship
Swindon College WELCOME Swindon College is the largest provider of Apprenticeships locally and was one of the first colleges in the country to receive Grade 1 Outstanding by Ofsted in 2013. The College provides excellent industry-standard facilities including Engineering, Construction, Hospitality and Catering, Hairdressing, Beauty and Art and Design making us the first choice for those considering Apprenticeship courses in the region. Our new purpose-built Construction Centre also now provides excellent facilities for our Brickwork and Plastering students on our main campus at North Star. At Swindon College we put students first. We are large enough to offer a full range of courses and facilities but small enough to care about individuals. All apprentices have the benefit of a personal Training Co-ordinator and a team of highly-experienced professional teaching staff and assessors to guide them through every aspect of their programme We offer the widest range of apprenticeships in the area with over 30 courses across Level 2 and 3. Swindon College Apprenticeship success rates are almost 30% above the national average. We are also the top performing college in the South West for Apprenticeships (Source: Skills Funding Agency 2013/14). We advertise our Apprenticeship vacancies on the National Apprenticeship website www.gov.uk and on our college website www.swindon.ac.uk. We will also try to match our apprenticeship applications to any employers who have expressed an interest to us in taking on an apprentice. 2 Telephone: (01793) 498208 email: apprenticeships@swindon.ac.uk
CONTENTS Information What is an Apprenticeship? 4 Why choose an Apprenticeship? 4 What courses are available to me? 5 What do I need to do to get an Apprenticeship? 5 How much will I get paid? 6 Can I do my Apprenticeship with any employer? 6 Courses Accounting 8 Bricklaying 8 Business Administration 8 Carpentry 8 Catering 8 Construction & Maintenance (Multi-skill) 8 Customer Service 9 Early Years 9 Electrical Installation 9 Engineering 9 Financial Services 9 Already found a job? 6 What are the entry requirements for an Apprenticeship? 6 How much does it cost? 6 How will Swindon College help me? 7 What Happens when an Apprenticeship is completed? 7 How can I apply? 7 Graphic Design 9 Hairdressing 10 Hospitality 10 IT 10 Marketing 10 Motor Vehicle 10 Painting & Decorating 11 Plastering 11 Plumbing 11 Team Leading & Management 11 Teaching Assistants 11 Follow us on: www.facebook.com/swindoncollege www.twitter.com/swindoncollege 3
WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP? Apprenticeships refer to on-the-job training leading to nationally-recognised qualifications developed by industry. An Apprenticeship framework is made up of qualifications gained in the workplace and at college, which include: a knowledge based element, a competence based element and functional skills. Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes, so most of the training is on the job and takes place at work, but most apprentices require 1 day per week attendance at college. The length of an apprenticeship can vary between 1 and 4 years depending on the level and type of course. There are three types of apprenticeship you can apply for depending on your current skills and qualifications: Intermediate Level Apprenticeship (Level 2) Advanced Level Apprenticeship (Level 3) Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4 or above). WHY CHOOSE AN APPRENTICESHIP? There are many benefits to the Apprenticeship programme... SALARY An Apprenticeship is an opportunity to earn a wage whilst studying. Research shows that Apprentices earn, on average, over 100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees. CAREER Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications, work for some great businesses and highlight skills and talents to help kick start your career. PROSPECTS You are trained in the practical skills and knowledge that employers want. This provides enhanced career and progression opportunities. EXPERIENCE You will gain valuable work experience and other companies will recognise that you will have experienced the real world of work. EDUCATION The Government has increased the age to which all young people in England must continue in education or training up to 18 years of age. So you can take up an apprenticeship as one of your options after completing year 11 in school. Employers think that qualified apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications, according to the National Apprenticeship Service. 4 Telephone: (01793) 498208 email: apprenticeships@swindon.ac.uk
WHAT COURSES ARE AVAILABLE TO ME? The Apprenticeship programmes available through the College include: Accounting Bricklaying Business Administration Carpentry Catering Construction & Maintenance (Multi-skills) Customer Service Early Years Electrical Installation Engineering Financial Services Graphic Design Hairdressing Hospitality IT Marketing Motor Vehicle Painting & Decorating Plastering Plumbing Team Leading & Management Teaching Assistants. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET AN APPRENTICESHIP? It is up to you to find an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice. Swindon College advertise their Apprenticeship vacancies on the National Apprenticeship Website. Go to www.gov.uk and search Find an Apprenticeship. There is more detailed information on how to access the website and search for vacancies on the Swindon College website: www.swindon.ac.uk/apprenticeships.aspx There are also apprenticeships advertised on the college and recruitment websites as well as locally. Up to 28,000 quality Apprentichip Vacancies are available online at any one time. Source: UK Gov Stats Follow us on: www.facebook.com/swindoncollege www.twitter.com/swindoncollege 5
HOW MUCH WILL I GET PAID? There is a National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate per hour for Apprentices regardless of age whilst they are in the first year of their Apprenticeship. After completion of their first year the National Minimum Wage appropriate to their age applies however many employers choose to pay their Apprentices more than the NMW which covers both time spent on the job and time spent training. For more information on the NMW please visit www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage The employer must give you on-the-job training and will be responsible for paying your wages and generally an apprentice is employed for at least 30 hours per week, but no more than 40 hours per week. CAN I DO MY APPRENTICESHIP WITH ANY EMPLOYER? As long as the employer meets the Health and Safety regulations and are able to offer the correct range of work required to cover the skills criteria of the Apprenticeship, you can work with any employer. ALREADY FOUND A JOB? Great! You may be able to convert it into an apprenticeship. You will need to discuss the idea of becoming an apprentice with your employer. A member of the Swindon College apprenticeship team can then contact them to explain how the apprenticeship will work. They may also be Swindon College will check these details before confirming your Apprenticeship. The employer must agree to employ you for the whole duration of the apprenticeship, pay you at least the NMW and give you appropriate on-the-job training. WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP? Entry requirements vary depending on the course and level studied. However, all Apprentices must be aged 16 or over, in suitable employment, be eligible for a 1500 grant if they are willing to transfer you to an apprentice job role. Please check our website for more details and eligibility criteria: www.swindon.ac.uk/apprenticeships.aspx living in England and not taking part in full-time education or any other government funded course. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? If you are aged 16-18 there is no cost to you, for those aged 19+ fees may be applicable. Please contact The Apprenticeship Team for more information. Also, Apprenticeship funding is currently not available for those who have a degree, HNC, HND or equivalent Level 4 or above qualification. This means you as the apprentice would be liable for the full course fees. 6 Telephone: (01793) 498208 email: apprenticeships@swindon.ac.uk
HOW WILL SWINDON COLLEGE HELP ME? A dedicated Training Co-ordinator will be assigned and will support the apprentice through regular work based review meetings throughout the entire process, helping them achieve deadlines and successfully complete the Apprenticeship programme. The Training Co-ordinator will support with: Deciding which Apprenticeship is right for you Explain the way that Apprenticeships work Agree a training plan Manage the training and evaluation Ensure that national quality standards are met and deliver integrated, coherent training WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AN APPRENTICESHIP IS COMPLETED? The qualifications received as an Apprentice will be recognised by any employer, anywhere in the country. You can progress on to an Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship or Higher Apprenticeships at Level 4 or 5 which are the equivalent of a degree level course. Please see our Qualifications Explained for more information on the college website: www.swindon.ac.uk/apprenticeships.aspx HOW CAN I APPLY? Attend one of Swindon College s Open Events Contact Swindon College Apprenticeship Team for more information: (01793) 498208 or apprenticeships@swindon.ac.uk Apply online at www.swindon.ac.uk or fill out an application form and send it to Student Services, Swindon College, North Star Avenue, Swindon, SN2 1DY. You can apply even if you don t have a job lined up. Once you have made an application, you will be invited to attend an interview and complete certain assessment tasks. Following your interview, if you are successful you will be given an unconditional offer if you already have an employer. If you don t have an employer, your offer will be conditional dependent on you securing suitable employment. Follow us on: www.facebook.com/swindoncollege www.twitter.com/swindoncollege 7
COURSES Accounting (AAT) Level 2 & 3 A head for maths, figures and spreadsheets. Typical work includes costing, maintaining financial records, bookkeeping, administering wages and working with credit management. Brickwork Level 2 & 3 Practical and enjoy working as part of a team outdoors. Typical work includes site safety, efficient work practices and setting out masonry structures. ACCOUNTING APPRENTICE Jordan Garraway Business Administration Level 2 & 3 I have found the course really interesting and I enjoyed the college experience. Good organisational skills, an interest in business and looking for a career in an office based environment. Typical work includes filing, customer service, databases and general office duties. Carpentry & Joinery Level 2 & 3 Practical, hands-on and physically fit. You will learn wood skills including assembly, moving, handling resources and installation within site carpentry or bench joinery. Catering & Professional Cookery Level 2 & 3 Calm under pressure, flexible and enjoy interacting with people. You will study planning menus, preparing and cooking meals and health and safety in the kitchen. Construction & Maintenance (Multi-skill) Level 2 It was easy to relate college work into my daily job which has enabled me to gain a great knowledge of how Nationwide operates. I feel supported by my colleagues and I have built up excellent working relationships with both staff and customers, it has really boosted my confidence. Jordan has now secured a permanent role at Nationwide as an Expenses Administrator. She is keen to continue progressing within the business and is currently gaining further qualifications to enhance her career. Practically minded and hands-on Typical work involves repairing and renewing wood products, plumbing, masonary & tiling repairs, decorating, bricklaying, plastering and carring out roof repairs. 8 Telephone: (01793) 498208 email: apprenticeships@swindon.ac.uk
COURSES Customer Service Level 2 & 3 Able to communicate effectively with patience and courtesy and to think quickly and logically. Typical work involves responding to a diverse range of customers via email, telephone and face to face. Early Years Level 2 & 3 Enjoy working with children and possess empathy, patience, sensitivity and a creative imagination. You will contribute to improving the development of young children. Electrical Level 3 Practical with the ability to understand technical instructions. You will study installing wiring systems, diagnosing and correcting faults and testing installations. Engineering Level 2 & 3 An interest in how things work using practical skills Careers available across manufacturing, product design, development and research in engineering plants. Financial Services Level 2 & 3 Strong interpersonal skills, an eye for detail and commercial awareness You will deal with insurance claims, bank accounts, pensions and investments, credit, securities, mortgages and financial planning EARLY YEARS APPRENTICE Joshua Vickers I m really glad I was offered the position with Sunbeams. I love it here because my colleagues are really supportive which makes it a nice learning experience and my confidence has grown a lot since being here. Daily tasks are shared equally between all of the team and we each have key children, whose development we monitor and help to progress. I share key children with the room leader, but hope to be able to take on my own as I become more experienced. Once Josh completes the Level 2 Apprenticeship, he has the full support of his employer and the college to progress to an Advanced Early Years Level 3 Apprenticeship. Graphic Design Level 2 Creative with a good eye for detail. Working on print based materials, presentations, artwork and graphics. Follow us on: www.facebook.com/swindoncollege www.twitter.com/swindoncollege 9
COURSES Hairdressing Level 2 & 3 Creative with an eye for detail, enjoy interacting with people You will study cutting, styling, blow-drying, bleaching, colouring and perming. Hospitality Level 2 & 3 Organised and flexible with good communication and customer service skills You will be catering to clients,serving beverage to customers, preparing meals,mixing drinks, front of house and housekeeping. IT Level 2 & 3 An interest in improving your computer skills and knowledge. Typical work involves using computer programmes to aid the efficient running of any organisation. Marketing Level 2 &3 Good interpersonal and organisational skills, creativity, imagination and business sense. Typical duties include writing creative copy, helping to organise events and conducting market research. Motor Vehicle Level 2 & 3 Practical with tools, enjoy problem-solving You will be involved in repairing, servicing, inspection, diagnosing problems and customer service. 89% of employers said they d do an Apprenticeship if they were starting their career now. Source: UK Gov Stats MOTOR VEHICLE APPRENTICE Fraser Stead I chose to do an apprenticeship as I was prepared to work really hard and I wanted to receive training on the job as well as in College. I really enjoy my job, even though it can be demanding, and my employer Paul is really supportive. Each morning Paul will set us our tasks for the day, which could be anything from servicing, electrics and diagnostics. I would recommend Swindon College to other people wanting to study on an apprenticeship programme. All of the lessons taught at the college are really practical. Having completed his Apprenticeship six months ahead of schedule, Fraser is currently in the process of becoming certified to carry out MOT tests, which involves attending a training course and an assessment in his workplace. 10 Telephone: (01793) 498208 email: apprenticeships@swindon.ac.uk
COURSES Painting & Decorating Level 2 Practical with a good eye for detail across industrial contracts and domestic work. Typical work includes applying products using different methods and paint systems. Plastering Level 2 Practical, hands on and physically fit Typical duties includes moving and handling materials and plastering internal and external fibrous plasterwork Plumbing Level 2 & 3 Practically minded and hands-on You will study installation and maintenance of hot and cold water systems and sanitisation systems Team Leader Level 2 & Management Level 3 For those working as Team Leaders or Managers aiming to build on their skills. Role is concerned with the motivation of team members and the continuous improvement of their team. Teaching Assistant Level 2 & 3 Desire to support pupils in schools working under the direction of a classroom teacher. You will be implementing learning activities and adjusting to suit the individual child s needs. The average pay for an apprentice is around 170 a week, according to the National Apprenticeship Service. Follow us on: PLUMBING APPRENTICE Jake Henwood As I d been at the college as a full time student, I knew the tutors were really knowledgeable and I d received good recommendations about the Apprenticeship programme. We have all of the resources and facilities on-site at college; plus I get experience of the industry and get to earn whilst I learn. I m only in college one day a week but I can still keep in contact through my Training Coordinator. My employers are really supportive of my Apprenticeship and have a really good relationship with the college. My employer now trusts me to work independently on specific jobs and a typical working day for me includes installing boilers and cylinders. Once Jake completes his Apprenticeship he would like to stay on with his current employer, Phillips and Sutton Ltd and gain more experience, before setting up his own plumbing business. www.facebook.com/swindoncollege www.twitter.com/swindoncollege 11
Swindon College TOP PERFORMING COLLEGE IN THE SOUTH WEST Source: Skills Funding Agency 2013/14 (01793) 498208 * apprenticeships@swindon.ac.uk @ www.swindon.ac.uk S w i n d o n C o l l e g e, N o r t h S t a r A v e n u e, S w i n d o n, W i l t s h i r e, S N 2 1 D Y