APPRENTICESHIPS SHAPING THE FUTURE chef front digital talent support petroc tm The college for kick starting careers
Hannah De Wynter-Smith Business and Administration Apprentice Exams Office - Petroc After finishing my A levels in Minehead, I wasn t sure what I wanted to do next. I knew I wanted to find employment and, when I saw the apprenticeship vacancy at Petroc, I thought it sounded like a great opportunity. I like the fact I m gaining real life experience. With such competition for jobs, employers look for experience so I think doing an apprenticeship will help me find employment in the future. I m studying a Level 2 in Business and Administration as part of the apprenticeship, which is great, as I m able to apply what I ve learnt on my course directly to the work I m doing. Another bonus is the fact I m getting paid and not accumulating debt, like many of my friends at university.
I like the fact I m gaining real life experience.
Richard Staines Integrated Work Team Manager Babcock Former Petroc Engineering Apprentice After I finished college I went to university to study sports science but, due to a footballing injury, I had to leave the course after about 10 months. I felt a bit lost for a while, and wasn t sure whether to try another university course or find a job. Then I noticed the apprenticeship advert for Babcock. For me, it was the combination of working and learning that made an apprenticeship such an attractive prospect. Uni had been all about study, study, study, whereas I knew this would give me hands-on, practical experience. Babcock really promotes training. Since I made the decision to do the apprenticeship, I ve had so many training opportunities through Petroc, and I am currently doing an Institute of Leadership and Management course through them. After my apprenticeship finished I went to work in design for eight months, before applying for a team leader position. I got the job and ended up working under the ship manager, and I am currently an Integrated Work Team Manager, under a trainee plan. For me, it was the combination of working and learning that made an apprenticeship such an attractive prospect.
If you re straight out of school and still not sure which route to go down then I would say definitely consider an apprenticeship in maintenance operations. Deane Andrews Maintenance Operations Apprenticeship Level 2 After school, I applied for an Apprenticeship in Maintenance Operations to gain a broad range of skills for a career in the construction industry. I knew I didn t want to be stuck in a classroom any longer and I d always had a keen interest in construction, but didn t know which area I wanted to specialise in, so this seemed like the perfect option for me. Because this course covers such a wide range of skills, I can put my hand to anything on site. Everything I do at college applies to what I do at work. I would recommend this course to others in a similar position. If you re straight out of school and still not sure which route to go down then I would say definitely consider an apprenticeship in maintenance operations. This course gives you a wide range of skills and more time to find out what you re good at before specialising. So many of my friends say they re bored doing the same thing day in, day out. I never have that problem every day brings something new.
SHAPE YOUR FUTURE WITH AN APPRENTICESHIP With so many benefits, it s easy to see why more and more people are choosing to start an apprenticeship. As an apprentice you will learn on the job, getting hands on experience in a real life working environment. This will get your career off to a fantastic start and will put you in contact with potential employers for when you finish your training. During your apprenticeship your qualification will be delivered by Petroc (either at college or in the workplace), by our experienced and friendly tutors and practitioners, who will support you throughout your time as an apprentice and make sure you get the absolute most out of it. The big draw for most apprentices is the regular wage. As you re doing real work for real employers, you get paid. You will also be entitled to paid holidays, like any other employee. With the independence of employment and the security of training becoming an apprentice really is a win-win situation. Apprenticeship areas we offer: Accounting Beauty Therapy Business and Administration Creative industries various areas Customer Service Decorative Occupations Electrical Installation Engineering Hairdressing Health and Social Care Hospitality and Catering Motorcycle - Maintenance and Repair Motor Vehicle - Light Vehicle Plastering Plumbing and Mechanical Engineering Services Retail Trowel Occupations Using Information Technology Wood Occupations An Advanced Apprenticeship is offered in many of the above areas, which will allow the apprentice to study at Level 3 or higher if they choose. We are constantly developing and expanding our apprenticeship schemes, so get in contact if you work in an area that s not on the list. You never know we might already be planning to add it to our provision. Visit www.petroc.ac.uk/apprentice or call 01271 852419
FAQs HOW DOES AN APPRENTICESHIP WORK? Apprenticeships are made up of qualifications gained in the workplace or at college. The training that takes place in college is delivered at one of Petroc s specialist training centres - Barnstaple or Tiverton Campus - by qualified tutors and experienced practitioners. You will attend college on one or two days a week, or on a block release basis, depending on the occupational area being studied. At college and in the workplace, you will learn in a practical environment and be guided, supported and encouraged. HOW LONG DOES AN APPRENTICESHIP TAKE? An apprenticeship usually takes between one and four years to complete, depending on your experience and the occupational area being studied. The requirements of your employer and the specific tasks you are required to carry out also have an effect on the length of the training. WHAT ARE THE COSTS AND IS FUNDING AVAILABLE? If you are aged 16-18 all your tuition and examination fees are fully funded by the Government through the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). Learners aged 19 and over are not fully funded so your employer will contribute towards fees and the rest of the cost will be funded by the NAS. Apprentices of all ages may, however, be expected to contribute towards additional materials, such as books, uniform or equipment. IS THERE ANY SUPPORT AVAILABLE? You will be allocated a Placement Officer from the start of your apprenticeship and they will be your main college contact. They will carry out the initial interview and discuss any additional learning support with you. They will also regularly visit your workplace to carry out a progress review and to offer guidance and support. WHAT GOES INTO AN APPRENTICESHIP? The apprenticeship framework is made up of a work based qualification, which is achieved through the assessment of practical tasks in the workplace, and a further qualification which is achieved through training either at college or in the workplace. You will also study functional skills in Maths, English and ICT, employment rights and responsibilities and learn about safety in the workplace. HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE? Contact: Apprenticeship Administration Team 01271 852419 www.petroc.ac.uk/apprentice * As of October 2012, subject to change. Also, please note that wage rates for roles within the agricultural sector may differ from the minimum wage stated above. HOW MUCH IS AN APPRENTICE PAID? The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for apprentices is 2.65 per hour*. However, as skills develop, many employers tend to increase wages. Research has found that apprentices earn an average of 170 net pay per week. The apprentice NMW applies to all 16-18 year olds and to those aged 19 and over in the first year of their apprenticeship. If you reach 19 years old and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship your employer must pay at least the full NMW rate for those aged 18-20. If you are 19 and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship you must be paid at least the NMW rate for your age. Visit www.petroc.ac.uk/apprentice or call 01271 852419
Old Sticklepath Hill, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 2BQ 01271 852419 Visit www.petroc.ac.uk/apprentice or call 01271 852419