Apprenticeships in recruitment FAQs

Transcription

1 Apprenticeships in recruitment FAQs

2 Apprenticeships in recruitment FAQ s If you ve got a generic question which isn t here, info@rec.uk.com. We ll get back to you with an answer and add it to the next FAQ version. Questions about your particular circumstances will need to be answered by one of our training providers. General Introduction Page 1-2 Programme Criteria Page 2 Training providers Page 2 Devolved nations Page 3 Miscellaneous What is an apprenticeship? How are apprenticeships different to modern apprenticeships? What does it involve? How long does it take? What is a framework? Do apprentices take exams? What are transferable skills? How often do apprentices attend college or training sessions? Is there an upper age limit for apprenticeships? How can I find a provider in my area? We provide training, can we become a provider? Can I choose my training provider? What s the role of learning providers? Can I take the apprenticeship in Scotland? Can I take the apprenticeship in Northern Ireland? Can I take the apprenticeship in Wales? What do we do to find out more?

3 Employer Apprentice Benefits Page 4 Recruitment Page 5 Applying Funding Page 5-6 Contractual Page 6 Miscellaneous Page 7 Why should I take on an apprentice? My business is struggling to make ends meet as it is with the recession. How is taking on an apprentice going to help my businesses manage through it? What is the financial benefit to me? What evidence is there that hiring an apprentice is good for my business? How do I hire an apprentice? Can I nominate someone from my company to become an apprentice? / I have an employee keen to do an apprenticeship. Can I still take them on as an apprentice? Is there a limit to the number of apprentices that I can take on? How do I apply? Can I get funding? Do I receive any monetary incentives to take on an apprentice? Is there a cost for employers? How much should I pay an apprentice? Are apprentices eligible for maternity leave? What are my responsibilities as the employer? Do I have to give my apprentice holidays? Do apprentices pay tax and national insurance? Can I tailor the training to my organisation? So what support can I expect? Is anything being done to help SMEs take on an apprentice? Applying Page 8 Criteria Page 8 Programme Funding Page 8 Contractual page 9 When can I apply? How do I apply? I m new to recruitment can I still become an apprentice? What qualification do I get? Can I pay for the apprenticeship fees myself? Can I get funding? Do I get paid? What happens if my employer ceases trading?

4 General Introduction What is an apprenticeship? Apprenticeships refer to on-the-job training leading to nationally recognised qualifications, developed by industry. How are apprenticeships different to modern apprenticeships? They are one and the same thing - modern apprenticeships were re-branded in 2004 to apprenticeships. Programme What does it involve? An apprenticeship includes the following components: A knowledge based element. A competence based element. Transferable or key skills. A module on employment rights and responsibilities. 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. The recruitment apprenticeships take between one and two & half years to complete, Level 3 is one to one and a half years and the level 4 is two to two and a half years. What is a framework? There are a number of elements to each apprenticeship and this is called the framework. This means you will get a range of qualifications as you progress through your training and education. Each apprenticeship framework has three main strands: A competence based element A technical element A skills element The three strands are sometimes accompanied by additional qualifications to give the most relevant skills and knowledge required for the job that you are employed in. 1 Do apprentices take exams? Most assessment is carried out in the workplace but there may be a requirement to take some tests.

5 What are transferable skills? Many different industry sectors share the same skill sets. These core skills are transferable across sectors and are built into the apprenticeship to maximise flexibility and choice for employers and apprentices. They include: Communication (mandatory). Application of numbers (mandatory). ICT. Working with others. Improving own learning and performance. Problem solving. How often do apprentices attend college or training sessions? This varies from programme to programme. Some of the training can be in the work place and other sessions could be in college or with a learning provider. Depending on the type of job being done, or the elements of training being undertaken, it could be one day a week or a block release. Criteria Is there an upper age limit for apprenticeships? No Training providers How can I find a provider in my area? Contact the REC on or info@rec.uk.com. We provide training, can we become a provider? Yes, you will need to be an approved centre for the delivery of REC qualifications. For further details on this process, please contact us. Can I choose my training provider? Yes absolutely. Although a training provider has to be approved to provide these qualifications. What s the role of learning providers? A learning provider is usually a local college or specialist training organisation responsible for an apprentice s off-the-job training. When you take on an apprentice they will appoint a mentor who will work with you to make sure that the training is well planned. Once the apprentice begins the mentor will follow their progress and deal with any issues that may arise. 2

6 Devolved nations Can I take the apprenticeship in Scotland? Apprenticeships are available through the Ofqual framework. This framework is operational in England and Northern Ireland. Students in Scotland can take the apprenticeship, however the qualifications awarded will be on the Ofqual framework and may not be eligible for funding in Scotland. Can I take the apprenticeship in Northern Ireland? Yes, apprenticeships are available through the Ofqual framework. This framework is operational in England and Northern Ireland although funding mechanisms may be different from apprenticeships in England. Can I take the apprenticeship in Wales? Apprenticeships are available through the Welsh Assembly framework. This framework is operational throughout Wales, although the funding mechanisms may be different from apprenticeships in England. Your training provider will be able to advise you on the specifics. Miscellaneous What do we do to find out more? National Apprenticeship Service website ( is your one stop shop for all the information you need about how to get started with taking on an apprentice. 3

7 Employer Benefits Why should I take on an apprentice? Because it is good business. Skills shortages are still one of the biggest threats to UK business. Apprenticeships can help businesses across all industries by offering a route to harness fresh talent. If you have trained staff with the right skills for the job they can do a wider range of tasks and take on new responsibilities - this can help to reduce skill shortages, minimise staff turnover and workplace accidents, and increase productivity. Taking on an apprentice is cost effective because your people can learn while they re on the job and the government contributes to the costs of learning. My business is struggling to make ends meet as it is with the recession. How is taking on an apprentice going to help my businesses manage through it? Even in difficult times like these, apprenticeships are a vital way of improving the skills of staff and generating a committed and valuable workforce. When times are tough, competition for contracts is even tougher. That s when a well-trained, extra pair of hands could make a real difference to your chances of success. Apprentices can also help you ready your businesses for when the economy comes out of recession. By offering a flexible resource that can help your business grow, apprentices can also give you a competitive advantage to exploit new business growth opportunities. What is the financial benefit to me? There are clear financial benefits to employers and their investment in apprenticeships is repaid many times over. A recent study by the University of Warwick Institute of Employment Research found that the costs of apprenticeship training are recouped relatively quickly, and that where the investment is nurtured, the returns are significant. Another study by Sheffield University measured the long term financial benefit to investing in apprenticeships. A level 3 advanced apprentice will generate an additional lifetime benefit to themselves and their employer of 105,000 compared to someone who does not gain an apprenticeship. The level 2 additional benefit is 73,000. This represents a gain of 16 for every 1 of taxpayers money. 4.

8 5. What evidence is there that hiring an apprentice is good for my business? The Learning and Skills Council surveyed businesses throughout the UK on benefits of hiring an apprentice (Populus, January 2009). Of those surveyed: 81% said that employing apprentices generated higher overall productivity for their company. 66% said that their apprenticeship programme made them more competitive in their industry. 92% said that their apprenticeship programme better motivated staff and increased job satisfaction. 74% said that apprentices tended to be more loyal, remaining at their company longer than non-apprentices. Recruitment How do I hire an apprentice? The most often used route for finding an apprentice, is to choose a learning provider that is approved to supply the apprenticeship you are looking for and they will source suitable apprentices and provide the training for your company. Can I nominate someone from my company to become an apprentice?/i have an employee keen to do an apprenticeship. Can I still take them on as an apprentice? Yes, although for funding purposes they will have to meet certain criteria. Is there a limit to the number of apprentices that I can take on? No you can take on as many as you need and often in more than one framework. You will be responsible for giving the apprentice an induction into their role as you provide on-the-job training. Applying How do I apply? Applications are made via a training provider. Details of how to apply will be sent to all individuals who have registered an interest in becoming an apprentice in due course. Funding Can I get funding? Funding is allocated using a set of criteria that change depending on the source of the funds. The main source of funding for the recruitment apprenticeships and they allocate as follows: Funding is available for the apprenticeships through the Skills Funding Agency. The amount of funding depends on the geographical location, as well as the age and prior academic achievement of the apprenticeship candidate. Funding is awarded to cover training costs only; employers must pay an apprentice s salary. Funding is awarded directly to the organisation that provides and supports the apprenticeship. In most cases, this will be a training provider.

9 Funding varies by age, and is normally as follows: Age of apprentice Funding support Up to 100% of the cost of the training is funded Up to 50% of the cost of the training is funded 24 + Contribution to the cost of the training if the apprentice is aged 24 or older Grants of up to 1,500 are available to SMEs Do I receive any monetary incentives to take on an apprentice? Employers do not receive a direct monetary incentive to take on apprentices. However, the off-job training costs are subsidised in full or in part. Is there a cost for employers? Like all employees, apprentices must still receive a wage. The national minimum wage for apprentices is 2.65 per hour. However, as skills develop, many employers tend to increase wages in fact, research has found that apprentices earn an average of 170 net pay per week. There is also the cost of the supervision, support and mentoring that you will need to put in place to support the apprentice. These associated costs are not insignificant - however, employer s commitment to hiring apprentices will be met by funders covering in full, or in part, the training costs. Contractual How much should I pay an apprentice? The current National Minimum Wage for apprentices under 19 or in their first year of the apprenticeship is In practice, many employers choose to pay more than this as most apprentices tend to work at least 30 hours a week and an apprenticeship is the start of a long term relationship between the apprentice and the employer. Are apprentices eligible for maternity leave? Yes. Like all employees, apprentices are entitled to statutory maternity leave of 52 weeks with statutory maternity pay for up to 39 weeks. What are my responsibilities as the employer? You must give your apprentice an induction into their role and provide on-the-job training. As with all employees, you are also responsible for the wages of your apprentice. Do I have to give my apprentice holidays? Like most other employees, apprentices must be given at least 20 days paid holiday per year as well as bank holidays. Do apprentices pay tax and national insurance? Ạs is the case of all employees aged over 16, apprentices must still pay tax and national insurance on their income. 6

10 Miscellaneous Can I tailor the training to my organisation? You can have your training encompass your operating processes etc but the training will have to meet the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the qualifications. If the apprentice cannot demonstrate successful completion of the exams/assessments the qualifications will not be awarded. So what support can I expect? The government provides the funds to cover the full cost of the mandatory training required to complete the framework as determined by the relevant SSC for a young person aged on an apprenticeship. If employers or providers choose to deliver additional qualifications or courses as part of the delivery of the overall framework then these courses will not be funded and will need to be paid for by the provider or employer. We also support employers through the process of recruiting and training a candidate, including signposting them to providers and advising on the apprenticeship frameworks available. The National Apprenticeship Service also manages apprenticeships vacancies - a free online recruitment tool that can be used to match apprentices with prospective employers. Is anything being done to help SMEs take on an apprentice? Like any other business, SMEs can benefit from taking on apprentices. The National Apprenticeship Service is piloting a number of programmes to explore how the government s support can be enhanced, taking into account the unique cost pressures that SMEs face. 7

11 Apprentice Applying When can I apply? Enrolments for the recruitment apprenticeships will start later in Register your interest to be alerted nearer the time. How do I apply? Applications are made via a training provider. Details of how to apply will be sent to all individuals who have registered an interest in becoming an apprentice in due course. Criteria I m new to recruitment can I still become an apprentice? Absolutely, apprenticeships are designed to either help someone start in a role or progress to their new role. Programme What qualification do I get? There are recognised qualifications per apprenticeship, depending on the level. Level 3 - Advanced level apprenticeships Level 3 Certificate in Recruitment Practice Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Recruitment Level 4 - Higher level apprenticeships Level 4 Diploma in Recruitment Practice Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Recruitment Funding Can I pay for the apprenticeship fees myself? Yes you can, although this would be unusual. For the exact fee structure please enquire with your chosen training provider. 8

12 Can I get funding? Any funding towards the cost of your apprenticeship, training or qualification will normally go directly to your training provider. As a student/apprentice you do not receive funding, but depending on status may be eligible to apply for a loan. Your training provider will be able to help and advise you on the specifics. Contractural Do I get paid? Yes you get paid whilst studying. The current minimum salary for apprentices is 2.65 per hour, however many employers do pay more. Additionally if you reach age 19 and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship your employer must pay you at least the full national minimum wage rate for those aged 18 to 20. If you are already 19 and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship you must be paid at least the national minimum wage rate for your age. What happens if my employer ceases trading? You can in some circumstances change your employer and not have to re-start the apprenticeship. Your training provider will endeavour to help your placement with another employer if required. 9

13 Advancing the recruitment profession Recruitment s biggest lobbying voice The source of recruitment knowledge Raising recruitment standards Developing successful careers in recruitment Exceeding members expectations through business support The Institute of Recruitment Professionals (IRP) The IRP was founded by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), to ensure that individual recruiters are recognised as a member of a professional industry that is committed to upholding best practice, world-class recruitment standards and providing the best possible service to clients and candidates. All IRP Members sign up to the IRP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct which demonstrates their commitment to practicing the very highest standards of principled and professional recruitment. The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) is the professional body for the recruitment industry. The REC represents 3,506 corporate members who have branches across all regions of the UK. In addition, the REC represents 4,744 individual members within the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (IRP). All members must abide by a Code of Professional Practice. Above all, the REC is committed to raising standards and highlighting excellence throughout the recruitment industry.