The duration of the apprenticeship will depend on the learning pace of the apprentice, the framework being followed and your business needs.

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1 A N E M P L O Y E R S G U I D E T O A P P R E N T I C E S H I P S

2 ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS What is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a way for young people and adult learners to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future. Hiring apprentices helps businesses to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. By the end of their training, the apprentice is such a valuable and skilled member of the staff that in our experience the employer doesn t want to lose them. This is why 95% of Prospects College of Advanced Technology (PROCAT) students go on to gain or sustain full-time employment. Why would I take on an apprentice? Employers say over and again that an apprentice brings energy, commitment and a fresh approach which is a real benefit to their business. In return the apprentice gains from the experience you give them. Working alongside you and others in your business, they will learn about the standards you demand in the workplace, the equipment and systems you use and they will develop the skills and theoretical knowledge that you require. Gardner Aerospace, one of PROCAT s engineering partners say; Working closely with PROCAT has ensured that we select and train our apprentices to a very high level of engineering expertise. We work with them to ensure the apprentices gain the right skill set for our business. We value the support received from PROCAT and its staff, with them our current and previous apprentices have gained valuable qualifications. How long does an apprenticeship take? The duration of the apprenticeship will depend on the learning pace of the apprentice, the framework being followed and your business needs. The minimum duration of the apprenticeship for apprentices aged is 12 months. For those apprentices aged 19 or over the apprenticeship should also last at least 12 months, unless relevant prior learning can be evidenced. Where this is the case the apprenticeship will not be less than 6 months. Fact: Eight out of ten apprentices believe that their apprenticeship has improved their ability to do their job, provided them with sectorrelevant skills and knowledge, and improved their career prospects. Source: Evaluation of Apprenticeships - Learners BIS research paper May 2012 Typical apprenticeship lengths months Level months Level 3 24 months Level 4 These are designed to be minimum durations and apprenticeships will often take longer and should be based on the framework s recommended duration. Typically an apprenticeship will last months at level 1, months at level 3 and 24 months at level 4 plus. This does vary because each apprentice s training programme is personalised to ensure it is as effective and successful as possible. During their apprenticeship, the apprentice will be employed for at least 30 hours per week. The number of hours per week may sometimes be less than this, but in that case the length of the apprenticeship must be extended. 2

3 How much do I pay an apprentice? An apprentice must receive at least the appropriate minimum wage. Currently the rates of pay are: Age From 1 October 2015 Rate per hour 21 and over to Under Apprentice 3.30 (under age 19 or in first year of apprenticeship) Government funding is available to support the training costs of the apprenticeship (see page 5) but you will be expected to pay the wages of the apprentice. Employers overwhelmingly report that this cost is outweighed by the contribution that apprentices make to their business. 94% of employers in a recent survey said cost of paying an apprentice was not a barrier. (BIS research paper no. 123 Apprenticeships evaluation: employer august 2013) What is my role as the employer? Apprentices are employed by you just like your other employees and they will have similar rights and responsibilities as your other employees. Apprentices must be employed (not selfemployed) and are entitled to the same holiday entitlement and other benefits as other employees within the organisation. Your apprentice will need to be given paid time for off the job training in college and you will need to give your apprentice opportunities to gain experience and to practice and develop their skills in the workplace. An assessor from PROCAT will visit your apprentice regularly and would like to meet with their supervisor or manager at the same time to discuss their progress. During these visits the assessor will conduct on the job assessments in the workplace for their NVQ (see below). Government grant There may be a government grant available to help towards the apprenticeship. Please call us to discuss this further. The aim is for the apprentice to have the technical skills needed in their chosen industry as well as the discipline and personal qualities that will make them successful as employees in the workplace. 3

4 What does the apprentices training consist of? Apprenticeships may be taken at Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4: Level 2 Level 3 Level 4+ Intermediate apprenticeships equivalent to 5 good GCSE passes Advanced apprenticeships equivalent to A Levels Higher apprenticeships to degree Apprenticeships include a number of elements that together make up the whole training package. An Apprenticeship is a way for young people and adult learners to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future. Hiring apprentices helps businesses to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. The key parts of the apprenticeship training programme are: National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Technical Certificate Functional Skills These qualifications assess the development of practical skills and they are assessed on the job in the workplace. This element develops theoretical and applied knowledge and it will lead to a nationally recognised qualification from an awarding body such as City and Guilds. This is a college-based component and it is taught and assessed by PROCAT. These are also college-based and are taught and assessed by PROCAT to develop good Mathematics and English skills. PROCAT also seek added opportunities for apprentices to gain additional skills, knowledge and recognition through national competitions and awards. PROCAT railway engineering students for example designed and built a mechanism which could hold an imaginary crew at an altitude of 1000m for five minutes, on a scale model of the moon. The competition, Man on the Moon, was open to apprentices from all UK manufacturing sectors, including aerospace, automotive and defence, but it was PROCAT apprentices who walked away with the 1000 top prize, and national recognition for Bombardier - for the quality of their apprentice staff. 4

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7 When would my apprentice attend college? Apprentices attend PROCAT in different ways depending on the sector they are working in, the level of qualification they are working towards and what stage of the programme they have reached. It will also depend on the needs of the employer. In engineering, for example, some employers tell us that they want the apprentices to spend their first year in college learning practical hand skills and this is followed by a mix of day-release and block-release for the remainder of their programme. In construction and building services attendance is generally day-release or block-release. Who funds the training? Government funding is available to support the costs of training. These are shown in the table below: Apprentice Proportion of funding available for training 16 to 18 year olds 100% of course fees 19 to 24 year olds Up to 50% of course fees 25 or over Up to 40% of course fees depending on the sector A PROCAT training advisor will be glad to discuss all of this with you. Health and Safety The Health and Safety of the apprentice in the workplace is the responsibility of the Employer. PROCAT assumes this responsibility when the apprentice is at College. The college will undertake an inspection of the workplace to ensure that it is suitable for an apprentice placement and advise and support where necessary. Personal Protective Equipment must be provided for the apprentice in the workplace. Where necessary, Prospects College of Advanced Technology will provide this when the apprentice is attending College. 7

8 PROCAT AND APPRENTICESHIPS How can PROCAT help? We can take care of everything from advertising your vacancy and recruiting your apprentice to devising the training programme and working with you around the on the job component of the course. We can advise on funding and we will help with the administration to make the whole process manageable and stress free. Throughout the programme PROCAT will keep you fully informed of your apprentices progress. We will work with you at every stage. We can take care of everything Prospects College of Advanced Technology provides a fully managed apprenticeship service to employers. Why choose PROCAT? PROCAT has been managing and delivering apprenticeship training since the 1960s. It is the second largest Group Training Association (GTA) in the country. A GTA is an employer-led organisation that provides a fully managed apprenticeship service to employers. PROCAT is proud that its apprentices have success rates well above national averages in every area that it provides. In fact the success rates achieved in 2013 were exceptional. In engineering, 83% of learners achieved merit or distinction in their BTEC qualifications and with a 98% overall pass rate. With the opening of the new Railway Academy in Basildon, PROCAT is expanding facilities which simulate superbly today s work environments. The workshops, facilities and equipment are constantly evolving to reflect the requirements of employers and provide learners with realistic challenges and the appropriate tools to excel. PROCAT has four modern campuses which offer outstanding learning environments, probably the best facilities anywhere in the UK. The college s architect-designed, contemporary campuses are distinctive and energising environments which earn the respect of students, staff and employers. PROCAT apprentices have success rates well above national averages success rates in 2013 were exceptional. 8

9 What apprenticeships does PROCAT offer? Apprenticeship Level 2 Level 3 Electrical Installation Plumbing Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Aerospace Engineering Carpentry and Joinery Bricklaying Painting and Decorating Construction Maintenance Operations Railway Engineering However, if you operate in the engineering and construction sectors and wish to undertake an apprenticeship framework not cited above, please do call us to discuss. If I want to think about employing an apprentice, who should I speak to? First of all, call or enquiries@procat.ac.uk and speak to us about your requirements. At PROCAT Technology we treat our employers as business partners working closely with them every step of the way. This relationship begins at the recruitment stage. We manage all elements of the recruitment process and carry out all necessary administration leaving you free to concentrate on running your business. If you want to learn more about apprenticeships, or have any further questions please call to discuss or arrange an appointment with one of our advisors today. 9

10 HOW ELSE CAN WE HELP YOUR BUSINESS? PROCAT Training offer quality accredited training programmes designed to equip attending delegates with skills and knowledge that can immediately be applied in the workplace. Our course offering includes, Health & Safety Electrical Hazardous Area Refrigeration Environmental Construction Plumbing Engineering Rail Construction Maintenance Operations Aviation (147) Whatever your needs we will endeavour to provide you with world class training, either at our state-of-the-art training centre or on-site if appropriate. Training is a worthwhile investment but it has to make a difference where it matters the most, in the workplace. Our training programmes are designed to equip delegates with skills they can immediately apply to their working environment. We provide a comprehensive training and professional development service, which ensures that your workforce have the skills and knowledge needed to achieve your business objectives. Call for more information

11 WHAT EMPLOYERS SAY ABOUT PROCAT APPRENTICESHIPS Gardner Aerospace Working closely with PROCAT has ensured that we select and train our apprentices to a very high level of engineering expertise. We work with them to ensure the apprentices gain the right skill set for our business. We value the support received from PROCAT and its staff, with them our current and previous apprentices have gained valuable qualifications. SELEX ES SELEX ES recognises that a skilled and well trained workforce is the backbone of any business and have worked closely with PROCAT over the years to provide the quality and range of training that is best suited to our employees. Prospects College of Advanced Technology provide a quality learning experience that is both supportive and flexible in its approach. They are playing an increasingly important role in enabling apprentices to achieve their true development potential. Chester Hall Precision Engineering Ltd PROCAT College are a well-equipped modern facility, giving a high level of involvement with the customer regarding their chosen apprentices. The college involve us in all aspects of our apprentice training programs and we work closely with them in order to ensure that our apprentices obtain the right level of training in whatever area required in order to strengthen their knowledge base. They provide an excellent level of feedback and service, and we feel they are a valued partner for Chester Hall s current and future apprenticeship needs. Thales Two year groups of Thales apprentices are currently studying towards their BTEC and NVQ qualifications in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PROCAT. The college provides a unique learning environment through a mix of classroom-based and hands-on experience in their on-site rail academy. This houses a station environment complete with platform, track, customer information system, CCTV and both lineside and trackside equipment. The academy specialises in technical training, advanced and higher apprenticeships in this area for signalling design, installation, commissioning and maintenance with apprentices being trained on a broad range of disciplines including signalling, telecommunications and systems testing. This allows the apprentices to gain real hands-on experience, building their skills and confidence in a safe environment to prepare them for a career in rail. Thales and PROCAT have worked closely and collaboratively to provide an engaging and exciting learning opportunity for young people with aspirations to work in Engineering in the rail sector. A variety of skills are needed in the industry for the future and it was important for us to invest in an apprenticeship scheme that is attractive to the next generation of high-calibre engineers and offers real opportunity for them to learn. Working with PROCAT has enabled us to do exactly that. 11

12 CONTACT INFORMATION PROCAT BASILDON CAMPUS Address: Crompton Close, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3AY Telephone: Fax: PROCAT AVIATION CAMPUS Address: Britavia Hangar, London Southend Airport, Southend-On-Sea, Essex, SS2 6YU Telephone: PROCAT CANVEY ISLAND CAMPUS Address: Meppel Avenue, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 9RZ Telephone: PROCAT SOUTHEND CAMPUS Address: Southchurch Boulevard, Southend-On-Sea, Essex, SS2 4XA Telephone: Fax: