Unlocking your potential. The Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business and Administration. Validated by City & Guilds

Transcription

1 Unlocking your potential The Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business and Administration Validated by City & Guilds

2 The Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business and Administration What is an Apprenticeship? An Apprenticeship is a job with an accompanying skills development programme. Designed by employers in the sector, it allows the apprentice to gain technical knowledge and real practical experience, along with functional and personal skills, required for their immediate job and future career. These are acquired through a mix of learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training and the opportunity to practise and embed new skills in a real work context. This broader mix differentiates the Apprenticeship experience from training delivered to meet narrowly focused job needs. On completion of the Apprenticeship the apprentice must be able to undertake the full range of duties, in the range of circumstances appropriate to the job, confidently and competently to the standard set by the industry. The business benefits of apprenticeships Apprenticeships are a proven way of developing and retaining employees 80% of employers report savings through reduced staff turnover. Apprenticeships offer breadth and depth of learning, and a flexible approach that can easily fulfil employers needs. Improved productivity 81% of employers agree that apprentices boost productivity. Structured career development. 88% of employers agree that apprentices are more motivated and satisfied. 89% of employers see apprenticeships as vital to the future of their business. Apprenticeships seamlessly combine theory and practice meaning that apprentices apply what they learn on the job. Statistics from the National Apprenticeship Service/Populus employer survey 2009 and City & Guilds Skills Economy Research The financial case The costs associated with employing a young apprentice are very reasonable. Training is FREE for year olds. Training costs on Intermediate Apprenticeship programmes are massively subsidised for all other age groups. The number of young adults (16-24) currently unemployed is around 22%; hiring a young apprentice can be far more cost-effective than traditional recruitment. Offering Level 2 training through Apprenticeships and recruiting young unemployed people allows organisations to achieve social outcomes and contribute to their local communities through creating employment, economic empowerment and contributing to the education agenda. SME Grants available There are 1500 grants available for organisations with fewer than 50 employees, recruiting Apprentices aged 16-24, who have not recruited an Apprentice within the last 12 months. For further information, please request a fact sheet from us or visit the National Apprenticeship Service website The Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business and Administration The Centre for Housing and Support (CHS) Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business and Administration offers the many benefits of a generic apprenticeship which can be transferred by the holder into a wide variety of business and administrative contexts, whilst providing specific insights into the particular business and administration requirements of housing providers. CHS run teaching and training provision throughout England and have considerable experience in delivering apprenticeships in the housing sector. The Intermediate (Level 2) Apprenticeship in Business and Administration provides an excellent foundation for progression either to a more sectorspecific qualification such as an Intermediate or Advanced Apprenticeship in Housing, or to an Advanced Apprenticeship in Business and Administration. It also provides an excellent basis from which more experienced apprentices can move into management. Who would benefit from an Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business and Administration? Administrators handle the day-to-day operations in an office, organising people and resources. Effective administration is recognised by the vast majority of employers as essential to the successful running of their organisation. The Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business and Administration supports these skills and encourages a strong sense of responsibility, accuracy and attention to detail.

3 An Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business and Administration is suitable for: Young people looking to play a support role in a housing sector or other organisation. It can also be beneficial for: Existing staff who have been out of education for a long time and are initially reluctant to study at Level 3, but want to improve their general awareness of support roles within a housing organisation and develop their study techniques; Existing staff who lack a formal vocational qualification (Existing staff are able to maintain current employment and, if appropriate, job roles.) Individuals volunteering in the sector who can achieve paid work experience and training through becoming an apprentice. Eligibility Intermediate Apprenticeships in Business and Administration are open to anyone working a minimum 16 hour week (although 30 hours is preferable) and who does not have qualifications higher than a Level 3: for example a degree or Higher National Certificate or Diploma; or a very similar qualification (such as an NVQ Level 2 in Business and Administration or a Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Business and Administration Anyone between the ages of 16 and 64 is eligible. Apprenticeships can apply to new starters and existing staff with years of experience. Many organisations are in fact, using apprenticeships as a cost-effective way of enabling staff to gain a wide range of excellent qualifications in housing. How long will the training take? The Intermediate Apprenticeship will take 12 months. Framework The Level 2 Apprenticeship consists of the following qualifications: City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Business Administration The City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Business and Administration is a hybrid qualification combining both knowledge and understanding, and competency, requirements of the apprenticeship programme. It is an introductory, vocationallyrelated qualification, which is contextualised, in its delivery by CHS, to the housing sector. This diploma covers the essentials of everyday administrative tasks, from event support to project management, enabling the apprentice to provide administrative support in a range of environments. There are options for those who are new to the job, as well as those with more experience. This qualification can complement an employer s existing employee induction. There are six mandatory units, comprising 21 credits in total, to study: Communication in a business environment Principles of providing administrative services Principles of business document production and information management Understand employer organisations Manage personal performance and development Develop working relationships with colleagues. Apprentices will then choose additional optional units (usually between six and nine) to make up a total additional 24 credits: A minimum of 14 credits from group A A maximum of 10 credits from group B A maximum of 6 credits from group C A minimum of 36 credits must be achieved through the completion of units at Level 2 or above. All apprentices must complete a section on Employee Rights and Responsibilities. This can be through the optional unit offered, or as an additional activity. Unit Title Optional Group A Credit Value Health and safety in a business environment 2 Use a telephone and voic system 2 Meet and welcome visitors in a business environment 2 Manage diary systems 2 Produce business documents 3 Collate and report data 3 Store and retrieve information 4 Produce minutes of meetings 3 Handle mail 3 Provide reception services 3 Prepare text from notes using touch typing 4 Prepare text from shorthand 6 Prepare text from recorded audio instruction 4 Archive Information 3 Maintain and issue stationery and supplies 3 Use and maintain office equipment 2 Contribute to the organisation of an event 3 Organise business travel or accommodation 4 Provide administrative support for meetings 4 Administer human resource records 3 Administer the recruitment and selection process 3 Administer parking dispensations 3 Administer finance 4 Buddy a colleague to develop their skills 3 Employee rights and responsibilities 2 Develop a presentation 3 Deliver a presentation 3 Contribute to the development and implementation of an information system 6 Monitor information systems 8

4 Analyse and present business data 6 Optional Group B Process information about customers 3 Develop customer relationships 3 Deliver customer service 5 Bespoke software* 3 Spreadsheet software* 4 Processing customers financial transactions 4 Data management software* 3 Using * 3 Presentation software* 4 Word processing software* 4 Website software* 4 Payroll processing 5 Participate in a project 3 Optional Group C Understand the use of research in a business 6 Understand working in a customer service environment 3 Principles of marketing theory 4 Principles of digital marketing 5 Exploring social media 2 Principles of customer relationships 3 Principles of team leading 5 Know how to publish, integrate and share using social media 5 Principles of equality and diversity in the workplace 2 Understand the safe use of online and social media 4 Apprentices will be supported through the qualification, which is completed in the workplace, by a combination of face-to-face, resources on the CHS Moodle virtual learning environment, workbooks, and telephone and online support from the course tutor. NB: Because of the elements of online support throughout this Intermediate Apprenticeship, it is essential that all apprentices have regular access, at home and/or at work, to a computer with an internet connection. A Tutor/Assessor will make regular visits and provide advice and guidance as the apprentice completes his/her online electronic portfolio and external assessments. All assessments will be carried out on days and at times to suit both employer and apprentice. Knowledge, understanding and competency are assessed through a combination of work-based evidence, assignment and online controlled assessment using the City and Guilds E-Volve electronic assessment platform. The apprentice will provide evidence that they have the underpinning knowledge and understanding to be able to perform their job, and that they can undertake the necessary tasks competently in a working environment. Holistic assessment will be carried out by the Tutor/Assessor enabling apprentices skills to be assessed in a real, cross-curricular, working context. Functional Skills (FS) As part of their Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business & Administration, apprentices will also be required to complete Functional Skills qualifications at level 1 (equivalent in level to a D-G grade at GCSE). These comprise a firm grounding in the essential practical skills in English, maths, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which are acknowledged to be vital for young people and adults to participate effectively in life, learning and work. Functional Skills are not just about knowledge in English, maths and ICT; they are also about being able to use that knowledge in real-life and work situations. Functional Skills qualifications are achieved through completion of online and speaking, listening and communication assessments, which will take up to 2½ hours for English, 1½ hours for maths, and 2 hours for ICT. Apprentices starting an Apprenticeship before September 2016 will satisfy the Apprenticeship requirement for the relevant Functional Skills qualification if they have achieved, in that subject, a GCSE at Grade E or above with enhanced Functional Skills content, dated September 2012 or later, or any of the following qualifications in the five years before they start the Apprenticeship, and before September 2012: GCSE (Grades A*-C) A Level or AS Level (Grades A-E) However, any apprentices who have not achieved a GCSE in English and Maths at Grades A*-C will be required to follow an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) working towards this goal and will be offered an appropriate support programme as part of their apprenticeship. Within a few days of sign-up, they will receive log-in details for the Guroo online website, where they will be required to complete the appropriate Initial Assessments within four days. These will identify their strengths together with areas for development, and will enable a tailored ILP to be set in place for them. Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) Personal Learning and Thinking Skills comprise six groups of skills, namely: Creative Thinking; Independent Enquiry; Reflective Learning; Team Working; Self-Management; and Effective Participation. These are embedded within the programme enabling apprentices to reflect on and further develop the skills they have acquired in these areas.

5 Progression opportunities After completing the Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business and Administration, there are many relevant progression options, which include: Progression to the Level 2 Intermediate, or Level 3 Advanced, Apprenticeship in Housing; Studying for the CIH Level 2 Certificate, CIH Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Housing Practice; Continuing to the Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Business and Administration Additionally, apprentices can progress within their employing organisations towards more senior roles with greater responsibility. The cost of an apprenticeship For year olds the training costs NOTHING. For all other age groups, the cost is just 500 in organisations employing fewer than 1000 staff or 750 in organisations employing 1000 or more staff. How to find out more If you wish to talk with someone about this course, call Julian Everley or Terri Workman on the numbers below; they will be pleased to spend as long as you like to answer your questions. Alternatively you can apprentice@chs.ac.uk and ask any questions you wish. How to apply Print and complete the form on the following pages and return them as indicated. We ll be in touch to start the ball rolling. Contact details for the Centre for Housing and Support T: Julian Everley E: julian.everley@chs.ac.uk T: Terri Workman E: terri.workman@chs.ac.uk You can also apprentice@chs.ac.uk W: Address: The Centre for Housing and Support Elgar House Shrub Hill Road Worcester WR4 9EE

6 Level 2 Apprenticeship Business Administration Application About you Form Surname Please complete this form and return it to the Centre for Housing and Support Elgar House Shrub Hill Road Worcester WR4 9EE or it to Julian.everley@chs.ac.uk or fax it to Please also send your CV if you have one. Forenames Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms. Date of birth Home address Your age now Postcode Tel Home N I No. Tel Mobile home What are you hoping to achieve by completing the apprenticeship? What type of work are you looking for, or hoping to train towards? About your qualifications to date Please refer to exemptions under Functional Skills above. (Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.) GCSEs Grade Date achieved English Maths ICT Other Other Other Other A Levels Grade Date achieved Any NVQ or Key Skills achievements. (Please list them individually) Grade Date achieved Any other qualifications you have (please specify the awarding body) Grade Date achieved Do you have certificates for the above qualifications? Yes No

7 About your current employment Organisation name Your job title Your work address County Postcode Tel work Head office address Work County Postcode Tel Your line manager Manager s Manager s phone How many hours do you work per week? Previous employment history (if applicable) Employer Post held Start date End date Previous training details Please list any previous training you have had Modern apprenticeship National trainee Work-based learning Other If yes Date started Date completed Type of previous training/nvq/key skills Name of previous training provider If you have any disability, health problem or learning difficulty which might affect your training or work, please provide brief details here In what way does any of the above affect what you wish to do in the future?

8 The course or registration fee invoice should be addressed to: Surname Forenames Department Address Post Code for invoicing Your Purchase Order number. If your organisation is a CHS Member please quote your membership number here to take advantage of the members discount. By signing this form you acknowledge that: If your programme is sponsored, your employer and/or training agent can be given details of your attendance and progress. We have to charge you the full fee if you book onto, and later fail to attend a confirmed course or withdraw less than seven days before the course start date. Your Signature Date Please complete this form and return it to the Centre for Housing and Support Elgar House Shrub Hill Road Worcester WR4 9EE or it to Julian.everley@chs.ac.uk or fax it to Please also send your CV if you have one. Thank you for your application; we look forward to welcoming you. The Centre for Housing and Support is part of the Cornwall College Group