APPRENTICESHIPS EMPLOYERS GUIDE

APPRENTICESHIPS EMPLOYERS GUIDE

WELCOME I am delighted to welcome you to this practical guide which aims to help businesses implement the Apprenticeship programmes offered at Seevic College. We have delivered high quality learning opportunities for over 40 years and have an established reputation for achieving successful outcomes for our learners and ensuring they progress in to employment or to higher level study. Each year the College trains a high number of Apprentices spread across a diverse range of employment sectors. The success rate of our Apprenticeship provision is 15% higher than the national average and, crucially, nine out of 10 employers say that they would recommend hiring an Apprentice following their experience with Seevic College. We also recognise that, in addition to providing excellent training opportunities, we must also provide practical and user-friendly tools to help businesses create sustainable Apprenticeship opportunities. I commend this guide to you as the first step in a partnership that will see the College working with you to deliver programmes to develop skilled, knowledgeable and confident professionals for the future. Kind regards, Eileen O Gara Director of Commercial Development Our Apprenticeship sectors Accountancy Activity Leadership Beauty Therapy Business Administration Childcare Creative & Media Customer Service Hairdressing & Barbering Health & Social Care Instructing Exercise & Fitness Pharmacy Marketing & Communications Offered in partnership with NHS Clinical Healthcare Emergency Healthcare Maternity & Paediatrics New from January 2015 IT and Telecoms Team Leading 2 To find out more email employers@seevic-college.ac.uk or ring 01268 240 347

CONTENTS Introduction To Apprenticeships What is an Apprenticeship? 4 How do Apprenticeships work? 4 Who can apply for an Apprenticeship? 4 How much does it cost to hire an Apprentice? 4 How Apprenticeships Benefit Businesses Developing new talent, reducing staff turnover and boosting productivity 5 How We Support Businesses Prior, during and after training programmes 6 Assessment 6 Apprenticeship frameworks 7 Your views 7 Employer Responsibilities Duties of the employer 8 Health and safety requirements 9 Employer and Public Liability insurance 9 Safeguarding 9 Equality and diversity 9 Terms and conditions of employment 9 Annual leave 9 Grievances 9 Periods of notice 9 Additional resources 9 Employer Success Stories MSB & Co Accountants 10 WSS Media 10 Hiring an Apprentice How to hire an Apprentice 11 Making an offer of employment 11 Ongoing monitoring and support 11 Useful Contacts 12 To find out more email employers@seevic-college.ac.uk or ring 01268 240 347 3

INTRODUCTION TO APPRENTICESHIPS What is an Apprenticeship? An Apprenticeship is a real job with training that enables an individual to earn while they learn and gain nationally recognised qualifications. Hiring an Apprentice helps businesses to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. How do Apprenticeships work? Through hiring an Apprentice a business will gain a competent employee who is rapidly able to offer skills and commitment. Typically an Apprentice will attend College one day per week and spend four days per week working and training in the workplace. The employer provides on-the-job training opportunities, while off-the-job training is arranged by Seevic College. We will produce a training plan for the Apprentice and manage regular reviews and assessments. Who can apply for an Apprenticeship? Anyone in England can apply for an Apprenticeship if they are aged 16 or over, eligible to work in England and not engaged in full-time education. Apprenticeships typically appeal to individuals who wish to: Achieve nationally recognised qualifications through work-based learning Further develop their existing career or change career Work towards achieving a higher level Apprenticeship or relevant Foundation Degree. How much does it cost to hire an Apprentice? Employing an Apprentice can be highly costeffective for businesses. Hiring an Apprentice provides the opportunity to train enthusiastic new and existing staff while the government contributes towards the cost of the learning and training. Your business will be responsible for paying the salary of the Apprentice, including the time they spend at College. The national minimum wage as of October 2014 is 2.73 per hour for Apprentices aged 16-18. This is also the rate for Apprentices aged 19 and over for their first year as an Apprentice; after this first year they are required to be paid in accordance with the national minimum wage rate for their age. Further information is available at www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates 4 To find out more email employers@seevic-college.ac.uk or ring 01268 240 347

HOW APPRENTICESHIPS WORK FOR BUSINESSES Apprentices add real value to businesses by offering opportunities to develop exciting new talent, reduce staff turnover and boost productivity. Nationally, employer surveys consistently demonstrate the high levels of satisfaction amongst businesses who employ Apprentices as part of their workforce. A nationwide UK survey of Apprenticeship employers in 2013 revealed: 88% satisfaction rate for the relevance of training provided 85% satisfaction rate for the quality of training provided 77% of employers believe that Apprenticeships make their business more competitive 76% of employers believe that Apprenticeships provide higher overall business productivity 80% of employers believe that Apprenticeships reduce staff turnover 83% of employers rely on their Apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future 81% of consumers favour using a company which employs Apprentices 88% of employers believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce. Source: National Apprenticeship Service website Apprenticeships help businesses grow their own talent Almost all employers of Apprentices (96%) report benefits to their business. 72% of businesses report improved productivity as a direct result of employing an Apprentice. Other benefits reported by employers include improved service delivery, the introduction of new ideas to the organisation, improved staff morale and better staff retention. Source: National Apprenticeship Service Employer Survey 2013 To find out more email employers@seevic-college.ac.uk or ring 01268 240 347 5

HOW WE SUPPORT BUSINESS Seevic College will work with your business before, during and after an Apprenticeship programme. We ensure that all our efforts are focused on meeting your business needs and the training and development needs of the Apprentice. Prior to the training programme we will: Hold an advisory meeting with you to discuss your business outcomes and training requirements Offer you a comprehensive recruitment service provided by our Business Development Team Provide you with accurate advice and guidance on the most appropriate training, which will provide flexibility to suit your business needs Provide clear information on content, duration, assessment requirements and the costs of hiring an Apprentice. At the start of the training programme we will: Provide a comprehensive induction including initial advice and guidance Provide information on content, timetable, assessment of progress, regularity of reviews, health and safety requirements and equal opportunities review Agree the learning content with you, including the selection of optional units which best fit with your business needs. During the training programme we will: Provide high quality training taking into account your business needs and an individual s ability Provide a professional and highly competent Delivery Team, who will have relevant vocational expertise Provide regular updates and reviews of progress for your Apprentice against agreed targets Provide a welcoming learning environment irrespective of race, religion, age, nationality, gender, disability or sexual orientation Monitor learner progress and attainment to help them to achieve their goal Provide Additional Learning Support where required Ensure completed work meets the requirements and standards of the awarding body. After the training programme we will: Work with you to evaluate the benefits of the training programme to your organisation within three months of completion Suggest relevant follow-up or new opportunities for additional development Agree appropriate progression with you and the Apprentice. Assessment Our experienced Assessors are occupationally competent and qualified within their specific sectors. An Assessor will work with you to manage the performance of your Apprentice. In particular, the Assessor will: Assess the competency level of the Apprentice Undertake one-to-one support and feedback on their performance Undertake progress reviews every 10-12 weeks throughout the duration of their programme Supply an Apprentice with detailed assessment feedback. 6 To find out more email employers@seevic-college.ac.uk or ring 01268 240 347

Seevic College Assessor Role Organise a schedule of regular review meetings Involve the Apprentice and the workplace supervisor/mentor in the review Assess and record the progress being made by the Apprentice Identify additional training and support needs and amend the training plan accordingly Agree and record actions and targets between each visit and to plan the next review Ensure that both the Apprentice and the workplace supervisor/mentor have contributed to and have been given a copy of the progress review Employers Role Inform the College of the progress that the Apprentice is making within the workplace Advise College staff of any concerns that you may have regarding the performance of the Apprentice Contribute to and, where appropriate, attend progress review meetings Advise on workplace learning and any assessment opportunities that may occur in the period to the next review Notify the College if the attendance or punctuality of the Apprentice drops below 95% Notify the College if the Apprentice resigns or is dismissed What is an Apprenticeship framework? An Apprenticeship framework is the definition of requirements for an Apprenticeship programme. They ensure that all training providers and employers deliver consistently and to agreed standards. Framework element Competence Element - NVQ Knowledge Element - Technical Certificate Transferable Skills Element - Functional Skills Employment Rights and Responsibilities Element Personal Learning and Thinking Skills Element (PLTS) What it involves This is a nationally recognised vocational qualification (NVQ) which gives the Apprentice the skills needed to do a job. A Technical Certificate is a knowledge-based qualification which helps develop an understanding of the industry or role. These are practical, applied skills relevant both to young people and adult learners. The Apprentice will develop important employability skills such as communication, team work, problem solving and presenting skills. These skills could be Maths, English or ICT. Each framework must include a requirement for the Apprentice to develop knowledge and understanding about the world of employment. This provides a framework for describing the qualities and skills needed for success in learning and life. The framework comprises six groups of skills: independent enquirers, creative thinkers, reflective learners, team workers, self-managers and effective participants. Your views Seevic College operates a number of employer-led forums and events, held on a six-week cycle, providing businesses with the opportunity to have their say and provide feedback on a wide variety of issues. To find out more email employers@seevic-college.ac.uk To find out more email employers@seevic-college.ac.uk or ring 01268 240 347 7

EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES In agreeing to employ an Apprentice, businesses are required to: Employ the Apprentice subject to your usual terms and conditions of employment Comply with the working time directive Carry out an initial induction to the workplace with the Apprentice Work with Seevic College to ensure that the Apprentice is able to put their learning into practice and develop their skills Be responsible for paying the Apprentice a wage or salary and treating them as you would any other employee Provide the Apprentice with time to learn and study by allowing them to attend training, supervising their practice and ensuring their health and safety Secure the mandatory industry and legal requirements for employees such as DBS checks, health and safety checks Fully support your Apprentice by participating in reviews every 10-12 weeks throughout the duration of their programme Enable a College representative to undertake a health and safety assessment of the workplace before the Apprentice begins their training. 8 To find out more email employers@seevic-college.ac.uk or ring 01268 240 347

Health and safety requirements It is the responsibility of the employer to comply with all health and safety processes. All employers are required to inform Seevic College (either by telephone or email) of any accidental or non-accidental occurrences arising and resulting in serious injury to the Apprentice. Employer and public liability insurance All employers must ensure that all employed Apprentices are covered by the company policies of employer and public liability insurance. Safeguarding We provide each of our employers with a Seevic College Safeguarding Guide. This informs employers of the procedure should an Apprentice disclose sensitive or personal information or make an allegation about a colleague or manager within a business. Equality and diversity Seevic College celebrates cultural diversity and is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities in every aspect of our business. The College will therefore not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment on the grounds of skin colour, race, national origin, gender, sexuality, marital status, religion, age, social background and special needs including disability. We therefore ask all employers to comply with our expectations and standards. Terms and conditions of employment It is a legal obligation to ensure that all employed staff have a contract of employment. Annual leave entitlement All employed staff including Apprentices accrue annual leave entitlement from the first day of their employment. This includes Bank Holidays such as Christmas and Easter. The minimum holiday entitlement is between five to six weeks paid holiday per year (28 days for full time staff). An employer can include Bank Holidays as part of statutory annual leave. Grievance and disciplinary procedures and polices An Apprentice is subject to the same terms and conditions of employment as other employees and therefore the above policies and procedures apply. In the event of a grievance or disciplinary procedure, Seevic College will only act in an advisory capacity in terms of learning and training. Termination and period of notice A notice period of one week must be provided for employees with continuous employment of more than one month but less than two years (unless a contract specifies longer). College complaints procedure If you wish to raise a complaint in the first instance please raise the matter directly with the Assessor or Lead Training Coordinator who will try to resolve the matter promptly. Alternatively, if the complaint requires escalation, please contact the Director of Commercial Development directly. Contact details for relevant individuals are printed on the back cover of this document. All complaints will be acknowledged within seven working days. Seevic College strives to continually improve its service delivery and we appreciate any feedback that will help us to meet this objective. Additional resources Further information about your duties as an employer including guidance on terms and conditions of employment, annual leave entitlement and notice periods are available at: Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service website: www.acas.org.uk www.direct.giv.uk/employment To find out more email employers@seevic-college.ac.uk or ring 01268 240 347 9

EMPLOYER CASE STUDIES Our Apprentices are so eager and motivated - it rubs off on the rest of our staff Thorne Smith MSB & Co Accountants Apprentices find it easier to understand the mindset of our company Chris Waller WSS Media MSB & Co Accountants have three offices in Benfleet, Canvey Island and Basildon. The firm have employed five Apprentices through Seevic College. Thorne Smith of MSB & Co Accountants says: We re an Accountancy practice which has been established for 10 years. We have 18 employees, and five are Apprentices. Because we are growing fast hiring Apprentices suits us. Our Apprentices are so eager and motivated it rubs off on the rest of our staff and fits in with our idea of being a pro-active firm. We ve had a lot of contact with Seevic College, and I ve been pleased with the relationship. I have already recommended to clients that they take on an Apprentice. WSS Media is a full service marketing agency based in Leigh-on-Sea providing creative branding and marketing advice to a wide range of clients. Chris Waller, Media Director, says: In the past I ve employed people and found you have to get them to adjust to how the company works. Apprentices are eager and find it easier to understand the mindset of your business; you can train them to work in a way that is most beneficial for you. Our Apprentice is great at his job. He s very confident and understands exactly what he wants to do. He s always first in the office each day it has a positive impact across the company. The interview process allowed me to get to know each of the candidates and what their different strengths were. I have no reservations when it comes to the service we ve had from the College; I can t fault it at all. Success Stories and Awards If you would like your business or Apprentice to feature as a Success Story in our future marketing materials please email employers@seevic-college.ac.uk We also celebrate the success of our employers through an Employer of the Term award, awarded for outstanding business practices. Nominations are forwarded by Apprentices and College Assessors, Tutors or Managers. 10 To find out more email employers@seevic-college.ac.uk or ring 01268 240 347

HOW TO HIRE AN APPRENTICE There are three steps to hiring an Apprentice: Choose your sector Decide which areas of your business would benefit most from hiring an Apprentice. A full list of Apprenticeship employment sectors offered by Seevic College is published on page 2 of this document. Contact us Ring our Business Development Team on 01268 240 303 (open Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 4pm). Our team of experienced Business Development Advisors will assess your requirements and advise you of the best way to progress. Recruitment Our team of Business Development Advisors will work with you to recruit an Apprentice to your business, guiding you through the recruitment process and helping you to find the best Apprentice to meet your business requirements. NEXT STEPS Making an offer of employment Once your business has chosen an Apprentice you will need to make them an offer of employment. An Apprentice must be offered a minimum of 30 hours per week and most are employed full time. You can decide on the hours of work and other terms and conditions of employment. Ongoing monitoring and support Once you have appointed your Apprentice Seevic College will allocate them a qualified Assessor who will be the main point of contact between your business and the College. The Assessor will work with you and your Apprentice to ensure that you are both achieving your goals and will regularly visit you to monitor and report on the progress of your Apprentice. To find out more email employers@seevic-college.ac.uk or ring 01268 240 347 11

USEFUL CONTACTS Tweet @SeevicCollege Like us on Facebook Seevic College Runnymede Chase Benfleet Essex SS7 1TW 01268 756 111 info@seevic-college.ac.uk www.seevic-college.ac.uk Eileen O Gara Director of Commercial Development 01268 240 327 eileen.o gara@seevic-college.ac.uk Richard Roberts Apprenticeship Curriculum Manager 01268 240 345 richard.roberts@seevic-college.ac.uk Jackie Andrews Apprenticeship Curriculum Leader 01268 240 329 jackie.andrews@seevic-college.ac.uk Jemma Wallace Recruitment Coordinator 01268 240 338 jemma.wallace@seevic-college.ac.uk Olivia Gurjar Business Development Advisor 01268 240 331 olivia.gurjar@seevic-college.ac.uk Julia Walker Employer Liaison Advisor 01268 240 303 julia.walker@seevic-college.ac.uk