Apprenticeships - FAQs
New to Apprenticeships? Browse the questions below to find out
more:
Got more questions? Email our Apprenticeships team.
What's an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships: on-the-job training leading to
nationally-recognised qualifications, designed for the needs of
employers.
An Apprenticeship includes:
- at least 16 hours p/w paid
employment
- a theory element
- a practical element
- skills for work like Maths and IT
- employment rights and responsibilities
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Are Apprenticeships good for business?
The LSC surveyed employers in
the UK on the benefits of hiring an apprentice (Populous, January
2009).
- 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
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What does our Apprenticeships team do?
Throughout the programme, our training
advisers will support your apprentice and work
closely with you.
They will:
- Advise what funding is
available
- Help you recruit an
apprentice
- Agree an Individual Learning Plan with
you and your apprentice
- Manage their training
and evaluation
- Ensure national quality standards are
met
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What subjects do we offer?
Click below to contact our team, and find out more about your
chosen subject.
Accountancy
Barbering
Brickwork*
Business &
administration
Carpentry*
Childcare, learning
& development
Customer
service
Electrical
installation
Hairdressing
Plumbing*
Logistics & Warehousing
Management
Motor
vehicle
Team Leading
*based at Reading College.
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What levels of Apprenticeship are there?
Intermediate Apprenticeships:
- Are mainly for 16-18 year olds
- Take 12-18 months to complete
- Give an NVQ Level 2, equivalent to five GCSEs at grade
A*-C
Advanced Apprenticeships:
- Are generally for anyone 16+
- Take two years to complete
- Give an NVQ Level 3, equivalent to A Levels or a BTEC Level 3
Extended Diploma
- Require five GCSEs at grade A*-C or a relevant
Apprenticeship
Higher Apprenticeships:
Not all subjects are offered at all levels, contact the team to
find out more.
01344 766673 or email
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What's an NVQ?
NVQs for employers
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What are my responsibilities?
You must give your apprentices an
induction into their role, provide on-the-job
training and let them attend
college when necessary.
You are also responsible for the
wages of your apprentices, their contract of
employment and reviewing the progress of their course work.
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What are the costs?
Like all employees, apprentices must
still receive a wage.
The minimum wage for apprentices is
£2.60 p/h. Research has found that apprentices
earn an average of £170 p/w net pay, and can earn
up to £210 p/w.
The government funds the college training but a nominal
contribution is required from the employer for 16-18 year old
apprentices.
A financial contribution is required for the older groups and
your training adviser will provide the details.
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How often will my apprentice be in college?
All apprentices spend 1 day
a week in college.
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Is there a mountain of paperwork?
No.
There is some paperwork but your training
adviser will take you through the process.
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When will my apprentice start their course?
The majority will start in
September.
Your training adviser will tell you the
start date. Childcare and Hairdressing can be joined at certain
times after the start date.
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Do we offer extra learning support?
Yes.
Bracknell & Wokingham College and
Reading College have excellent study support
departments. If your apprentice has a specific need then please let
your training adviser know, so that arrangements can be made before
they start their course.
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Got more questions? Email our Apprenticeships team.