Apprenticeships

a chef dicsussing a plate of food with 3 apprentices

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a vocationally based alternative to traditional academic education. Businesses require a skilled workforce to ensure competitiveness in the modern marketplace.

Apprenticeships offer a way for staff to gain a nationally recognised set of Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours particular to their role.

Apprenticeship Eligibility

To be eligible to become an apprentice you must :-

  • be aged 16 or above
  • be from within the EU and has lived in the EU for at least the previous 3 years
  • not be in full time eduction
  • be employed for at least 30 hours per week

Apprenticeships Standards and Frameworks

Apprenticeships are currently going through a transition from a structure referred to as a Framework to a new format called a Standard.

Frameworks

Consist of the following components:-

  • Competency Qualification
  • Knowledge Qualification
  • Transferable Skills (if required)
  • Employment Rights and Responsibilities (ERR)
  • Personal Learning and Thinking Skills

Standards

Frameworks are being replaced with a new set of Standards which comprise of:-

  • Knowledge
  • Skills
  • Behaviours
  • Transferable Skills (if required)

It is hoped that the transition to a total Standards based landscape for Apprenticeships will be complete by 2020.

Who sets the Apprenticeships Standards?

Groups of industry experts from employers in the sector form a team of Trailblazers.  Each Standard has it’s Trailblazer team that develop the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour requirements for the roles within their industry.

What are the benefits of Apprenticeships for a Learner?

Apprenticeships are a proven way for learners to gain experience in a new role and receive a wage whilst learning.  Some of the main benefits of becoming an apprentice are:-

  • Paid employment
  • Gain experience
  • Build a career
  • Get qualified
  • No student loan
  • Student discounts (NUS Card)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Mentoring and support

Leading to:

  • Higher Salary
  • Increased Responsibilities
  • Improved Career Opportunities

What are the benefits of Apprenticeships for an Employer?

A combined investment between your business, your staff and Locomotivation will result in an up skilled workforce. Improvements will be notable in the following characteristics of the apprentices:

  • Productivity and Performance
  • Motivation
  • Loyalty and Retention
  • Self Confidence

Leading to:

  • Improved Productivity
  • Increased Customer Satisfaction
  • Improved Bottom Line

This allows your employees to reach their full potential and maximise business productivity.