Here’s a short guide to help employers understand what an apprenticeship is!
An apprenticeship consists of:
- The Standard – the industry agreed set of skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do a specific job.
- The Assessment Plan – The agreed plan of action by the employer and training consultant to ensure that the apprentice progresses and reaches the correct level.
- Gateway – the point where the apprentice is ready to progress to their End Point Assessment. All programme requirements must be met prior to this, including Off Job Training Hours, minimum duration, Maths, English & digital skills as appropriate, plus any standard specific components.
- End Point Assessment (EPA) – The final assessment comprised of several components (such as observation or discussion) which is undertaken by an independent external assessor. If there is a practical element this will take place at your premises, and you will be required to provide the necessary resources and facilities.
Do not panic, our KEITS Business Development Team will:
- Work with you to scope out which apprenticeship will meet your job role requirements & explain how KEITS operates.
- Discuss the funding that will be applicable to you and current employer incentives.
- Discuss content of apprenticeship standards to ensure that all aspects of training and the End Point Assessment can be covered at your location.
- Discuss your Health and Safety arrangements to ensure that you are considerate of the legislation regarding working arrangements for new and/or inexperienced members of your workforce.
- Arrange for a sector specific trainer to meet virtually with you to discuss training, skill & behaviour development requirements for the specific standard and answer any sector specific questions you may have.
- Offer our free recruitment service and create an advert your vacancy, shortlist applicants for suitability before forwarding for your consideration and support you through the recruitment process.
- Screen any potential apprentices you may have for suitability and eligibility (this may include initial on-line Maths & English assessments).
Employer Responsibilities
The employer must:
1) Provide the apprentice with a contract of employment for the minimum 30 hours per week and pay slips. The minimum wage for apprentices is £4.81 per hour, for apprentices 19 or over they must be paid NMW after the first 12 months of their apprenticeship.
2) Provide a safe working and training environment with appropriate supervision.
3) Work with the apprentice to deliver skills training and development appropriate to the job role and industry.
4) Include specific training sessions and supervision of practice
5) Provide help to the apprentice to develop the behaviours specified in the standard in order to succeed in the industry.
6) Work with the KEITS Training Consultant to deliver the apprentice’s learning plan at the required level to be successful at End Point Assessment (EPA) and at the agreed time within the programme.
7) Test the apprentice’s knowledge, delivered by KEITS Training Consultant’s, during their skills training and practice sessions, to ensure it has been retained.
8) Provide suitable space and resources for required tests and the End Point Assessment.
Course Duration:
- Apprenticeship duration is from sign up to completion of the EPA.
- In some cases the EPA date can be moved due to learner progress.
- All apprenticeships have a minimum duration of 12 months and 1 day from sign up and can include a further period of 2 – 3 months leading up to the EPA.
- However most apprenticeship durations will be between 14 – 24 months depending on the level, the sector and the potential apprentices starting point.
Start your apprenticeship journey now and visit our hire and apprentice page.
Any further questions?
As an employer, you are bound to have more questions about apprenticeships, and that’s fine! Our expert team are ready and waiting to help you!
Contact us at:
0208 327 3800