What is an Apprenticeship?
A work based programme designed around the needs of an employer
- Leads to recognised qualifications
- Technical Certificate such as a BTEC or City & Guilds Award
- Competence based qualification such as an Work Based Diplomas
- Skills qualification such as Key Skills / Functional Skills
- You can study at three different levels, Apprenticeship Level 2, Advanced Apprenticeship Level 3 or Higher Apprenticeship Level 4
- Apprenticeships are a mixture of on and off the job training. The majority of time is in the workplace and is supported by a mentor. The remaining learning is delivered by a learning provider which could be a specialist provider or an FE College
- The learning provider supports you throughout the Apprenticeship including the assessment in the work place for the Work Based Diploma part of the programme
Why Apprenticeships?
- They offer an alternative pathway to young people.
- They combine on and off the job training with work skills.
- Government’s primary route to skills and employability.
- Business benefits:–Provide a fully trained, competent workforce–Reduce recruitment costs, greater staff retention and motivation
- Individual benefits:–Waged employment–Nationally recognised qualifications–Develops personal qualities and occupational competence
Who are Apprenticeships for?
- Paid staff aged 16 to 64 years in most roles and occupations.
- New recruits and existing staff developing in their role.
- Individuals wanting to develop their career or have a change of career.
- Individuals wanting to learn through experience at work who value training and qualifications.
- Individuals who want a work-based learning approach to gaining qualifications – with a view to working towards Higher Apprenticeships and a Foundation Degree.
How long will it take
- An Apprenticeship generally takes between one to three years, depending on the level you require.
What will I study?
An Apprenticeship is made up of the following:
- A Work Based Diploma in Groundsmanship
- Key SkillsFunctional Skills
- An employer based competence certificate
- First Aid Certificate
What is an employer looking for?
- Good communicator
- Drive & Commitment
- Motivation
- Reliability
- Eager to Learn New Things
- Work Ready
- Trustworthy
- Determination
What Can the IOG offer?
We can offer a dedicated “one stop” service, which includes the following:
Initial Assessments
- Screening Literacy & Numeracy
- Diagnostic testing
- Skills scans to assess occupational skills
- Aptitudinal (e.g. Dexterity)
- Verbal dialogue / discussion with learner
- Learning styles
- Discussion about learner’s aspirations / career plan
- Assessment of prior learning (e.g. GCSEs)
- Interview
- Psychometric tests
Induction and Sign Up
- Individual Learner Record (ILR)
Awarding body registration paperwork Health & Safety Assessment 3 way Service Level Agreement Enrolment Form (and identify additional support needs if required) Safeguarding risk assessment (if candidate under 18) Skillscan Individual Learning Plan (ILP) Explain to employer requirements for off-the-job training (e.g. day release) and dates, start date and end date of programme, delivery plan etc. Explain how Functional Skills / Key Skills will be delivered if required First Assessor Visit
- Introduce portfolio (e-portfolio or paper based?)
- Explain to candidate and employer how to record evidence(different methods/systems)
- Explain the Training Plan (full plan for programme or first 3 months?)
- Check that the learner induction has been completed by the employer
- Undertake unit selection of optional units for the Work Based Diploma
- Plan dates for Workplace Reviews (to be carried out every 12 weeks minimum)
- Plan dates for assessment visits (normally every 4 – 6 weeks)
- Pick up any urgent issues resulting from H&S Assessment
- 12 week Workplace Review
- Ongoing Tracking & Monitoring
How to apply for an apprenticeship?
You can apply for an apprenticeship by contacting the Institute of Groundsmanship on 01908 312511 [Option 2 training]
Alternatively you can contact The Hertfordshire Consortium for business on 01462 650238 or The National apprenticeship Service www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Other useful contacts:
Visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Or talk to - Connexions (for ages 13-19) - www.connexions-direct.com Or 080 800 132 19
Next Step Careers Service (for ages 20+ (or 18–19 if you’ve been referred by Job Centre Plus) - nextstep.direct.gov.uk or 024 7682 6482
Alternatively you can view your local 14-19 prospectus through www.direct.gov.uk
