Apprenticeships
What is an Apprenticeship?
A programme of vocational training, delivered whilst working within the industry of study. You'll get top quality training, developing skills and gaining a Nationally recognised qualification on the job. An Apprenticeship is studied at level 2 and the Advanced Apprenticeship at level 3.
Who can do an Apprenticeship?
Those eligible would be:
- Anyone over the age of 16
- Not taking part in full-time education
- Not holding a Higher Education qualification
- Resident of the EU for the last 3 years
- Keen and willing to learn
For further guidance, visit the Apprenticeships website at www.apprenticeships.gov.uk.
What is involved?
All Apprenticeships consist of a framework which involves the following:
- Vocational element (practical) - NVQ / Work Based Diploma (at level 2 or 3)
- Technical element (theory) (at level 2 or 3)
- Functional Skills
For further detail on Apprenticeship frameworks, visit the Lantra website at www.lantra.co.uk
Our Apprenticeship courses operate on a day release basis in to college, however if training can be delivered in the workplace, then college attendance can be reduced.
Apprentices and employers will receive a workplace visit every 10-12 weeks by a qualified, professional member of staff from the relevant team, who will monitor course progress, set targets and provide additional support. The staff carrying out the workplace reviews are also involved in delivering the training in college; this ensures that the staff supporting the Apprentices stay in touch with all aspects of their training.
How long does it take?
On average our level 2 Apprenticeships take around 18-20 months and the level 3 Advanced Apprenticeships around 20-24 months; however the time scale of an Apprenticeship is flexible and will depend on the Apprentices prior experience.
The Apprenticeship programmes also operate on a roll on roll off basis so learners can start and finish at anytime during the year. This is with the exception however of the Veterinary Nursing programme which has two intakes a year, one in September and one in January.
How much does it cost?
Apprenticeships are free to those under the age of 19 and there is a reasonable charge to employers for anyone 19 or over. Employers will be expected to pay their Apprentice a minimum wage of £2.50 per hour and supply them with around 30 hours work per week.
What are the progression options?
After completing an Apprenticeship at level 2, the natural progression route would be to progress on to the level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, after which the option for continuing study would be to progress in to Higher Education or alternatively the Apprentice can progress in to full time employment within the industry.
Apex Consortium
Apprenticeships at Writtle College operate within the Apex Work Based Learning Consortium.
For more information email workbased@writtle.ac.uk or call the Work Based Learning Department on 01245 421612
Employer requirements
- Employers are required to pay an apprentice a minimum of £2.60* per hour (from October 2011) except for Agriculture which comes under the Agriculture wage board
- Have an employment contract in place with the apprentice
- Comply with current Health & Safety Regulations
- Support and guide the apprentice on their course
If you are interested in taking on an Apprentice, please complete and return the Vacancy details form opposite. Alternatively, please contact Gillian Griffin on 01245 424200 Ext 26060.
*There is a contributory fee towards tuition required from the employer for learners aged 19 and over. Over 19's in second year of apprenticeship goes to minimum wage.
Learner requirements
- There are no formal entry requirements for the Apprenticeship
- Learners will need to be employed within the industry and work a minimum of 30 hours a week
- Learners will received a minimum of £2.60 per hour (from October 2011) from their employer**. Agriculture students will go to agriculture minimum wage.
- Learners will be required to attend college periodically
If you are interested in becoming an Apprentice, please complete and return the Apprentice Details form opposite. Alternatively, please contact Gillian Griffin on 01245 424200 Ext 26060.
**There is a contributory fee towards tuition required from the employer for learners aged 19 and over. Over 19's in second year of apprenticeship goes to minimum wage.
