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1. What is an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship is a programme for those 16 year old or older allowing you to develop new skills and get a Certificate or Diploma while at work. (Details of the Qualification structure can be found here). You must be employed status to work towards an Apprenticeship, if you are not employed Prostart can help you find a job as we work with many employers helping to fill vacancies. The majority of the Apprenticeship will be learning on-the job, however you may be required to attend Prostart for off -the job training. Your programme of learning will be agreed between you, your employer and Prostart.
2. What qualifications will I achieve?
A Certificate or Diploma at level 2 or 3; Key Skills for Functional Skills at level 1,2 or 3 (this will depend on your GCSE grades and if they are more than 5 years old) and a Technical Certificate.
3. What types of Apprenticeship do you offer?
We offer Apprenticeships in Business Administration, Customer Service, Management, Team Leading, Information Technology User, Accounts, Contact Centre,Telesales, Sales, Retail and Warehousing. A member of our Recruitment Team will advise you which is the most appropriate level of qualification for you to follow according to your prior qualifications and job role.
4. How do I find an employer?
Contact our Recruitment Team who are responsible for working with employers that want to employ an apprentice, so we have a supply of vacancies at all times. You can also apply for vacancies by signing up to the Apprenticeship Job vacancy on-line website.
Once you have found a job our Recruitment Team will arrange an appointment to carry out an initial assessment and induction to the Apprenticeship with you and your employer.
5. Will I get paid?
All Apprentices must be employed and have a contract of employment. All Apprentices must be paid in line with the minimum wage.
The minimum wage from October 2010
The government accepted a recommendation for the Low Pay Commission to introduce an apprentice minimum wage of £2.50 per hour. The new rate will apply to:
apprentices under 19
apprentices aged 19 and over, but in the first year of their apprenticeship
National Minimum Wage rates
From October 2010, National Minimum Wage rates will increase from:
£5.80 to £5.93 an hour for workers aged 21 and over
£4.83 to £4.92 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20
£3.57 to £3.64 an hour for workers aged 16 to 17
The rise is around the two per cent mark in each category. As promised, the government has extended the adult minimum wage rate to 21-year-olds from October 2010.
6. How long will the Apprenticeship Take?
The length of the Apprenticeship depends on a number of factors including your prior achievements, aptitude in your job role and your motivation to achieve. On average a level 2 can be achieved between 6-12 months. However, the length of stay is agreed at the beginning of the programme and is based on each individual. Learners that are well motivated and supported by their employers can finish in shorter timescales.
7. How do Apprenticeships relate to other qualifications?
Level 1 Vocational Award GCSE grades D-G
Level 2 Apprenticeship GSE's grades A*-C
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship A level's
Level 4 NVQ Vocational Certificate of Higher Education
Level 5 NVQ Vocational Foundation Degree/ HND/HNC
8. What is the difference between the levels?
Apprenticeships (equivalent to five good GCSE passes)
Advanced Apprenticeships (equivalent to two A-level passes)
Higher Apprenticeships (equivalent to Certificate of Higher Education / Professional Diploma)
9. What are the progression opportunities?
What you can go on to do when you have completed an Apprenticeship
There are two strands available:
Higher Apprenticeships (Level 3/4/5)
Higher Education
10. What additional support is available?
There is continued Information Advice Guidance (IAG) from the application/interview stage through to completion of the programme, this is carried out during monthly assessment visits and teaching sessions as well as quarterly quality and progression reviews.
Learners are supported on a one to one basis by an Assessor/Tutor for their educational needs
We use a variety of assessment methods, traditional portfolio building as well as a E-NVQ portfolio which allows you to submit work by uploading it to a secure web site and allows 24 access to learners and employers to view progress.
A bespoke library is available at Prostart premises 28 High Street, Long Eaton for learners to research career progression and suitable colleges for their development.
An 'Every child matters approach' is taken by Prostart throughout, with financial stability is a main priority for learners on an Apprenticeship, we realise that a healthy living and a safe environment is paramount to success.
A monthly newsletter is produced to keep learners updated with the latest news and become part of the Prostart community.
Qualified Counsellor available by appointment
All learners have additional support for their welfare by a Quality Reviewer who leads on our Equality and Diversity strategy and Safeguarding strategy.
Learners are supported into jobs by a dedicated Recruitment team
Partner arrangements for dyslexia screening and 1:1 dyslexia support in addition to specialist software for dyslexia available to all learners
Each year an Awards Celebration is held where learners who have achieved in the previous year receive a scroll of achievement and special awards are given to those who have been judged as making the most of their programme.
Learners who achieve a level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship can also take part in the Annual Graduation Ceremony at the Nottinghamshire Training Network Graduation and Celebration day.
11. How do I access additional support?
If you feel you need extra help with maths or English Prostart can offer you support.
We have different options available, including support through your assessor or specialised tutor delivered to you through additional visits at work, this is done on a one to one basis. The alternative is to attend our centre in Long Eaton for off the job training sessions, these are timetabled sessions on a Tuesday morning and afternoon. If you feel you need extra support speak to your Assessor or contact Eve Adams at eveadams@prostartuk.co.uk.or phone 0844 815 0804 and ask to speak to Eve.
Prostart also has links with a number of local agencies to assist you in such things as housing, finance, stress management, confidence or any other issues you may have. These services are free for you to call upon at any time during your course.
Counselling - Prostart has a qualified counsellor on site to help you with any personal problems or issues affecting your learning. This is a *confidential service (by appointment) and the counsellor is there to listen and support you, contact Eve Adams at eveadams@prostartuk.co.uk.
*If you disclose any information which we feel may endanger yourself or others with your permission we will contact the necessary authorities
12. What if I don't feel ready for an Apprenticeship?
If you are not sure about what you want to do, feel you need more support and training before starting a job or want to work towards achieving your Functional Skills, we also deliver a Foundation Learning Programme on our premises in Long Eaton. This programme runs 3 days a week Wednesday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm and learners are reimbursed their travel fares. On this programme we deliver Functional Skills in Maths, English and IT up to level 1 and the Level 1 Certificate in employability and personal development. You will also have the opportunity to go on work placements to improve your confidence and skills.
If you have any further questions about Apprenticships or Foundation Learning, please don't hesitate to contact our Recruitment Team on info@prostartuk.co.uk or 0844 815 0804