Bury College isOutstanding

Employer guide to

APPRENTICESHIPSDevelop your workforce

“I have really enjoyed my apprenticeships, especially learning new skills and developing my knowledge of different softwares and PCs. I also received a lot of help and support when progressing from Level 2 to Level 3.”Katie Murray has secured full-time permanent employment at Bury Council in an administrative role after progressing from a Level 2 IT apprenticeship to Level 3.

Contents

• Welcome to Bury College Apprenticeships

• What is an Apprenticeship?

• Apprenticeship levels

• Business benefits

• Bury College Apprenticeships available

• Recruiting an apprentice

• How an apprenticeship is delivered

• Further information

• Is there funding available to support?

• Our commitment to you

• Your commitment

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Welcome to Bury College ApprenticeshipsBury College Apprenticeships has a proven track record of achievement with our success rates well above the national average.

As well as being recognised as a quality training and skills provider, Bury College Apprenticeships has over 25 years’ experience delivering apprenticeships to a wide range of industry sectors.

Each year we work towards improving thecompetitiveness of over 1000 employers throughsupporting over 2,500 apprentices acrossintermediate, advanced and higher apprenticeships.

We provide employers with a first class, professional and supportive service. You will benefit from ourdedicated account managers, flexible training and E-learning services.

trainers and assessors that deliver high quality, flexible training.

We can help you choose the apprenticeship modules which are tailored to meetthe individual needs ofyour business.

SkillsApplicable

25 years

Over

Industryexperienced

of employers report improved product or service quality.

72%

82%of employers take apprentices to build the skills capacity within their business.

Why choose Bury College

Apprenticeships?

Bury College Apprenticeships has

experience delivering apprenticeships to a wide range of sectors.

for each apprentice they recruit.

Employers benefit from an average

net gain ofSupportYou will benefit froma dedicated account manager who will support you everystep of the way.

£1,670

£You could be eligible for funding

Business Solutions offer FREE Training Needs Analysis Consultation 0161 280 8650 business.solutions@burycollege.ac.uk

Business Solutions offers FREE Training Needs Analysis Consultation 0161 280 8650 business.solutions@burycollege.ac.uk

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2*Sources: 2011 British Chambers of Commerce, Populus research commissioned by the National Apprenticeship Service and Productivity Matters, Centre for Economic and Business Research, 2013

What is an apprenticeship?Apprenticeships are for individuals who are aged 16 or over and provides them with an opportunity to combine on the job training whilst studying for a work-based qualification.Apprentices can be current employees or recruited newto the business.

Apprentices are paid at least the minimum apprenticeship wage during their time with you and you will provide them with the opportunity to work with experienced staff, learn job-specific skills and study for a work-based qualification during their working week.

An apprenticeship can take between one and four years to complete, depending on level, ability and industry area.College attendance may also be required for technicaltraining and functional skills.

Four Bury College apprentices (pictured) are completingEngineering apprenticeships at Hargreaves, one of the UK’sleading providers of air movement and ventilation ductworksolutions. Hargreaves Manufacturing Director Kevan McEllroy believes apprentices are the future of the company. Kevan said, “Apprenticeships are a great way of beating skills shortage and Hargreaves sees employing apprentices as an investment for the future. The young apprentices are applying themselves well andit is great that we are upskilling the people of tomorrow.”

Pictured from left to right - Adam Muscat, Christopher Makin, Lewis Hamilton and Luke Taylor.

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Apprenticeship LevelsApprenticeships are available at different levels in order to best fit the individual needs of businesses. Apprentices will start on a level dependant on their qualifications, job role and skill-set. The options of levels are highlighted below:

Intermediate – Level 2In the main intermediate apprenticeships are the first level ofapprenticeships and have been designed to equip apprentices with the skills to thrive in the workplace. This apprenticeship is ideal for those looking for an introduction into the workplace. This offers a mix of learning on-the-job and college training, including functional skills, and apprentices will work towardsa recognised qualification.Natural progression would leadto the further development of skills at an advanced level.

Advanced – Level 3An advanced apprenticeship is a level above theintermediate apprenticeship and is an opportunity to receive further training, develop skills and gain a qualification.Advanced apprenticeships offer qualifications up to a Level 3 and provide apprentices with an opportunity to receivehands-on experience in the workplace and prepare them

for further career progression within the company. Thisapprenticeship is tailored to those students who havecompleted their intermediate level apprenticeship or have achieved 5 good GCSE grades (A*-C) and are considering their career options.

Higher – Level 4 and 5Higher apprenticeships are designed for those who havecompleted an advanced level apprenticeship or who arealready employed and wish to progress and gainuniversity level qualifications in the workplace.

Higher apprenticeships combine on the job training withindependent study. Apprentices are paid a salary, providedwith advanced specialist skills and given the opportunityto progress their career.

Please see page 7 for the full range of Bury CollegeApprenticeships available.

Business benefitsAs businesses face the challenge of an increasingly competitive market place, skilled and qualified employees are more important than ever.

Generate new ideasApprentices can bring new ideas and innovation to your business as well as an energy and enthusiasm to the work place.

Offer flexibilityApprentice training is flexible, primarily delivered in the workplace, and offers minimal disruption to your business.

Motivate your workforceTrained employees feel more valued and motivated and can help to improve your workforce retention and progressionwithin the company.

Increase productivityApprentices will be equipped with skills and knowledge directly relevant to your organisation,helping to improve your productivity.

Increase profitabilitySkilled and motivated apprentices can improve your company’s efficiency and profitability as they increase their expertise in their role.

Gain competitive advantageYou gain advantage over your competitors through planned development of your workforce.

Developing your staff through apprenticeships is an ideal way to maximise your business return.Employing an apprentice can:

82% 88%

Building Skills

82% of employers take onapprentices to build the skillscapacity within their businesses.

Increased Employee Satisfaction

88% of apprentice employers believe they lead to a moremotivated and satisfiedworkforce, leading to greater loyalty and quality.

Employee

Satisfaction £

Lower recruitment costs

75% of apprentice employerssay the programme has helpedcut recruitment costs. 80% say that apprenticeships will play a bigger part in their futurerecruitment policy.

75%

6Sources: 2011 British Chambers of Commerce, Populus research commissioned by the National Apprenticeship Service and Productivity Matters, Centre for Economic and Business Research, 2013

BURY COLLEGE APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE LEVEL

Accounting

Animal Care

Barbering

Beauty Therapy

Building Maintenance

Business Administration

Business Improvement Techniques

Catering

Childcare

Children and Young People (Residential Childcare)

Cleaning and Support Services

Customer Service

Dental Nursing

Electrical Installation

Employment Related Services

Engineering

Facilities Services

Food Manufacturing

Hairdressing

Health and Social Care

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Health and Social Care (Adult and Social Care)

Hospitality 1

Human Resources Management

ICT Professional 1 1 1

IT User Skills 1 1

Logistics Operations

Management and Leadership 1

Nail Services 1

Optical Retail Skills 1

Plastering 1

Playwork 1

Plumbing

Retail Skills 1

Sales 1 1

Social Media 1

Teaching Assistants 1 1

Team Leading 1

Trowel Occupations

Warehousing 1

Wood Occupations 1

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Recruiting an ApprenticeOur dedicated employment services team are on hand to help you fill vacancies and find the right apprentice for the job.

1. Identify a vacancyDiscuss your vacancy with our team of businessdevelopment advisors. 2. AdvertiseWe will confirm the details of the vacancy with you and our business development advisors will advertise your vacancy.

3. ShortlistWe will identify suitable candidates for the role and help you to plan the interviews.

4. SelectWe’ll invite the shortlisted candidates for you to interview and feedback to them when you’ve made your decision.

5. RecruitWhen the successful candidates begins theiremployment with you we will enrol them asa Bury College apprentice.

“It is great to have Abigail as a member of theteam as she is really enthusiastic and is goodwith people.”Vicky Metcalfe, Practice Manager at Ravat and Ray Dental Care currently employs apprentice Abigail Lloyd who iscompleting the Advanced Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing.

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How an Apprenticeshipis deliveredAn apprenticeship consists of three components:

• Knowledge base element – this covers the technical knowledge and theory.

• Competence based element – technical skills based on national occupational standards.

• Functional skills – practical skills in English, Mathematics and ICT that help individuals to operate confidently, effectively and independently in the workplace.

In addition to covering mandatory units, your apprentice can complete optional units tailored tomeet the job role and your organisational needs.

“I chose the apprenticeship route because I am gaining my qualifications as wellas learning on the job and will be fully prepared for my role by the end of myapprenticeship. I am really enjoying my time at Bury Council and it is great that there are opportunities for career progression.”Ahmed Seedat is studying an Business Administration Level 2 apprenticeship at Bury Council.

Further Information• An apprentice must be at least 16 years of age.

• The individual must be given a permanent contract of employment and be employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week.

• Applicants are not eligible if they have gained a Level 4 or above qualification.

• Apprenticeships for 16-18 year olds are fully funded by the Government, ensuring there is no cost for the professional training they receive.

• Fees will apply for apprentices aged 19 and over.

• You must pay your apprentice a salary. There is a national minimum apprenticeship wage, however the salary you will pay your apprentice should reflect their age, job role and experience. For more information, please visit: www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

• Apprentices must be paid for any day release and functional skills training.

Dylan Fraser-Kelly (pictured) is completing a Level 3Accounting apprenticeship at Big Hand 4 Business where he is responsible for managing client’s accounts and helping to co-ordinate client meetings.

Big Hand 4 Business Growth Specialist Hannah Warburton champions the apprenticeship scheme and recognises thebenefits. Hannah said, “Dylan is a talented, motivatedindividual who is eager to learn and has a willingness tosucceed in his role. He has made a great addition tothe Big Hand Group.”

Is there funding available to support?You may be eligible for a grant up to the value of £1500 if:

• You’re a small sized employer (one with fewer than 50 staff).

• Your apprentice is aged 16 to 24.

• You have not employed an apprentice in the last 12 months. The grant aims to support businesses who would nototherwise be in a position to recruit individuals aged 16 to 24 into employment through the apprenticeship programme.

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“Our three apprentices have brought energy and enthusiasm to the workplace. They are eager to work and learn and it has been great for myselfand my co-owner Chris to pass on our kitchen and front of house skillsand act as mentors. The apprenticeship scheme is also an opportunityto nurture your staff to work in a way you would like them to.”Andrea Britland, co-owner of award winning The Dearden Tea Rooms currentlyemploys three Hospitality and Catering apprentices.

Your commitmentAs an employer your support is important to ensure successful completion of the apprenticeship training.

Your support will be valuable in helping to provide opportunities for your apprentice to apply new skills in the workplace and time to complete assignments.

You will also support your apprentice with helpevidencing their achievements in the workplaceand opportunities for our assessors to undertakework-based assessments.

MentoringYou may wish to allocate an experienced member of staff to act as a mentor for your apprentice.

Mentors will be on hand to offer your apprenticeadvice and will support your apprentice throughout their work placement.

Mentoring is especially important for young apprentices because it is likely to be their first time in a working environment

Our commitment to youYour apprentice will be allocated a personal Bury College assessor who is dedicated to supporting them throughout their training and to help them achieve their qualification and the requirements of yourbusiness. Our assessors are trained specialists in your area and have been chosen for their expertise and industry background. They will also support theemployer with any queries or questions.

In addition to this, your dedicated Bury College assessor will visit you and your apprentice once a month. Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes with the majority of the training being delivered in the workplace. Some apprenticeships may require evening or day release to college to attend functional skills or technical certificate training and we can discuss options with you.

Relationship ManagerYou will be allocated a dedicated Account Manager who will be your main contact and who will oversee and coordinate all learning activities.

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“Matthew is making a valuable contribution to the business and has a bright future with the company. Apprenticeships can help employees develop new skills, gain qualifications and experience whilst earning money at the same time.”

Judith Watts, HR Manager for William Harestrongly believes in the benefits of an apprenticeshipscheme and already employs 45 apprentices acrossthe UK in technical, craft and business subjects aswell as IT. Matthew Jones has progressed fromLevel 2 ICT to a Level 3.

0161 280 8650business.solutions@burycollege.ac.ukwww.bcsolutions.co.uk@_burycollege_Enterprise Centre, Market Street, Bury BL9 0DS

Contact the Bury College Apprenticeship team on:

(M365/16) Produced by the Communication Team. Printed by Ultragraph Ltd. February 2016.