ApprenticeshipEmployer Handbook

Principal: Stephen CarlisleDeputy Principal: Lynda Mason

Main ReceptionT_01254 389933F_01254 354001

Information+ Centre

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Admissions/Enrolment Team

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Learning Support TeamT_01254 354050

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Counselling TeamT_01254 354038

ApprenticeshipsT_01254 354354

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Higher Education OfficeT_01254 354047

Accrington and Rossendale College (accross) exists to provide high quality education and training to the widest

range of local people.

The details in this course guide were correct at the time of print. The College however, reserves the right to alter the information contained in this publication at any time.

Classes will run subject to sufficient student numbers,

please check with our staff if you want to be sure that a programme is running or a specific facility is in operation.

This prospectus is available in a range of formats eg;

large format or braille. For more details please call 01254 354354 or e-mail info@accross.ac.uk

Please call the College’s main reception with any

enquiries you may have on 01254 389933.

Designed and written by the accross Marketing Team.

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Training Support Officers (TSO)

Jan Bowman T_01254 354351 M_07595 204206 E_jbowman@accross.ac.uk

Dan Pinder T_01254 354341 M_07595 204218 E_dpinder@accross.ac.uk

Janet Strahan T_01254 354345 M_07803 658864 E_jstrahan@accross.ac.uk

Rachel Tinkler T_01254 354361 M_07711 082500 E_rtinkler@accross.ac.uk

Jill Howlett T_01254 354230 M_07595 204216 E_jhowlett@accross.ac.uk

Denise Easton T_01254 354230 M_07803 658863 E_deaston@accross.ac.uk

Julie Wrigley T_01254 354220 M_07971 049965 E_jwrigley@accross.ac.uk

College services Useful contact numbers

4 Introduction

5 Cost to you

6 Getting started

7 Safety first

8 Getting support

9 Making a success of apprenticeships

10 Benefits for you

3www.accross.ac.uk/apprenticeships

Contents

Accrington and Rossendale College (accross) takes Pennine Lancashire’s workforce very seriously. Our apprenticeships offer an unequalled route into employment for youngsters and an opportunity for organisations like yourselves to benefit from an eager trainee.

What makes our scheme unique?

The aim is to make life easier for you, the employer and we offer a wide range of added benefits on top of those that are normally offered by apprenticeship schemes.

• Tailored training programme to fit your exact business needs.

• Help recruiting enthusiastic and capable apprentices.

• Individual mentoring and learning support to ensure the apprentices reach their full potential.

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Introduction

The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) subsidises the training costs for apprenticeships through us, the training provider. The amount of funding provided by the SFA depends on the age of the apprentice and the qualification you agree they should gain. You may be asked to contribute towards any shortfalls in SFA funding but we would talk to you about this.

• You need to pay the apprentice’s wages and any other related contributions, such as National Insurance.

• When considering what to pay your apprentice you should consider the going rate for the job. We can supply you with the current rates of pay dependent on age and experience.

• It is strongly recommended apprentices also receive incremental rises based on competence, achievement and productivity to your business.

• Accrington and Rossendale College (accross) can supply you with information on earnings by job sector.

• You need to allow time for your staff to provide support in the workplace (such as a mentor) and to liaise with us, your training provider.

• Your apprentice will need time off to attend training at college and any other relevant courses during normal working hours.

• There may be additional costs for necessary equipment such as safety items.

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Cost to you

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Meeting your needs

It is important to us that our training meets your needs. To ensure that this is the case, we arrange a meeting each term to discuss your training needs and to let you know any information, or details of funding, which may help you. Outside of this, you are welcome to contact us at any time for any information you may require.

But what does taking on an apprentice mean?

There are a number of requirements that you have to fulfil in order to give the apprentice the best possible training. These are clearly highlighted in the booklet. In exchange you get a member of staff that is enthusiastic, keen to learn and is fully supported by us.

Induction

All employers must give their apprentices a full induction which clearly explains what they expect from them and which covers essential information, such as:

• Health and safety

• Fire procedures

• Accident an emergency

• Equal opportunities and anti-discrimination policies

• Risk assessments

• Employment rights and responsibilities

• Confidentiality policies

• Individual learning plans

• Your company structure and who their supervisors and managers are

• Complaints procedure

Reviews

We will provide you with a Training Support Officer. The purpose of the Training Support Officer is to ensure everything is running smoothly and that both parties are happy. They will complete a review in company every ten to twelve weeks. Reviews can take place more regularly if there is cause for concern or if you require.

Getting started

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Health and safety

You must complete a Health and Safety appraisal form with the Training Support Officer to ensure that adequate procedures and policies are in place.

As with all employees, you will be expected to adhere to legal, statutory health and safety requirements:

• Apprentices should know of policies which refer to their own, personal safety and the safety of those around them.

• Apprentices should receive any training which they will need to perform their duties safely.

• Employer must provide a safe environment which complies with all relevant legislation.

• Apprentices should be made aware of Health and Safety and Hygiene legislation.

Risk assessment

Employers have a legal responsibility to:

• Perform a full risk assessment on your apprentices before they start work.

• Acknowledge the inexperience of apprentices and new employees.

• Make sure that apprentices have appropriate supervision at all times.

• Identify potential risks and put in place procedures for minimising those risks. • Ensure that, if specific training reduces risks, the apprentice receives the appropriate training.

• Ensure apprentices do not perform duties which will expose them to undue risks.

Lifting and handling

All apprentices involved in lifting and handling should be given appropriate training to ensure that the possibility of injury is minimised. Assessments should be made to define the correct training required.

Safety first

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Mentoring

Providing your apprentice with a mentor is optional, but we strongly recommend it, as it has many positive outcomes. The mentor provides apprentices with a role model and lets them see, first hand, the level they should aspire to.

Statistically speaking, apprentices who have a mentor, have higher rates of retention and achievement.

Equal opportunities

All of your employees should be treated equally, and we’re sure you have policies in place to ensure this happens. Your Training Support Officer can give you information and advice on this if necessary.

Practical assessments

Apprentices are assessed on a regular basis and feedback from the assessor is given.

Apprentices are assessed on their knowledge and practical skills, in each of the modules they are taking.

Your apprentice will have an assessment plan, which will contain details of the areas in which they will be assessed.

Getting support

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College attendance

Apprentices may be required to attend College to gain certain skills and undertake certain assessments. To ensure that they make a success of their apprenticeship, they will need to be released on the agreed days and the College will appreciate your help in making sure that attendance is as high as possible.

Overview

• Apprentices can work a maximum of 40 hours per week which includes time spent in college.

• All apprentices must receive a pay slip, or other evidence of payment.

• Trainees must be given at least two full days off per week. If working Sunday is a requirement, and the apprentice is under 18, then you must obtain parental consent.

• If special protective equipment, or safety equipment is necessary, then it must be provided free of charge to the apprentice.

• Apprentices must receive a full induction, covering subjects such as Health and Safety, Fire Procedures, Sickness, Holidays and Complaints.

• Holiday pay must be accrued in accordance with the terms of contract with the apprentice.

Sound like the scheme for you?

Accrington and Rossendale College (accross) are committed to making the process of employing an apprentice as easy as possible. If you would like to talk through any of the issues involved with taking on an apprentice, or would like to sign up to our scheme today, then contact Accrington and Rossendale College (accross) on 01254 3543540 or e-mail info@accross.ac.uk

Making a success of apprenticeships

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The business benefits

Apprenticeships can help businesses across all sectors by offering a route to harness fresh new talent.

UK businesses consider skills shortages and recruitment difficulties a bigger threat to performance than soaring oil prices and declining consumer spending, and more than a quarter of these rate this form of vocational training higher than any other qualification. Apprenticeships ensure that your workforce has the practical skills and qualifications your organisation needs now and in the future. The mixture of on and off job learning ensures they learn the skills that work best for your business.

Over 130,000 workplace offer apprentice places because they understand the benefits that apprentices bring to their business – increased productivity, improved competitiveness and a committed and competent work-force.

Improve your bottom line

Apprenticeships deliver real returns to your bottom line, with Apprenticeships helping them to improve productivity and to be more competitive. Training apprentices can also be more cost effective than hiring skilled staff, leading to lower overall training and recruitment costs.

Fill your skills gaps

Apprenticeships deliver skills designed around your business needs providing the skilled workers you need for the future. They also help you develop the specialist skills you need to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices in your sector.

Motivate your workforce

Apprentices tend to be eager, motivated, flexible and loyal to the company that invested in them. Remember, an apprentice is with you because they want to be – they have made an active choice to learn on the job and a commitment to a specific career.

Benefits to you

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Accrington and Rossendale College (accross) exists to provide high quality education and training to the widest range of local people. The details in this course guide were correct at the time of print. The college however, reserves the right to alter the information contained in this publication at any time. Classes will run subject to sufficient student numbers, please check with our staff if you want to be sure that a programme is running or a specific facility is in operation. Please call the college’s main reception with any enquiries you may have on 01254 389933.

Greening the CollegeAccrington and Rossendale College (accross) prides itself on being green organisation, which has undertaken a series of initiatives designed to reduce the size of our carbon footprint. We promote the use of sustainable resources and discourage wasteful or damaging environmental practices and continue to raise awareness and understanding of environmental issues among all staff and students.

Return on Investment Calculator

The Return on Investment (ROI) calculator has been designed to help you understand the returns you can possibly gain on investing in Apprenticeships.

Drawing on research from the Warwick Institute for Employment Research (‘The Net Benefits to Employer Investment in Apprenticeship Training’ – November 2008) into the costs and benefits of Apprenticeships, the ROI calculator has been made available to help employers make the right decisions.

The ROI calculator estimates the average costs of employing and training an apprentice against the gains that come when their ‘additional productivity’ impacts on the business.

Follow the link below to access the Return on Investment Calculator

http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Employers/ROI-Tool.aspx

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