+ All Categories
Home > Documents > The employers choice for apprenticeships - North East England · The employers choice for...

The employers choice for apprenticeships - North East England · The employers choice for...

Date post: 03-Nov-2018
Category:
Upload: nguyennhu
View: 215 times
Download: 0 times
Share this document with a friend
18
Championing the region since 1815 Employer Handbook Your guide to employing apprentices The employers choice for apprenticeships
Transcript

Championing the region since 1815

Employer HandbookYour guide to employing apprentices

The employers choice for apprenticeships

www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 65222 Employer Handbook

The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) is one of the largest

Chambers of Commerce in the UK and a unique membership

organisation representing the region’s businesses. We enable

businesses to develop and grow through providing a range of services,

all to the highest quality and tailored to meet the needs of the local

business community. NECC has established a strong reputation for the

delivery of quality Apprenticeship training, as validated by Ofsted.

NECC Training is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome learners with disabilities. For further information please ask for a copy of our Disability Statement.

Introduction 03

What is an Apprenticeship 04

FAQ’s 05

Preparing for H&S Assessment of your workplace� 06

Training Recruitment Service 07

Inducting Learners 08

Planning and designing individual training programmes 09

Delivering Training Programmes 10

Reviewing�learner�progress� 11

Assessing Learner Competence 12

Supporting learners in their work-based�training�programme� 13

Equality�and�diversity�within the training process 14

Health and Safety 15

Safeguarding�learners�within work�based�learning� 16

Continuous improvement 17

CONTENTS

www.necc.co.uk0300 303 6522 Employer Handbook 3

Increased business productivity

Address skills shortages

Apprentices receive relevant training, so have an immediate�impact�and�make�a�real�and�meaningful�

contribution�to�your�business

Apprentices�will�promote�a�skilled�workforce�and�fill�any�skills�shortages�–�ensuring�companies�possess�the�skills�they�need�to�meet�their�current�and�future�business�goals.

76%of employers say that apprenticeships

provide higher overall productivity

Improve qualityApprentices�are�provided�with�the�correct�tools�to�do�the�job�and�are�monitored�by�the�programme’s�advisers�

and�through�the�company’s�own�quality�control�systems; creating commercial gain and a healthy

workforce�for�the�future.

77%of employers believe apprenticeships

make them more competitive

Reduce costsIt’s�a�cost�effective�way�of�introducing�new�talent�to�the�business;�saving�on�recruitment,�salary�

and�training�costs.

59%report that training apprentices is more

cost-effective than hiring skilled staff

Improve employee satisfaction and staff retention

Businesses�that�employ�and�train�apprentices�will�have�a�more�loyal�and�committed�workforce

80%of employers feel that apprenticeships

reduce staff turnover

83%of employers rely on their apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers

that they need for the future

Whether you are�taking�on�a�new�apprentice�or�training one of your existing employees, this guide will�help�you�understand�the�services�and�support�which�we�provide�and�the�role�which�you�need�to�play�in�the�process.

We�are�one�of�the�largest�work-based�training�providers�in�the�North�East�with�training�provided�across�the�region�to�circa�1,100�learners.�As�a�membership�organisation�we�understand�the�needs�of�business�and�our�courses�are�designed�and�delivered�to�meet�the�needs�of�both�business�and�individual�learners.

Work-based�learning�is�part�of�a�national�programme�of�Government�supported�provision�to�raise�skill�levels.�It�aims�to�develop�an�individual’s�knowledge�and�skills�within�the�workplace�environment�and�presents�a�real�opportunity�for�people�who�want�to�continue�their�learning�outside�full-time�further�and�higher�education.

Over�100,000�forward�thinking�employers�in�the�UK are currently developing their employees in this�way.�NECC�works�with�a�range�of�employers�including�Parkdean�Holidays,�Sage�UK,�MCPS,�Coast�&�Country�Housing�and�Labman�Automation.�

www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 65224 Employer Handbook

Employers Handbook

WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?An�Apprenticeship�is�a�way�for�young�people�and�adult�learners�to�earn�while�they�learn�in�a�real�job,�gaining�a�real�qualification�and�a�real�future.�Hiring�apprentices�helps�businesses�to�grow�their�own�talent�by�developing�a�motivated,�skilled�and�qualified�workforce.�Quality�is�key�to�Apprenticeships�–�NECC�provide�high�quality�training�that�benefits�both�apprentices�and employers.

Apprenticeships deliver for businesses and help them grow by:

Reducing training and recruitment costs� Increasing�productivity�and�your�bottom�line� Developing�a�skilled,�motivated�and�qualified�workforce

Improving customer service results Providing�financial�return�on�investment.

More�than�100,000�employers,�in�over�160,000�workplaces,�currently�use�Apprenticeships�to�attract�new�talent,�re-skill�existing�staff�and�tackle�skill�shortages.�Apprenticeships�are�available�to�businesses�of�all�sizes�and�from�all�sectors�in�England.�Employment�is�a�fundamental�part�of�an�Apprenticeship.�An�apprentice�must�be�employed�in�a�job�role�with�a�productive�purpose.

Apprenticeship Levels:There�are�three�levels�of�Apprenticeship�available:

Intermediate Level Apprenticeships (Level 2) Advanced Level Apprenticeships (Level 3) Higher Apprenticeships�(Level�4�and�above)

NECC is one of the largest independent apprenticeship training providers in the North East�of�England.

VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION Working�with�our�specialist�advisers,�you�can�choose�units�within�the�qualification�which�are�suitable�for�you�and�your�learner.�We�will�assess�the�competence�of�your�employee�while�they�are�working�on�the�job.

They�will�also�be�taught�sector�specific�knowledge�as�part�of�the�programme.�

TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE This�is�a�knowledge�based�qualification�to�demonstrate your employee’s underpinning knowledge�and�understanding�relating�to�your�industry.�It�also�covers�employment�rights�and�responsibilities.�NECC�will�support�your�employee�to�achieve�this�which�is�assessed�via�a�combination�of�exams�and�workbooks.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLSThese�are�the�core�elements�of�English,�Maths�and�ICT�that�provide�individuals�with�the�essential�knowledge,�skills�and�understanding�to�enable�them�to�operate�confidently�and�efficiently�in�life�and�work.�A�key�benefit�is�that�your�employee�will�be�learning�to�apply�their�skills�across�a�range�of�situations.�NECC�will�look�to�employers�to�support�their�employee�by�providing�sufficient�opportunities�for�them�to�practice�their�skills�at�work.�These�qualifications�are�assessed�via�a�set�of�examinations.�NECC�will�host�day�release�sessions�to�support�functional�skills�delivery�(if�applicable)�

PERSONAL LEARNING & THINKING SKILLSThe�final�element�of�the�Apprenticeship�framework�covers�the�essential�skills�for�life-long�learning.�It�comprises�six�groups�of�skills�that,�together�with�Functional�Skills,�will�ensure�employees�are�confident�and�capable�individuals.�Depending�on�which�industry�you�work�in,�these�may�be�embedded�into�the�other�qualifications�in�the�Apprenticeship,�or�may�be�assessed�as�a�separate�qualification.

www.necc.co.uk0300 303 6522 Employer Handbook 5

Q. What are the costs?A.�NECC�receives�Government�funding�which�enables�us�to�subsidise�all�or�most�of�the�cost�of�training.�Please�contact�our�Skills�Development�Team�on:�0300�303�6322�or�email:�[email protected]�for�further�details.

Q. How long will the learner be on the training programme? A.�The�training�programme�is�an�on-going�partnership�between�the�learner�and�their�employer,�however�different�qualifications�have�specified�periods�to�complete.�The�minimum�duration�for�an�apprenticeship�is�12�months.

Q. How can I recruit a new apprentice through NECC?A.�NECC�have�specially�trained�recruitment�consultants�who�will�work�with�you�to�identify�suitable�candidates�and�they�will�manage�your�vacancy�from�start�to�finish.��Our�Training�Recruitment Service is free of charge for employers�looking�to�recruit�an�apprentice.�All�learners�recruited�must�however,�work�towards�a�qualification�with�NECC�once�they�start�work.�

Q. How long will my employee spend ‘off the job? A.�It�is�a�requirement�of�the�Apprenticeship,�Skills,�Children�and�Learning�Act�2009�that�a�specified�amount�of�learning�takes�place�off�the�job�but�within�the�apprentice’s�paid�hours.�We�will�expect�employers�to�support�this.�This�will�mean:�

Day release arrangements for most learners, depending on the programme;

� At�least�two�hours�study�time�per�week�for�all�learners;

� Allow�attendance�off-the-job�for�examinations��and�/�or�for�additional�support�if�required.�

Q. What are the benefits of an Apprenticeship with NECC?

As one of the largest training providers in the North�East�we�deliver�training�across�the�region�for your convenience You can reduce training and recruitment costs (if�recruiting�a�new�apprentice) You can increase productivity and your bottom line�You�can�develop�a�skilled�motivated�and�qualified�workforce

Q. What do I pay an apprentice? A.�Like�all�employees,�apprentices�must�receive�a�wage.�Employers�must�pay�at�least�the�national�minimum�wage�(this�is�reviewed�on�an�annual�basis).�It�is�the�employer’s�responsibility�to�ensure�that�they�comply�with�the�current�minimum�wage�requirements�-�this�can�be�checked�by�visiting�www.gov.uk/national-minimumwage-rates.�The�current�rate�for�apprentices�is�£2.73�per�hour�(from�1st�October�2014).�Please�note�this�applies�from the start date of their Apprenticeship* for 16-18�year�olds,�and�where�the�apprentice�is�over�the�age�of�19,�this�applies�for�the�first�year�of�their Apprenticeship.*NECC’s�AAT�and�Dental�programmes�may�not�coincide�with�employment�start�dates�and�you�may�therefore�be�required�to�pay�National�Minimum�Wage�until�such�time�that�the�apprenticeship�programme�begins.�

Q. Is there a minimum number of hours an apprentice needs to work?A.�Apprentices�need�to�work�a�minimum�of�30�contracted�hours�per�week�on�Government�supported�programmes.�Otherwise�the�duration�of�the�programme�will�need�to�be�extended.�

Q. What happens next?A.�If�you�are�looking�to�recruit�a�new�apprentice,�or�have�an�existing�member�of�staff�interested�in�completing an apprenticeship please contact a member�of�the�Skills�Development�Team��in�the�first�instance�to�discuss�your�requirements.�

For everyone signed up to an apprenticeship programme,�NECC�will�complete�an�initial�assessment to ensure they are signed on to the right programme and receive the right level of support�for�their�individual�needs.�

It is a requirement for use of Government funding that�employers�comply�with�Health�&�Safety�legislation.�NECC�will�send�you�a�link�to�an�online�self-assessment�of�your�H&S�arrangements�-�see�page�6�of�the�Employer�Handbook�for�advice�on�how�to�prepare.�Once�this�is�in�place,�you�will�receive�a�visit�from�your�dedicated�Training�Adviser�to�finalise�the�arrangements�and�sign�your�apprentice�onto�their�programme�–�please�allow�a�minimum�of�3�hours�for�this�visit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 65226 Employer Handbook

Employers Handbook

It is a requirement for use of Government funded training that a health and safety assessment of your�workplace�is�conducted.�You�will�need�to�complete�the�online�self-assessment�to�declare�what�existing�H&S�arrangements�you�have�in�place.�On�our�initial�visit,�this�will�be�reviewed�by�one�of�NECC’s�appropriately�trained�staff.

The�following�checklist�will�help�you�prepare�for�this�review�and�reduce�any�disruption�to�you�and�your�colleagues.

You�will�be�asked�to�provide:� your�Certificate�for�Employers�Liability Insurance

� evidence�of�how�you�inform�staff�about�Health�&�Safety�at�work�act,�fire�procedures�and�first�aiders

� a�clear�written�policy�on�Health�&�Safety�(if�you�have more than 5 employees)

� appropriate�risk�assessments� First�Aid�box� Accident�Book�(this�must�be�the�version�with�removable�pages)

� log�of�fire�drills�and�alarm�tests� clear�written�policy�on�Equality�and�Diversity� clear�written�policy�on�Safeguarding

Our�staff�will�be�able�to�help�you�if�you�have any questions regarding the Health & Safety assessment.

Guidance�is�available�for�all�employers�at www.hse.gov.uk.

If you do not currently have a Health & Safety policy, Health & Safety Executive has provided guidance�for�small�businesses�that�our�staff�will�provide�to�you.

If you do not currently have Equality & Diversity policy, ACAS has provided guidance and a sample policy�that�our�staff�will�provide�to�you.�

If you do not currently have a Safeguarding policy we�have�a�sample�policy�that�our�staff�will�provide�to�you.

PREPARING�FOR�H&S�ASSESSMENT�OF�YOUR WORKPLACE

www.necc.co.uk0300 303 6522 Employer Handbook 7

NECC ROLE

� On�receipt�of�your�job�vacancy,�our�recruitment�team�will�contact�you�within�2�working�days

� Following�initial�contact,�and�where�we�have�suitable�candidates,�we�will�forward�CVs�within�2�working�days

� If�we�have�no�suitable�candidates�we�will�promote�your�vacancy�through�our�network�of�partners.�If�your�vacancy�is�displayed�via�the�National�Apprenticeship�service�you�may�be�contacted�by�them�to�verify�your�vacancy

� We�will�assess�and�interview�all�candidates�to�ensure�suitability

� We�will�provide�advice,�support�and�guidance�with�selection�methods�and�interviewing candidates

� We�will�manage�your�vacancy�and�provide�regular updates throughout the process

EMPLOYER’S ROLE

� As�an�employer,�it�is�your�responsibility�to�ensure�you�pay�the�correct�wage.�NECC’s�

AAT and Dental programmes may not coincide�with�employment�start�dates�and�you�may�therefore�be�required�to�pay�National�Minimum�wage�until�such�time�that�their�apprenticeship�programme begins.�

� Provide�a�detailed�job�description�and�skills�requirement on initial NECC visit

� On�receipt�of�CVs�provide�us�with�feedback�within�3�days

� Provide�feedback�on�outcome�of�any�interviews�within�one�week�of�them�being�held

Advise of proposed start date (your online H&S�self-assessment�must�be�completed�before�learner�commences�employment)

� Give�applicants�a�detailed�overview�of�the�role�and�the�training�which�you�will�provide

Treat all candidates fairly and consistently during the selection process

� Pay�at�least�the�minimum�wage�in�accordance�with�current�Government�guidelines

� If�the�candidate�you�employ�has�been�referred�by�NECC�Training�Recruitment�Service�then�the�apprenticeship�training�must�be�delivered�by�NECC.�

We reserve the right to charge a recruitment fee if�you�use�our�recruitment�service�without�training�being�delivered�by�NECC.�The�fee�is�£1,000�+�VAT�and�payable�within�30�days�of�invoice.

TRAINING�RECRUITMENT�SERVICE�-�SERVICE�LEVEL�AGREEMENT

The recruitment and selection process aims to attract and select learners�who�are�best�suited�to�the�work�and�the�training�you�can�offer.

Having�discussed�your�particular�needs�we�will�match�your�requirements�with�the�skills�and�experience�of�our�learners�and�shortlist�those�whom�we�feel�would�be�most�suited�to�the�position�you�are�offering.

Alternatively,�you�may�wish�to�undertake�your�own�recruitment�activities.�As�the�employer�the�final�decision�regarding�selection�will�be�yours.

All�learners�recruited�must�work�towards�a�qualification�with�NECC.

www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 65228 Employer Handbook

Employers Handbook

NECC ROLE

Provide an induction for learners on their training programme

� Explain�about�work-based�learning�and�the�role of learner and employer

� Advise�you�on�workplace�induction�and�initial training

� Explain�how�the�qualifications�are�achieved Explain to learners their rights and responsibilities

� To�check�that�learners�have�understood�the�information�which�they�have�been�given�at induction

� Provide�learners�with�written�information�to�support�what�they�have�been�given�during�induction,�to�which�they�can�refer�in�the�future

INDUCTING LEARNERS

Induction�training�will�help�learners�settle�quickly�into�your�workplace�by�helping�them�understand�the�environment�in�which�they�are�based�and�the�job�which�they�are�doing.�NECC�will�complement�this�by�providing�an�induction�to�tell�learners�about�their�training�programme.

EMPLOYER’S ROLE

Provide a ‘Contract of Employment’ for the�learner,�taking�into�account�relevant�employment legislation

Employ the learner under an Apprenticeship Agreement�in�accordance�with�the Apprenticeship,

� Skills,�Children�&�Learning�Act�2009.�The�Apprenticeship Agreement must identify the�skill,�trade�or�occupation�for�which�the�apprentice�is�being�trained,�and�confirm�the�framework�being�undertaken.�NECC�can�provide�a�template�if�required.

� Show�learners�all�aspects�of�the�workplace� Introduce�them�to�the�people�they�will�work�with�and�their�supervisor

Train them in the health and safety of your workplace

Explain your company policies and procedures Inform learners of their terms and conditions

of employment or placement� Provide�learners�with�information�about�the�job�which�they�will�be�doing

� Provide�the�learner�with�a�mentor�if�possible

www.necc.co.uk0300 303 6522 Employer Handbook 9

NECC ROLE

To�work�with�you�to�identify�the�individual’s�immediate training and development needs

Assess�the�learner’s�current�skills,�knowledge�and�qualifications

Identify�any�personal�circumstances�which�may�affect�learning�and�training

Set out an Individual Learning Plan for the learner and yourselves

Help you understand the training programme including�the�qualification�and�Functional�Skills requirements

EMPLOYER’S ROLE

To help identify the individual’s immediate training and development needs

Help us plan the training programme for the learner

Identify appropriate learning opportunities within�the�workplace�which�will�help�the�learner develop and progress

Understand the learner’s training programme including�the�qualification�and�Functional�Skills requirements

PLANNING AND DESIGNING INDIVIDUAL�TRAINING�PROGRAMMES

To�help�you�to�get�the�best�from�your�learner�and�to�develop�their�skills�and�knowledge,�we�will�jointly�plan�a�training�programme�that�meets�both�their�needs�and�your�needs�as�an�employer.

An�Individual�Learning�Plan�will�be�developed�which�shows�what�training�they�will�receive,�both�on-�and�off-the-job,�to�ensure�that�they�achieve�their�qualification.�The�plan�will�also�identify�any�additional�support�that�they�may�require.

We�will�obviously�take�into�account�their�current�knowledge,�skills�and�experience�when�doing�this.We�will�ensure�that�your�staff�are�provided�with�whatever�information�they�require�to�understand�the�learner’s�training�programme.

www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 652210 Employer Handbook

Employers Handbook

NECC ROLE

Provide help and advice on planning workplace�training�and�learning�activities

� Be�aware�of�the�learning�activities�that�are�taking�place�within�the�workplace

� Provide�off-the-job�training�sessions�where�appropriate�to�support�the�skills�that�the�learner�is�developing�in�the�workplace,�in�order�that�they�can�achieve�their�qualification

� Keep�you�informed�of�what�the�learner�has�covered�during�off-the-job�training�activities�(where�applicable)

DELIVERING�TRAINING�PROGRAMMES

Having�planned�the�learner’s�training�programme�we�will�work�together�to�deliver�the�training�that�is�required�to�develop�the�learner’s�skills�and�help�them�achieve�their�Apprenticeship.�

EMPLOYER’S ROLE

� Apprenticeships�are�work-based�learning�programmes, most of the training is ‘on-the-job’.�You�can�help�learners�develop�their�knowledge�and�skills�by�providing�a�wide�range of learning and training opportunities

� Allow�learners�to�attend�off-the-job�training sessions at the agreed times (where applicable)

� Allow�learners�at�least�two�hours�a�week�study�time�(this�could�be�covered�by�day�release�arrangements�where�applicable)

� Help�learners�put�into�practice�what�they�are learning

� Identify�ways�the�learner�can�use�English,�Maths�and�ICT�skills�at�work.�Provide�opportunities for learners to practice these skills�during�thier�usual�work�tasks,�or�by�work-based�projects�to�fill�any�gaps.�This�will�help�learners�embed�their�Functional�Skills

� Initiate�a�meeting�with�us�if�you�have�any�concerns�about�any�aspect�of�the�training delivery.�

Much�of�the�training�will�take�place�within�the�workplace�itself.�This�will�typically�involve�learners�developing�their�skills�through�observing�others,�practising�themselves�and�through�support�from�their�supervisor.�The�more�learning�opportunities�that�you�can�provide�therefore,�the�greater�range�of�skills�that�the�learner�is�likely�to�acquire�which�will�be�of�benefit�to�your�company.�

You�may�also�wish�to�consider�giving�the�learner�projects�to�undertake,�or�want�them�to�attend�formal�training�sessions�in�the�workplace�that�will�develop�their�skills�and�knowledge�even�further.

www.necc.co.uk0300 303 6522 Employer Handbook 11

NECC ROLE

Organise a schedule of regular progress meetings�to�take�place�every�12�weeks

� Involve�the�learner�and�the�workplace�supervisor�in�the�progress�review

� Record�the�progress�made�by�the�learner�in�the�workplace

Identify additional training and support needs and amend the training plan accordingly

Set challenging learning plan accordingly� Set�challenging�learning�goals�between��review�dates

� Make�sure�the�learner�and�the�workplace�supervisor have a copy of the record

REVIEWING�LEARNER�PROGRESS

To�check�that�the�learner�is�getting�the�most�out�of�their�training�programme�it�is�important�to�monitor�their�progress�at�regular�intervals.

EMPLOYER’S ROLE

� Let�us�know�how�the�learner�is�progressing�in�the�workplace’.

� Advise�us�of�any�concerns�which�you�may�have regarding the learner’s progress

Attend, and participate fully, in learner progress�reviews

� Advise�on�workplace�training�and�assessment�opportunities that may occur in the period to the�next�review

This�will�ensure�that�any�additional�training�or�support�needs�re�properly�addressed.�We�will�fully�involve�the�learner’s�supervisor.

www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 652212 Employer Handbook

Employers Handbook

NECC ROLE

����Help�learners�and�staff�within�your�organisation understanding the assesment process

� Help�learning�understand�how�to�collect,�or signpost to, evidence and match it to occupational standards

Formally assess learner competence using practices�which�are�timely,�fair,�regular,�informative�and�reliable

� Give�constructive�feeedback�to�learners�following�assessement

ASSESSING�LEARNER�COMPETENCETo�gain�their�vocational�qualification�a�learner�is�required�to�collect�evidence to demonstrate that they are competent in a range of different�activities.

EMPLOYER’S ROLE

Provide opportunities for the learner to demonstrate�their�competence�in�specific�tasks

� Help�learners�to�evidence�the�work�they� have done

� Sign�statements�confirming�the�learner’s�competence�in�specific�activities,�or�record�a�‘witness�testimony’

Each�learner�is�allocated�an�assessor�who�will�discuss�and�agree�the�best�way�of�providing�evidence�to�reach�the�national�standards.�This�will�involve�identifying�activities�which�occur�normally�within�the�workplace�to�demonstrate�particular�skills.

The�assessor�will�observe�the�learner�carrying�out�tasks�within�the�workplace�to�make�sure�that�the�standard�of�work�required�can�be�delivered�consistently.

They�will�also�examine�pieces�of�work�or�information�which�the�learner�has�collected�to�demonstrate�competence

www.necc.co.uk0300 303 6522 Employer Handbook 13

NECC ROLE

� Keep�in�regular�touch�with�learners�and yourselves

Encourage and motivate learners through their training programme

� Show�real�interest�in�the�skills�which�learners�are�developing�in�the�workplace

� Help�learners�to�understand�the�long-term�benefits�of�training�and�qualifications

� Identify�any�problems�or�concerns�which�learners may have at an early stage

� Share�any�identified�concerns�with�you�and�agree�suitable�solutions�where�learners�want�to�change�their�training�programme�or�job

Where learners have additional learning needs in�English,�Maths�or�ICT�we�will�ensure�they�receive�sufficient�support�to�achieve�their�Functional�Skills�qualifications

SUPPORTING LEARNERS IN THEIR WORK-BASED�TRAINING�PROGRAMME

We�will�work�closely�with�you�to�ensure�that�learners�are�given�proper�support�and�that�any�potential�problems�are�identified�and�addressed�as�early�as�possible.

EMPLOYER’S ROLE

� Help�learners�to�understand�the�long-term�benefits�of�training�and�qualifications

Provide opportunities for learners to practice their�skills

� Allow�learners�at�least�two�hours�per�week�to�work�on�their�programme

� Encourage�learners�to�attend�and�show�real�interest�in�their�off-the-job�training�(where applicable)

Where learners have additional learning needs in�English,�Maths�or�ICT,�allow�learners�to�attend�support�workshops�designed�to�build�their�basic�skills

� Ensure�learners�attend�Functional�Skills�exams�(where�applicable).�If�your�learner�fails�to�attend�a�confirmed�booking�a�£25�re-sit�fee�will�be charged.

� Be�aware�of�any�problems�or�difficulties�which�may�be�facing�learners

� Share�your�concerns�with�us

www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 652214 Employer Handbook

Employers Handbook

NECC ROLE

Promote Equality and Diversity (E&D) throughout the�work-based�training�process� Have�a�written�E&D�policy�which�staff,�

learners and employers understand and are committed to

Advise you on E&D issues and legislation� Make�sure�that�learners�know�what�to�do�if�they�feel�they�are�being�unfairly�treated�in�the workplace

Act on any concerns raised

EQUALITY�AND�DIVERSITY�WITHIN�THE�TRAINING PROCESS

We operate and promote a policy of equality and diversity throughout the�whole�of�the�work-based�training�process.

EMPLOYER’S ROLE

Provide opportunities for the learner to demonstrate�their�competence�in�specific�tasks� Comply�with�E&D�legislation Demonstrate your commitment to E&D in the workplace�through�a�clear�written�policy

Ensure equality of opportunity in selection and recruitment and training activities

Ensure that learners are treated fairly and equally

� Make�sure�that�learners�are�not�bullied,�victimised, harassed or made to feel unwelcome�in�the�workplace

� Explain�to�learners�what�to�do�if�they�have�any�cause for concern

This�is�reflected�in�our�recruitment�practices�where�we�welcome�applications�from�all�persons�regardless�of�gender,�trans-gender,�marital�status,�disability,�age,�sexual�orientation,�nationality,�religion�and�beliefs�or�ethnic�origin.

We�aim�to�treat�learners�fairly�and�in�accordance�with�their�individual�needs�during�their�training�programmes�and�ensure�that�they�know�what�to�do�if�they�have�concerns.

NECC�will�seek�assurance�that�your�company�complies�with�NECC�Equality�and�Diversity�ethos.

www.necc.co.uk0300 303 6522 Employer Handbook 15

NECC ROLE

Use�competent�staff�to�verify�that�you�can provide a healthy, safe and supportive learning environment

Assist you on questions of health and safety requirements and application to individual learners

Provide�a�safe�and�healthy�working�environment for learners at all times during off-the-job�training

Monitor�health�and�safety�practices�on�an�ongoing�basis

Promote health and safety training to learners to�raise�their�awareness�of�risk

Check�learners’�understanding�of�health�and�safety�risk�awareness

Investigate any accidents involving learners�within�the�workplace�and�agree�preventative action

HEALTH AND SAFETY

We have a positive commitment to promoting good health and safety practice�in�the�workplace�and�will�seek�assurance�that�your�workplace�is�a�safe�environment�for�our�learners.

EMPLOYER’S ROLE

� Ensure�the�health,�safety�and�welfare�of�learners�and�bring�your�policy�to�their attention

� Comply�with�health�and�safety�legislation� Inform�the�learner�about�who�is�responsible�for�health�and�safety�matters�within�the company

Provide initial and ongoing health and safety training�in�the�workplace�for�learners

Provide necessary Personal Protective Equipment

Report any accidents concerning learners immediately to us

� Assess�the�risks�to�which�learners�are�exposed�at�work�and�apply�the�general�principles�of prevention

Introduce and maintain appropriate measures to�eliminate�or�control�risks�to�the�lowest�reasonable�practicable�level

� Ensure�learners�are�properly�supervised�by�a�competent person

� Ensure�that�learners�are�covered�under�Public�and�Employer’s�Liability�Insurance

www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 652216 Employer Handbook

Employers Handbook

SAFEGUARDING LEARNERS WITHIN WORK BASED LEARNING

Safeguarding�looks�at�keeping�children,�young�people�and�vulnerable�adults�safe�from�a�wide�range�of�potential�harm�and�delivers�preventative�action,�not�just�reaction.

NECC ROLE

� Have�a�safeguarding�policy�which�NECC�staff�fully adhere to

� Ensure�employers�and�learners�are�aware�of�and support NECC’s safeguarding policy

� To�assist�employers�who�do�not�have�a safeguarding policy in devising and implementing�a�policy�by�providing�a�generic template

Ensure employers and learners are�aware�of�NECC’s�designated�safeguarding representatives

To treat any employer or learner safeguarding suspicions�or�disclosures�with�professionalism�and discretion and to support employers and learners�following�a�disclosure

EMPLOYER’S ROLE

� To�ensure�a�safe�working�environment�for�all�learners�and�a�culture�which�is�committed�to protect learners from potential harm or damage

� To�comply�with�all�safeguarding�legislation�and�to�implement�a�safeguarding�policy�with�assistance from NECC if one is not yet in place

Support learners through any safeguarding issues or disclosures

To report to NECC any safeguarding concerns you�may�have�with�learners

NECC�has�designated�safeguarding�representatives�who�are�trained�to�support�both�employers�and�learners.�Please�feel�free�to�contact�your�Training�Adviser�or�one�of�the�designated�safeguarding�representatives�if�you�have�any�safeguarding�concerns�relating�to�your learners.

Visit�www.necc.co.uk/safeguarding�for�details�of�our�safeguarding�representatives.�For�further�information�on�Safeguarding�please�consult�your�local�authority.

www.necc.co.uk0300 303 6522 Employer Handbook 17

NECC ROLE

To�produce�an�annual�self-assessment�report against Ofsted’s Common Inspection Framework�and�action�plan

To continuously improve provision to provide an increasingly good service to learners and employers

To�prepare�for�regular�inspections�by�Ofsted Work�with�Inspectors�during�inspection

CONTINUOUS�IMPROVEMENT

All�work-based�training�is�subject�to�external�inspection�by�Ofsted.�Inspections�look�at�the�quality�of�training�in�all�occupational�areas.

EMPLOYER’S ROLE

� Provide�us�with�feedback�on�the�quality�of�our�training programmes

� To�take�part�in�discussions�with�Inspectors�during inspections as required

� To�allow�Inspectors�to�take�part�in�discussions�with�learners�during�the�inspection�process

Inspectors�typically�collect�much�of�their�evidence�through�discussions�with�learners�and�employers,�and�therefore�your�views�and�comments�will�form�an�important�part�of�the process.

www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 652218 Employer Handbook

For�further�information�please�contact�NECC’s�Skills�Development�Team�on�0300�303�6322�or�email�[email protected]

NECC�is�an�equal�opportunities�employer.�We�welcome�learners�with�disabilities.�For�further�information�please�ask�for�a�copy�of�our�Disability�Staement.


Recommended