Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes that are designed to help employers train people for specific job roles. At the same time, apprentices have the benefit of earning whilst they learn, training towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard.

Anyone in England aged 16 years old and above. There is no upper age limit. There are no formal qualifications needed to do an apprenticeship, although each apprenticeship standard differs with regard to entry requirements. It is important that the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) covered by the apprenticeship standard relate to your job role.

We currently use a blended approach for delivering teaching and learning, with some sessions delivered on campus and others remotely. The learning on the apprenticeship will be broken down into individual modules or units.

Throughout the apprenticeship you are required to complete an assessment for each module or unit. Module assessments include written assignments, presentations, or reports. At the end of your on-programme learning duration of the apprenticeship, you will be required to complete your End Point Assessment (EPA). The format of the EPA varies depending on the apprenticeship you study. EPA assessment methods can include professional discussions, projects, presentations and a portfolio of evidence.

All apprenticeships in England require the apprentice to achieve Functional Skills in English and Maths at level 2 by Gateway. This is unless you have any recognised previous qualifications which can be used as an exemption. The list of acceptable qualifications can be found here English and maths requirements in apprenticeship standards at level 2 and above - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Functional Skills can be delivered alongside your apprenticeship and do not constitute as an entry requirement.

An apprenticeship gives you the required knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) to successfully fulfil the requirements of your job role. You may wish to use your new KSBs to be the best in your role or alternatively progress into a new role within your sector.

Off the job training is an ESFA requirement. Essentially 20% of your working week should be dedicated to enhancing the knowledge, skills and behaviours covered in your apprenticeship standard. Activities can include: • Attending learning sessions • Assignment completion • Subject reading • Research • Pod casts, webinars or conferences • Shadowing or mentoring a colleague • Review meetings with your manager • Training sessions • Observations

Yes. Bishop Grosseteste University will provide you with an OJT logbook so you can record all the training hours and a brief description of the activities you have undertaken.

Yes. A mentor is an essential part of your apprenticeship journey. They will provide support throughout your learning journey and signpost learning opportunities with your job role and organisation.

Your mentor might be your line manager, but this is not necessarily always the case. Ideally your mentor should have some knowledge and experience of the learning outcomes in the apprenticeship standard and have good understanding of your job role. They should be able to support you through a variety of ways across the apprenticeship, by attending review meetings with you and the Apprenticeship Development Officer, provide clear honest feedback, set clear targets, discuss project ideas, and provide witness testimonies which highlight your knowledge, skills and behaviours in the workplace setting.