Introduction to Apprenticeships

(Plumbing/Heating & Ventilation/Electrical/Carpentry)

Modern Apprenticeships PGL Training is committed to Work-Based Learning across a range of nationally recognised qualifications at all levels.

In partnership with employers we aim to ensure that young people undertake quality training both in the workplace and at College. There are no barriers to anyone undertaking a training programme on grounds including gender, ethnic origin or disability. PGL Training is committed to equality of opportunity for all learners and promotes equal treatment regardless of race, sex, disability, religion, age or sexual orientation.

Training Programmes

Intermediate Apprenticeship which leads to a NVQ Diploma Level 2 in the chosen subject and Key Skills/Functional Skills in Mathematics and English (and ICT for some frameworks).
Advanced Apprenticeship which leads to a NVQ Diploma Level 3 in the chosen subject and Key Skills/Functional Skills in Mathematics and English (and ICT for some frameworks).

The benefits to your company

Promotion of training will increase your skilled and qualified workforce; it will encourage and motivate your existing workforce and enhance your businesses performance. Training will up-date skills and keep the employer and workforce in touch with modern developments and technology. If you are seeking to follow Investors in People or ISO9001 it will enhance your quality assurance programme.

Your Responsibilities as an Employer

You will need to:

Provide a Contract of Employment
Provide a workplace induction to cover all aspects of Health and Safety and Accidents
Provide all necessary personal protective equipment and clothing required
Co-operate with PGL Training in designing an Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
Allow access to workplace assessors to carry out regular assessment on Learners
Provide equality of opportunity and ensure you abide by the requirements of the Equality Act 2010

Recruitment and Selection

The choice of learners is yours. You will interview and select the learner you feel is most suitable to work within your organisation. The college can assist in referring learners to you for recruitment purposes.

We are able to advertise your company’s Apprenticeship vacancy on the National Apprenticentice Vacancy Matching Service.

Duration of Training

If your Learner is studying an Intermediate Apprenticeship the duration of the training will be approximately 24 months.

If your Learner is studying an Advanced Apprenticeship this will take approximately 18 months (depending on the pathway chosen), assuming he/she has already completed the Intermediate Apprenticeship.

The Cost Involved

The Skills Funding Agency promotes Work-Based Learning. When you employ a Learner they should be paid the going rate for the job they do, but not less than £2.60 per hour.

A learner aged 19 and above prior to training should be in receipt of at least the minimum training allowance (£2.60 per hour); after 12 months the rate should then increase to the national minimum wage.

Please note an employer contribution is required for a 19+ learner - please call for details.

Delivery and Support

For all programmes PGL Training will provide the following services to candidates:-

Guidance and support
Registration
Assessments
Verification

Training workshops are held at our local centres offering theory, underpinning knowledge, task assignments and candidate support.

Training is structured around the relevant NVQ Diploma and Key Skills/Functional Skills.

Usual frequency of training workshops is once a week.

During the programme our Training Officer will visit each candidate in the workplace to review progress against their Individual Training Plan and liaise with mentors and supervisors. Guidance and support will be provided throughout the programme to enable ultimate achievement of the award.

Assessments will take place at mutually agreed times to determine and confirm a candidates’ progress and competence set against the national standards. This is achieved by two main methods:

Formal observation in the workplace, a minimum of 4 visits during the length of the course.
Examining other evidence compiled within their portfolio, e.g. witness statements, photographic evidence, previous training received, reports and certificates of achievements and successful completion of training tasks and examinations in the Centre.

On successful completion of a framework each candidate will be issued with certificates for their respective NVQ Diploma, each Key Skill undertaken and any additional training requirements. A full Intermediate/Advanced Apprenticeship certificate will then be applied for from the relevant Sector Skills Council.