HSDC Apprenticeship Learner Guide

CONTENTS

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WHY STUDY AN APPRENTICESHIP AT HSDC

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APPRENTICESHIP LEVELS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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CELEBRATING SUCCESS

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HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP?

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FAQ’S

HSDC is an outstanding local provider of high quality Apprenticeships. We support students like you to find an Apprenticeship that can kick-start an amazing career. We deliver a wide range of Apprenticeship programmes and work alongside leading employers to help you become part of a skilled workforce. Apprenticeships are designed to give you the best of both worlds - work and study. As an Apprentice, you’ll earn money and spend time in a workplace setting that reflects your career aspirations. You can either complete an Apprenticeship with your existing employer or we can help you find an employer through our extensive business partners. Apprentices now have the amazing opportunity to achieve degree and masters level qualifications without the debt associated with traditional Higher Education.

Anyone aged 16 or over can become an apprentice , even if you have a degree, you can retrain in a subject that is materially different from your original degree.

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EARN WHILE YOU LEARN An Apprenticeship is a full time job with a training programme embedded. You will develop industry level skills and achieve recognised formal qualifications. Most Apprentices will work a minimum 30 hours per week, and a programme can last between one and six years depending on its level and your existing skills, experience and chosen industry. As an Apprentice, you will have the opportunity to learn the skills required to excel in industry whilst being paid by your employer. The average weekly wage varies dependant on the sector and your age.

The College encourages employers to pay competitive rates, above National Apprenticeship Minimum Wage. As an Apprentice you will work within your chosen industry, whilst completing tasks and meeting objectives set by your employer. All Apprentices are required to complete 20% off the job training which is generally met by a day in College. For the other 80% you will be immersing yourself in a real working environment, getting hands- on experience, support from qualified colleagues and a fantastic learning opportunity.

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FANTASTIC INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES As one of the region’s leading colleges, we work with some of the best of exciting opportunities every year. You’ll have the chance to take part in live industry projects and competitions in particular sectors, showcasing your talents and experience. This is great for your CV, future training and employment opportunities. You’ll have the support of our industry experts who will work with you and your employer to ensure you are receiving the best training and making good progress throughout your Apprenticeship. AMAZING SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE You’ll receive more training and support than you would in a job alone. One of our expert Assessors will work with you and your employer throughout your Apprenticeship to ensure you are making good progress and are receiving the best training. HSDC OFFER APPRENTICESHIPS IN: ACCOUNTING BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE HOSPITALITY & CATERING LABORATORY TECHNICIAN TEAM LEADING & MANAGEMENT

CREATIVE CONTENT CUSTOMER SERVICE

EARLY YEARS ENGINEERING

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LEVEL 2 - 3 Intermediate (GCSE equivalent) and Advanced (A Level equivalent) English and Maths GCSE’s grade 9 – 4 (A* - C) are preferred, however, all applicants will be subject to initial assessments. If you do not have your English and Maths, HSDC can help you to upskill ready for your job. For an Advanced Apprenticeship, applicants might need some previous experience dependant on the job role and industry. Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeships give you the underpinning knowledge and experience required to progress and achieve foundation and degree qualifications in industry. Our employers will outline the skills, personal qualities and qualifications required in order to be successful within a role. Have a look below for each level’s entry requirements:

LEVEL 4 – 7 Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships (Foundation Degree and above equivalent) Entry requirements can include at least five GCSE’s at grade 9 – 4 (A* - C), and Level 3 qualifications including A Levels, NVQ/SVQ Level 3 or a BTEC National. All higher and degree Apprenticeships will require you to have specific experience to support your achievement.

Employers often use higher and degree level Apprenticeships to

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JESSICA MCINTYRE ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN HARWINS PLC I am currently working in the training bay on the Mills, but have also worked in the Research and Design section which has been the highlight of my Apprenticeship so far. My Assessor supports me to keep to deadlines and learn the correct methods to complete tasks, and I feel I have been well supported throughout the whole Apprenticeship. Going to College one day a week means I get much more time to ask questions if I do not understand anything. The Tutors and Assessors have all been in the industry for a long time, so they have a lot of knowledge and experience for me to learn from. My Apprenticeship will take four years and then I am interested in moving on to a degree level course for example an HNC or HND. I’d definitely recommend an Apprenticeship. There’s lots to an Apprenticeship and if you enjoy your work, you get a head start on your career and get paid at the same time!

WHAT OUR APPRENTICES SAY

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LEWIS MCGARR COMMIS CHEF APPRENTICE FULLERS My achievements since becoming an Apprentice have meant that I have learnt a wide range of skills. I have had the opportunity to take part in three competitions both locally and nationally including: Toqued’or (Nesquik), Student of the Year Award (southern region) and Fuller’s Chef of the Year 2019. These have enhanced not only my CV but my knowledge and skillset. I’ve had the opportunity to run the kitchen in the absence of my Head Chef. I’ve learnt a wide range of knowledge and skills from my colleagues, Assessor and Lecturer at College - I am surrounded my industry experts. From what I have learnt, I have had the opportunity to tailor my own working style to a way that most suits me - individualising me as a chef. You are treated as an adult when you are an Apprentice and with this comes great responsibility.

MARTHA HUNTER JUNIOR CONTENT PRODUCER SPECSAVERS The course covers everything I wanted to study and haven’t had the chance to before so it was an easy choice. All the modules fit perfectly with my different responsibilities at work. It is great to learn something in the classroom and then put it into practice at work. As I learn more it’s giving me the confidence to implement these new skills in the workplace. It’s also great to get a broad overview of the sector as you decide what area you want to specialise in later. It’s nice to be in a classroom environment and bounce off my classmates. If you want to learn something new and are willing to learn then definitely go for it, no matter what age you are.

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There are many ways you can secure an Apprenticeship. Whether it’s through your current employer or wanting to embark on a new career. You must have an employer who is able to support you in a job that allows you to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours that make up the qualification. Our Apprenticeship team will support you with this.

APPLY All HSDC Apprenticeship vacancies are advertised on the College website - hsdc.ac.uk/apprenticeship- search/ and through the ‘Find an Apprenticeship Service’ – www.gov. uk/apply-Apprenticeship. The .GOV website enables you to build an application form, following the step by step instructions to apply for a role and will allow you to save and update your application as often as you like. Once the right job comes up, you can submit an application directly to the advertisement through the service and track the progress of your application. If you have managed to find an employer you want to work with yourself, we will ensure they receive the information and support they need throughout the programme. Or, why not approach some employers directly? Drop a CV in, or pop in and ask to speak with the manager or recruitment team. Our Business Development Team will support you each step of the way, enabling you to achieve your career aspirations.

PREPARE It is essential you prepare before submitting your application. Our Apprenticeship Recruitment Consultant can support you to get ‘work ready’ by giving you CV and application guidance and even a mock interview. We can also help you find the right programme and employer to suit you. DISCOVER You can create an account on the .GOV ‘Find an Apprenticeship Service’ which details all of the Apprenticeship opportunities in your area.

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Q.

I haven’t achieved my English and Maths, can I still do an Apprenticeship? English and Maths (GCSE grade 4-9) are mandatory aspects of all Apprenticeships. If you are yet to achieve this or no longer have your certificates, you will automatically be enrolled on Functional Skills at an appropriate level and are expected to complete this alongside your Apprenticeship.

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Will I secure full-time employment on completion of my Apprenticeship? Statistically, 90% of Apprentices secure themselves a full- time job at the end of their Apprenticeship. Does an Apprenticeship allow me to progress within my career? Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to gain a wide variety of skills, knowledge and experience which are often seen as an advantage and can be used to secure future opportunities. On completion of an Apprenticeship, you may look at further opportunities to broaden your skills, or even consider a higher-level Apprenticeship to continue your learning.

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Can I do an Apprenticeship if I have a degree? If your degree is significantly

that you wish to study, you are still eligible for an Apprenticeship.

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Do I have to pay to complete an Apprenticeship? No. All Apprenticeships are funded by your employer or the Government. Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity to professionally develop, earn an income, gain vital work experience and give you a head start in your career – all at no personal cost!

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