Up a LevelApprenticeships
North West Kent College has been delivering work-based training and qualifications to people aged 16 and over, for more than twenty years. Its excellent reputation for quality training is helped by its contacts with many local companies, which work closely with it to provide the support and opportunities needed to produce an efficient, confident workforce with the skills to compete in international markets.
How apprenticeships work
As employees, apprentices work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills.
Off-the-job, usually on a day release basis, apprentices receive training with a local training provider such as a college. Apprenticeships are designed by employers for employers, and therefore tailored to meet the needs of each specific sector.
Apprenticeships can improve an organisation’s productivity and profitability, and are an effective means of filling skills gaps in current and future workforces. There are many business benefits, support with training costs to increased staff retention.
Do you seek a trainee with some practical and theoretical experience?
Do you already have workers between 16 and 18 who would benefit from apprenticeship training?
Can you support learners with small amounts of work experience?
The College can help you. Each year it enrols young people who have already worked towards gaining experience in their chosen trade. For their part they seek employment to let them complete their studies and become qualified workers.
Information for the employer
Apprenticeships can make your organisation more effective, productive and competitive by addressing your skills gaps directly.
With over 180 different Apprenticeship frameworks available across 80 different industry sectors, there’s bound to be a place for an apprentice in your organisation.
As employees, apprentices work with experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off-the-job, usually on a day-release basis, they receive training from the College.
There are many business benefits, from low training costs to increased staff retention.
Funding
Each Apprenticeship is made up of a minimum of three elements; an NVQ, Technical Certificate and Key Skills. The exact amount of funding available depends on the exact framework that is undertaken.
Apprenticeship rates are based upon actual costs that has been undertaken by the Learning and Skills Council and are designed to cover the costs of delivery of learning and underpinning knowledge as well as administrative and pastoral support costs.
To discover how apprenticeships can help your business, complete our online enquiry form or ring 08000 150 600.
Information for an apprentice
Whether you want a job that lets you carry on learning, or are already working and want to gain further qualifications, an Apprenticeship could be the option for you.
learn on the job
Apprentices learn on-the-job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money all at the same time. You work towards a work-based qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and other nationally recognised qualifications.
Employers all over the country recognise and value Apprenticeships as they show that you’ve been trained in the skills they need.
Apprenticeships typically take between one and four years to complete. Depending on the specified qualifications and ability of the individual apprentice, and the employer's requirements.
Earn while you learn
Apprentices do real jobs for real employers. If you are entering work for the first time, you will start earning from day one of your Apprenticeship.
As your skills develop, your pay will increase accordingly. You could also get additional support for essential books, clothing or equipment, or to help you with a disability. As an apprentice, you will receive the same benefits as other employees such as paid holiday; pension contributions; subsidised canteen and leisure facilities. Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. There are targets and checks to make sure that your employer is supporting you and you are making progress.
As an employee you will be in employment for most of your time as most training takes place on-the-job. The rest usually takes place at a local college or a specialist training organisation. You can complete this off-the-job training on day release or over a number of days in a block. The amount of time you spend varies according to your Apprenticeship. It could be anything from one day every other fortnight to two days every week.
If you are interested in finding out more about how apprenticeships can help your business, then please complete our online enquiry form or alternatively ring 08000 150 600.
