Paragon skills for industry

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a work-based training programme, which lets you learn and earn in a real job to achieve a nationally recognised qualification at the end of it. As well as teaching practical skills and the underpinning knowledge to go with those skills, it also develops an understanding of the law, which applies to employers and employees.

There are two levels of Apprenticeship:

Apprenticeships: Designed for 16 -18 year olds who are just starting out at work. You will gain a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at Level 2, Key Skills at Levels 1 or 2, an industry specific Technical Certificate and Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR).

Advanced Apprenticeships: Designed for learners who have either completed an Apprenticeship, or who have the appropriate experience or qualifications, usually aged 18+. They focus on more advanced craft and supervisory skills, leading to an NVQ at Level 3, Key Skills at Levels 2 or 3, an industry specific Technical Certificate and Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR).

For more on Apprenticeships visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

What is an NVQ?

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. This is a qualification that is recognised by employers across the country. Its focus is on the workplace and shows that you have the skill, ability and knowledge to do the job to industry standards. Modules of the NVQ are completed through portfolio work and practical assessment in the workplace.

What are Key Skills?

Key Skills are the transferable skills that are required, to some degree, in every job. They cover areas such as communication, using numbers, information technology and working with other people.

For more on Key Skills visit: www.keyskills4u.com

What is a Technical Certificate?

A qualification that demonstrates your understanding of important underpinning knowledge or theory related to your industry. They are issued by the appropriate Awarding Body for the vocation chosen, but could be, for example, a BTEC (Edexel) or City and Guilds qualification. Training for this is usually carried out off-the-job at one of our Training Centres.

Am I eligible?

To get full government funding for your Apprenticeship, you must:

• be working at least 16 hours per week
• not have completed a university degree or be studying on a government funded course
• be between 16 and19 years old. If you are 19 – 24 funding may be available for certain vocations. Please contact us to discuss this further
• have a National Insurance number.

How much do they cost?

If you satisfy the above criteria they don’t cost you a penny, as they are fully funded by the government.

How much will I get paid?

Ideally you will be fully employed, so your employer will pay you a proper wage. This will be at least the appropriate National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate for your age.

For more information on the NMW visit: www.dti.gov.uk/er/nmw

Don’t worry if you are not employed before you start, we will help you find a placement that is right for you. In this case you may be eligible for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/ema/

Can you help me find a job?

Yes, we have close links with a wide range of employers throughout the region.

We match our Apprentices very carefully to the right employer to ensure you get the job and training that you want. If you have already found an employer who has offered you a position without training, we can come and talk to them about getting you started on an Apprenticeship.

How long do Apprenticeships take?

Apprenticeships can vary in duration from 1-2 years depending on the vocation chosen. When completed, an Apprenticeship is equivalent to 5 GCSEs.

Advanced Apprenticeships can vary in duration from 2-4 years depending on the vocation chosen. When completed they are equivalent to 2 A Levels.

Who does my actual training?

Your employer trains you in your workplace and we provide additional training, support, guidance and assessment. Training sessions with our specialists will be scheduled as and when they are needed.

Will I have to do any tests?

Yes, there are Key Skills tests and a Technical Certificate test, all of which are multiple-choice questions. Some vocations have additional assessments during the course of the Technical Certificate training. Some of these tests can be taken at your place of work, however most are taken at our training centres. You do not have to sit these until you feel that you are ready to do so, this can be at any time during your qualification and can be retaken until successfully achieved.

If you already hold GCSEs, you may be exempted from some of the Key Skills tests.

How many hours will I have to put in at home to complete the Apprenticeship?

You will need to show dedication, commitment and be adaptable. The hours you put in will depend on your individual trainining plan that will be agreed with you at the start of your apprenticeship. Your assessor will be able to guide you on this, but it would not be unusual to set aside at least 2 hours per week.

What certificates will I get when I have finished?

If you complete everything you will receive:

• Apprenticeship Completion Certificate
• National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Certificates
• Key Skills Certificates
• Technical Certificate.

All adding up to a nationally recognised qualification that will kick-start your career. It will boost your earnings potential and will demonstrate to employers your dedication, knowledge and competence.

How do I get started?

That’s easy; there are a number of ways to contact us:

You can call us on freephone 0800 783 2545. We will then arrange to meet with you to have an informal chat to discuss what you would like to do.

You can email us at enquiries@pgon.co.uk or you can complete and submit the online enquiry form.

You can also apply by calling in to your local Connexions office and filling in an application form.

Can I still do a programme if I have special needs?

Yes, we invite applications from members of any ethnic group, gender, sexual orientation and those with disabilities or special learning needs.

What if I don't know what I want to do?

We can arrange for you to come and have a chat with one of our Training Recruitment Advisors. They can talk through your Apprenticeship options with you to help you decide.

Or you could enrol on our First Steps (e2e) programme. Provided you are aged 16 -19 and are not currently employed, the First Steps programme will give you the chance to go and see what’s out there, and help you decide what is right for you. Speak to your Connexions Personal Adviser and ask about Paragon’s entry to employment programme, or call us on freephone 0800 783 2545.