Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining industry respected qualifications and workplace experience. Apprentices can earn as they learn and gain practical skills from the workplace. Woodspeen Training will work closely with both the apprentice and employer to ensure that the training meets the needs of all concerned.

An Apprenticeship is essentially a set of qualifications called a ‘framework’ developed by Sector Skills Councils. Most Apprenticeship frameworks follow a standard format that comprises:

• A National Vocational Qualification (Level 2 for Apprenticeships, Level 3 for Advanced Apprenticeships).
• Key Transferable Skills.
• A Technical Certificate.

Woodspeen Training will provide the knowledge and develop your skills while the employer provides the practical experience to put those skills to the test. Training can be classroom based, in a workshop or in a workplace, depending on the subject.

No – An apprentice can continue on the same Apprenticeship program. If they are aged 19 and over and change employers after they have completed their first year, the apprentice will also be able to receive the national minimum wage.

Getting qualified while on the job can also mean:

• You work better and more effectively.
• It can set you up to move into new and better jobs.
• You get better pay.
• You get to experience new and different challenges.
• Your existing skills and knowledge are recognised and can help you gain a qualification faster.
• You learn at your own pace and get support when you need it.
• Better job security.
• You gain skills and knowledge which can be used across a range of jobs and industries.

Yes. In some limited cases, apprentices can claim additional benefits. You can find out more on benefit claims at http://www.dwp.gov.uk.

Woodspeen Training take on new starters throughout the year, please contact us on 01484 429359 to discuss it further.

When you begin the work-based training depends upon the availability of a position with an employer.

As an Apprentice, you aren’t required to pay for the cost of training for your qualification regardless of Level or qualification subject. Depending on the size of your employer, this is either 100% Government funded (1 - 49 staff), 95% Government funded with a 5% employer contribution (50+ employees) or fully funded through the employers Apprenticeship Levy account if they are classed as a large employer.

The length of an Apprenticeship varies depending on prior skills levels of the apprentice, the qualification being obtained as well as the industry sector. However and as a general guide a first apprenticeship will take between one and two years to complete.

As is the case of all employees aged over 16, all apprentices must still pay tax and national insurance on their income

Different Apprenticeships have different entry requirements. However the most important requirements are that:
 

• You must be living in England and not taking part in full-time education.
• You must be aged 16 or over.
• If you took your GCSEs more than five years ago, or you don’t have good GCSE grades in Maths and English you will need to take a literacy and numeracy test.

Whilst employers must pay the national minimum wage from the outset it is often the case that, as skills develop, many employers tend to increase wages – in fact; research has found that apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week.

The apprentice NMW applies to all 16 to 18 year olds and to those aged 19 and over in the first year of their Apprenticeship.

If the apprentice reaches 19 years-old and has completed the first year of their Apprenticeship their employer must pay them at least the full NMW rate for those aged 18 to 20. If they are already 19 and have completed the first year of their Apprenticeship they must be paid at least the NMW rate for their age.
 
* Please note that wage rates for roles within the Agricultural sector may differ from the minimum wage stated above

The role of the employer is central. An apprenticeship cannot be successfully completed without the involvement and support of the employer. At the outset your employer will give the apprentice with an induction into the company and their role. They will provide on-the-job training and they will pay the apprentice's wages. Each apprentice will have a supervisor at work who will be responsible for helping them throughout their training and participating in regular Learner Reviews undertaken by Woodspeen. We will assess the apprentice in the workplace and provide additional teaching and support in functional and occupational skills to help the apprentice complete their framework successfully.