Your Care & Support - Yeovil College

ApprenticeshipsFrequently Asked QuestionsIf I take an Apprenticeship, what qualifications can I get?Intermediate Apprenticeships include Technical and Competencequalifications from the Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF) inyour chosen vocational area and Functional Skills qualifications.An overall Apprenticeship framework certificate will be awardedwhen all the individual components are achieved.How long do Apprenticeships take?Intermediate Apprenticeships usually take between 12 - 24months dependent on the occupational area. AdvancedApprenticeships are achieved within 2 - 4 years, again dependenton the occupational areas and incorporate the same componentsas the Apprenticeship, but at a higher level of achievement.How do I find a placement?Local vacancies are listed on the Yeovil College website,www.yeovil.ac.uk. These are drawn from the NationalApprenticeship Service and updated regularly. If you need furtherguidance, call the Employer Engagement Team on 01935 845392.What happens if I cannot find a work placement?Most people do find a placement, but if you are experiencingproblems you must let your Training Co-ordinator know.The Training Co-ordinator can also advise on programme-ledApprenticeships, which allow you to start the college elementsof your programme before receiving a confirmed placementoffer. A work placement will be required to achieve the fullApprenticeship however. For more information, please contactthe Employer Engagement Team on 01935 845392.Who will be involved with my training?A Training Co-ordinator will help you in securing the right kind ofplacement to complete your practical training and assessments.They will regularly visit the work place and will liaise with youremployer to discuss your progress. The College Tutor, lecturerand assessor will provide the necessary input and support foryou to achieve. If you require further support, learning or social,then there are specialist development officers and mentors onhand to help.What happens if I change employer during my training?You must get agreement from your new employer to be able tocontinue your Apprenticeship. The Training Co-ordinator will thencontact your new employer to complete the relevant paperwork.Will I be treated like other employees in the workplace?Yes, your Training Co-ordinator will ensure that you are receivingyour due rights, such as proper supervision and opportunitiesfor on-site training. All placements are carefully vetted andmonitored by the Training Co-ordinator to ensure that theyuphold the requirements of the Health and Safety at Workand Equal Opportunity legislation. Like all employees youwill have to abide by the requirements of the employer interms of attendance, punctuality, safe working practices etc.You will be paid at least the National Minimum wage of £2.65per hour for 16-18 year olds (amount correct as of 01/10/2012).You may be paid more, but this is agreed between you andyour employer and very dependent on your age. Wages alsovary across the different occupational areas. Call the NationalMinimum Wage helpline on 0800 9172368 for advice.Who decides which Apprenticeship training programme Ienrol onto?You will be able to discuss your options with a member of theApprenticeship Team at Yeovil College. They will provide youwith an insight into individual occupational areas and careeropportunities and support and guide you in making your choice.Most of the Apprenticeship programmes have entry requirementsand these are listed within each subject area. Programmes aretailored to what you want to do within your chosen workplace.Can I work towards additional qualifications whilstcompleting an Apprenticeship?Yes. Apprenticeship programmes allow you to complement yourtraining with other qualifications.Will I get the same benefits as a full-time student when Icome to College?Yes. You will be treated no differently to any other student.You will have access to all facilities whilst the College is open,including the Learning Centre. You will have an opportunity to jointhe Student Union and make use of all their benefits, includingdiscounts on shopping with some of the big retail outlets.Are courses available to everyone?At Yeovil College we believe that all learners have the right to bevalued as individuals and have equality of opportunity, regardlessof race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, disability, sexualorientation, religion or belief, marital status or age. Learnerswill not be disadvantaged by any conditions or requirementsthat cannot be shown to be justified. The College wishes toensure that it complies with the requirements of the DisabilityDiscrimination Act (as amended by the Special EducationalNeeds & Disabilities Act 2001). If you are a disabled person,please ensure that we know what you need so that we canmake all reasonable adjustments to help you succeed.Who can I talk to about doing an Apprenticeship?There are lots of people who you can ask for help whendiscussing choices after school. Your Head of House or CareersTeacher will be able to advise you, as well as the Careers Advisor.Don’t forget that you can also call us too. Contact the EmployerEngagement Team on 01935 845392 for help and advice.108For further information, please contact the College on 01935 423921 or visit www.yeovil.ac.uk. All information correct at time of print.