Apprenticeship Handbook 2023/24

YOUR
APPRENTICESHIP
GUIDE.
A guide to training with
Gateshead College.

CONTENTS.
1. Hello
2. About your apprenticeship
Standards
Qualification
Employer involvement
20% off the job learning
End-point assessment
How apprentices are assessed
3. Your apprenticeship journey
4. Who does what?
What you’ll do
What we’ll do
What your employer will do
5. Your campus
6. Here for you
Help and support for apprentices
Not going to be in? (Absence)
Appeals procedure
7. Keeping you safe
Health and safety
Safeguarding
8. Have your say
Feedback
2

1.
HELLO.
HUGE
CONGRATULATIONS
ON GAINING
YOUR
APPRENTICESHIP.
Apprenticeships are a great way for
you to get essential on-the-job skills
and a recognised qualification while
earning a wage.
We’ll be working with you on the
‘off-the-job’ part of your
apprenticeship. You’ll receive
up to date training and gain the
knowledge, skills and behaviours you
need to succeed in your
chosen career.
What you do and achieve at
Gateshead College will have an
impact on the rest of your life, so we
hope you enjoy your time with us
and make the most of it. We’ll help
you by providing you with fantastic
teaching, facilities and support.
It’s hard work, but you’ll enjoy it.
And we’ll put in everything we’ve got
to make sure you succeed.
Good luck!
David Alexander
Principal and Chief Executive
3

2.
ABOUT YOUR
APPRENTICESHIP.
Your apprenticeship
has been designed by
employers who have
developed a set of
standards that reflect the
needs of their industry.
That means, whatever
your apprenticeship, you’ll
be getting the skills and
knowledge that will give you
the edge in the workplace.
As an apprentice, you’ll either
already be employed or you’ll
start working for an employer
where you’ll be trained to do a
specific role. When you finish
your apprenticeship you’ll have a
fantastic set of skills and hands-on
work experience to put on your CV.
Throughout you’re programme,
you’ll learn and be measured
against the knowledge, skills
and behaviours set out in the
apprenticeship standard. You’ll then
complete an end-point assessment
to confirm your competence.
You can find all published
apprenticeship standards here.
Your apprenticeship standard
consists of:
English and maths (functional skills)
To successfully complete your
apprenticeship, you’ll need to
achieve a Level 2 in English and
maths, that’s the equivalent of
GCSE Grade C-A* or 4-9. If you’ve
previously achieved an English and
maths qualification you may be
exempt - your trainer/assessor will
confirm this at enrolment.
We’ll support you to improve your
English and maths throughout your
training with us and your employer
will provide lots of opportunities
to apply your learning in the
workplace.
A recognised qualification
Some apprenticeship standards
don’t include a mandatory
qualification, but at Gateshead
College we encourage our
apprentices to complete one
wherever possible. That way, you’re
not only getting your apprenticeship
standard, you’re also getting an
industry-relevant qualification.
Employer involvement
Your employer’s involvement and
input throughout every step of
your apprenticeship is key. They’ll
link in what you’re learning on your
apprenticeship with your day-today
job, so you have opportunities
to practise and master new skills,
apply your new knowledge and
develop your behaviours. Working
with your trainer/assessor, your
employer will be fully involved in
progress reviews, target setting,
achieving milestones and career
planning.
4

I’ll be training on-thejob
alongside other
apprentices and the
company’s expert
engineering teams, to
develop the specialist
skills needed to start, and
future-proof my career.
Melissa Millington
Go North East Apprentice
5

20% off-the-job learning
You’ll spend 6 hours per week of your
apprenticeship off-the-job. This is
the time you will spend away from
your normal day to day duties (but
not necessarily away from your
place of work) where you’ll complete
learning activities to enable you to
achieve your apprenticeship.
You’ll be provided with an off-thejob
training plan at the start of
your apprenticeship and you’ll be
responsible for keeping a record
of your activities and hours.
Off the job learning includes many
things, some of them are obvious such
as attending college or workshops,
completing workbooks and preparing
for your trainer/assessor meetings.
Directed learning from Gateshead College:
Independent learning:
Others are less obvious but still very
important learning opportunities, this
might include attending meetings,
internal training, coaching from a
colleague or manager, learning a
new IT system, reading instructions or
trade papers, research on the internet,
undertaking projects, creating reports or
practicing new skills in the workplace.
The graphic opposite demonstrates
off-the-job learning activities:
Employer-led learning activities:
Application of learning:
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Day release and workshops
1:1 coaching and support
Training
Assessment feedback and guidance
Revision sessions
Attending webinars
Project work
Observational feedback
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Reading books and study guides
Independent research
Workbooks
Trainer/assessor-led independent research
Reading trade journals, magazines and webinars
Preparing and planning for exams, assessment and presentations
Writing assignments
Online learning
Completing portfolio work and knowledge questions
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Employer induction training
Internal training courses
Employer policies and procedures
Mentoring
Shadowing
Learning from others and peer discussions
Meetings with stakeholders and suppliers
Conferences, trade exhibitions and events
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Practising new skills
Reflective activity
Planning
Revision
Does not count as
off-the-job learning:
● Progress reviews
● Undertaking exams
● Study towards English and
maths functional skills
● Training that is not linked
to the apprenticeship
● Learning that is not new
7

End-point assessment (EPA)
End-point assessment (EPA) is the
final external assessment which tests
the knowledge, skills and behaviours
you’ve gained during your training.
Unique to each standard, EPA
demonstrates your competency in
your role. This competence is valued
by current and future employers.
Throughout your apprenticeship
we’ll help to prepare you for your
end-point assessment through
coaching, practice activities and
mock tests. The outcome of your
end-point assessment will be
graded as either Pass, Merit or
Distinction (this may vary depending
on the apprenticeship standard).
This grade will appear on your
final apprenticeship certificate.
PlanBEE has given me the chance to
learn about and try lots of different
roles within construction and that’s
helped me to land a job with Tolent.
It’s given me the best start in the
industry.
Luke Oldfield
Former PlanBEE Aprentice,
Site Manager at GMI Construction
Group
8

How apprentices are assessed:
Portfolio
On-programme portfolio
EPA portfolio
Evidence logbook
Professional discussion
Open discussion
Closed discussion
Practical assessment
Task-based pick-n-mix option
Set task-based challenge
Technical skills test
Practical assessment test
Technical specialist simulation
Observation
Simulated observation
Employer observation report
Competency activity
observation
Recorded role play
Interview
Panel Interview
Question and answer session
Employer technical competency
validation interview
Employer’s competency
interview
Written Test or MCQ
Multiple Choice Questionnaire
(MCQ)
Open response
Situational judgement tests
Scenario tests
Industry/trade tests
Online behavioural test
Project
Optional route project
Practical
Synoptic practical project
Employer set project
Assignment
project
Learner Log
Learner’s experience log
Employer’s observation
report log
Training log book
Reflective journal
Behavioural log
Skills record log
Professional
development log
Reflective log
Showcase/Presentation
Showcase
Project presentation
Scenario case study
Report presentation
9

3.
YOUR APPRENTICESHIP
JOURNEY.
Initial assessment
To make sure you get
the best experience on
your apprenticeship
programme, we’ll ask you
to complete a maths and
English initial assessment
and an occupational skill
scan. They’ll help us to
understand your existing
knowledge and skills so
we can provide you with
tailored learning and
support
Induction
You’ll complete an
induction to your
Gateshead College
apprenticeship so you’ve
all the information you
need before starting your
training with us. At your
induction day you’ll receive
your individual training
plan. We’ll also provide you
with advice and guidance
on your apprenticeship
programme, clarify
expectations and highlight
the support available
to you during your
apprenticeship.
Individual training plan
You’ll receive your
individual training plan at
your college induction.
It is a route map of how
you’ll progress from your
starting point on your
learning journey through
to successful completion
of your apprenticeship
programme. You’ll be
measured against some
target key milestones
which enable your trainer/
assessor to monitor and
track your performance.
You’ll receive specific
guidance from your
trainer/assessor on what
you need to do to improve.
Your plan is individual to
you and reflects your
goals, aspirations, aptitude
and needs.
Practical period
This is the time spent
training, learning,
developing and practicing
your knowledge, skills and
behaviours towards the
apprenticeship standard.
The practical period lasts
from enrolment through
to the point which you are
ready for your end-point
assessment.
Your progress will be
tracked and monitored
against key milestones to
ensure you’re performing
against your targets.
During your practical
period you might also
complete learning towards
your functional skills in
English, maths and IT and
complete your functional
skills exams.
10

Progress reviews
Reviews will take place
at least every 12 weeks.
You’ll have the opportunity
to discuss your progress
and any concerns, gain
feedback and agree long
and short-term targets
for the completion of your
qualification. It’s also an
opportunity to talk through
how you’re progressing
towards your career plans
and goals.
You’ll discuss how you’ll
link your training to your
job role. This will be done
with you, a member of our
team and your workplace
mentor.
Gateway
The term gateway is
when you have passed
all qualifications included
in your apprenticeship
and you, your employer
and the college decides
you’re ready for the endpoint
assessment. They’ll
consult with your trainer/
assessor and, when they
feel you’re competent
and have completed your
mandatory qualifications,
they’ll ‘open the gate’
to your end-point
assessment.
Some apprenticeship
standards have multiple
gateways throughout the
apprenticeship. You must
pass each gateway to
move to the next stage.
End-point assessment (EPA)
This is your final
assessment to ensure
that you can do the job
you’ve been training
for. It’s carried out by an
external independent
end-point assessment
organisation.
Completion, certification
and progression
You have passed your
end-point assessment and
will receive your end-point
assessment certificate
including your grade. You’ll
also receive certificates
for any other qualifications
you have achieved.
You’ll complete an exit
interview with your trainer/
assessor who will provide
you with information,
advice and guidance
around your next steps.
Employment edge
We'll give you the employment edge by equipping you
with the knowledge, behaviours and skills you need to
be successful in your chosen career.
To achieve this we'll work with you and your
employer to ensure you receive impartial, quality
career guidance throughout the duration of your
apprenticeship.
11

4.
WHO DOES
WHAT?
Your main contacts during your apprenticeship:
Trainer/assessor
A subject specialist who will support
you throughout your apprenticeship
journey through:
● Inducting you onto your
apprenticeship , including
arranging any additional
support needs you may have
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Monitoring and reviewing
progress towards each element
of your apprenticeship as well
as general welfare support
Liaising with your employer
Provide specific skill and
knowledge teaching or training
Preparing you for
end-point assessment
Ongoing careers advice
and guidance
Teacher
Some of our apprentices come
to college for day release and
complete their sessions with one of
our experienced teachers.
12
Internal verifier
A member of the Gateshead
College team, the Internal verifier
checks the quality of work which
has been assessed and approved
by the trainer/assessor/teacher/
tutor to ensure it meets the
requirements of the apprenticeship
standard or the qualification
undertaken as part of the
apprenticeship standard.
Employer mentor
The person in your workplace
responsible for supporting you
throughout your apprenticeship.
This person will ensure you receive
adequate opportunities to practice
what you have learned in the
workplace.

We want you to get the most out of your apprenticeship
so it’s important that you understand what you are
responsible for and, likewise, what your employer and
Gateshead College take responsibility for.
You’re responsible for:
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Complying with all policies and procedures
outlined in the commitment statement,
which we’ll give you at induction.
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Observing your employer’s terms
and conditions of employment.
Attending all off-the-job training sessions, day
release, scheduled training and workshops,
planned assessment visits and progress review
meetings required to achieve the apprenticeship.
(Inform your employer and Gateshead College
(in advance if possible) of any non-attendance.)
Spending a minimum of 6 hours per week
off-the-job training over the duration of
the apprenticeship as set out in the off the
job training plan agreed at enrolment.
Committing to the learning activities required
during the apprenticeship, including any additional
self-study (to take place during working hours).
Keeping an up-to-date record and evidence
of all off-the-job learning that occurs (in
college and in the workplace) for the duration
of the apprenticeship, using the systems and
processes set out by Gateshead College.
Ensuring all coursework, assignments and
exams required to complete each component
of your apprenticeship are achieved and
submissions are made in a timely manner.
Take an active role in reviewing targets and
progress towards your apprenticeship during 9
weekly progress review meetings held with your
employer and a Gateshead College representative.
Informing your employer and Gateshead College
of any issues which may affect your plan of training
and the achievement of your apprenticeship.
Agreeing, with your employer and
Gateshead College, when you’re ready
to take your end-point assessment.
The apprentice route gives you
independence and financial security;
it is also a great way to get into a
successful company like Essity.
Amber Megan
Essity Apprentice
13

Gateshead College is responsible for:
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Ensuring that a contract of employment and
apprenticeship agreement is in place between you
and your employer that covers the duration of the
apprenticeship (including end-point assessment).
Ensuring you are being paid a lawful wage.
Ensuring you are employed in a safe working
environment in line with health and safety,
safeguarding and equality and diversity legislation.
Carrying out suitable checks to ensure
you are in the right job role to enable you
to practice skills in the workplace relating
to the knowledge, skills and behaviours set
out in your apprenticeship programme.
Delivering high quality training and
assessment, appropriate to the requirements
of the apprenticeship qualification in
a timely and efficient manner.
Ensuring all parties are aware of the minimum
requirement of 20% off-the-job training over the
duration of the apprenticeship and all off-the-job
training must be carried out during working hours.
Providing you and your employer with an offthe-job
training plan during enrolment.
Ensuring you have suitable support and
supervision (including necessary personal
protective equipment (PPE) and specific training
for use of specialised equipment) during your
apprenticeship and a named employer contact
who is responsible for your safety and welfare.
Devising an individual plan of training which
considers; an initial assessment of your pre-existing
knowledge, skills and behaviours against those
required to achieve the apprenticeship, your
current English and maths working level, learning
support requirements and minimum off-the-job
training requirements.
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Providing off-the-job training as detailed in the offthe-job
training plan to a high standard including:
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An induction to the apprenticeship
that explains the plan of training
Providing appropriate learning
resources and materials
Track and report non-attendance at
scheduled training sessions, day release,
workshops, assessment visits and progress
review meetings to the employer
Ensure the quality of delivery through regular
observations of teaching and learning
and apprentice/employer feedback
Ensure you are visited in your place of work
every 6 to 8 weeks and more frequently
where required and agreed by all parties.
Monitor, through the 12 weekly progress
review process, your performance and
progress in all aspects of your work and
apprenticeship. Ensuring your employer is
fully involved and engaged in this process.
Agree with you and your employer when
learning is complete, and you are ready
to undertake end-point assessment.
Provide certification as agreed by
you and your employer and/or
required by the apprenticeship.
Resolving any assessment appeals
or complaints in line with Gateshead
College procedures
14

Your employer is responsible for:
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Working with Gateshead College to
identify the most suitable apprenticeship
standard that matches your job role.
Providing you with a fair and safe working
environment which complies with
health and safety, equality and diversity
(including the promotion of British Values),
safeguarding and Prevent legislation.
Providing you with a contract of employment
in line with the Employment Rights Act 1996
ensuring you are paid at least the national
minimum wage. (Apprentices who are under
19, or over 19 and in the first year of their
apprenticeship can be paid at least the national
minimum wage for apprentices, click here.)
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Working with Gateshead College
to select the most appropriate endpoint
assessment organisation.
Supporting you towards your
end-point assessment.
Agreeing with you and Gateshead College
when you are ready for end-point assessment.
Allowing you the required time away from
work to take end-point assessment.
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Contributing to and agreeing the plan and method
of training as developed by Gateshead College.
Ensuring you have the opportunity, resources
and facilities in your job role to practice new skills
and gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours
needed to achieve the apprenticeship.
Ensuring you have appropriate support
and supervision to carry out your job role
including a named employer contact
responsible for your safety and welfare.
Ensuring are given a minimum of 20% off-the-job
training over the duration of the practical period,
allowing the apprentice to attend Gateshead
College or alternative delivery workshops as
agreed at the start of the apprenticeship.
Assisting Gateshead College in collecting
evidence of off-the-job training.
Ensuring all off the job training is
completed during working hours.
Ensuring functional skills are completed
during working hours (if applicable).
Reviewing your progress and performance both in
the workplace and training every 9 weeks through
a progress review meeting alongside a Gateshead
College representative and the apprentice.
Helping shape and support the delivery
of careers advice and guidance
throughout your apprenticeship.
End-point assessment
Our apprentices demonstrate
enthusiasm, resilience and an ability
to adapt to the changing needs of
a small business and that’s what
makes them so valuable.
I’ve been able to give them more
responsibility on the shop floor,
which has allowed me to spend more
time winning new customers.
Garry Charlton
Manager at Chips Away
15

5.
YOUR
CAMPUS.
Baltic Campus
Training kitchens
Botanica salon
200-seat theatre
Music recording studios
Two floor learning centre
Three restaurants
Starbucks
Science labs
Relaxed social spaces
How do I get there?
Quarryfield Road
Baltic Business Quarter
Gateshead
NE8 3BE
0191 490 0300
Go North East buses 53/54 and
93/94 go direct to Baltic campus.
Bus routes from across the region
go to Gateshead Interchange,
just 10 minutes walk away.
Free car parking at all campuses.
Just ten minutes walk from
Gateshead Interchange.
16

Academy for Sport
83m indoor athletics track
4G artificial and grass pitches
Boxing suite
Olympic standard gym
Pole vault, long jump and
throw area
Sports science and medicine
facilities
How do I get there?
Neilson Road
Gateshead
NE10 0EF
0191 490 2447
The 93/94 Loop bus connects
the Interchange to the Academy.
Bus routes from across the
region go to Gateshead
Interchange.
Free car parking at all campuses.
Just 10 minutes walk from
Gateshead International Stadium.
17

Skills Academy for Construction
Workshop space for each trade
Relaxed social spaces with
vending machines
How do I get there?
Eighth Avenue
(off Kingsway South)
Team Valley
Gateshead
NE11 0SX
0191 490 4617
The 93/94 Loop bus connects
the Interchange to the Academy.
Bus routes from across the
region go to Gateshead
Interchange.
Free car parking at all campuses.
The nearest Metro station to the
Skills Academy for Construction
is Gateshead Interchange.
18

Skills Academy for Automotive,
Engineering, Manufacturing & Logistics
Mechanical maintenance
workshops
Welding and fabrication workshops
Spray paint booths
Rolling road
Motor Vehicle workshops
CNC and CAD machines
Café
How do I get there?
Kingsway South
Team Valley
Gateshead
NE11 0SU
0191 490 2430
The 93/94 Loop bus connects the
Interchange to the Academy.
Bus routes from across the
region go to Gateshead
Interchange.
Free car parking at all campuses.
The nearest Metro station to the
Skills Academy for Automotive
is Gateshead Interchange.
19

Car Parks and Travel
Whether you are travelling to one of
our campuses on foot, by car or by
using public transport, this section
can help you find the easiest and
cheapest routes.
If you are aged 16 - 19 then check
out the following websites for more
information about tickets and
discounts:
www.simplygo.com
www.stagecoachbus.com
www.networkonetickets.co.uk
www.arrivabus.co.uk
For students with disabilities or
learning difficulties (16–24 years
old) contact your Local Authority
or visit www.nexus.org.uk for details
about the TaxiCard scheme and
concessionary travel for the most
up to date travel information which
can help you save time and money.
Travel information
For information on how
to get to all four of our
campuses visit
www.gateshead.ac.uk/
find-us
Car Parks
All college car parks are operated
on a first come first served basis to
all staff, students and visitors. They
are well lit and constantly monitored
via CCTV and by site services staff.
Note, you park at your own risk and
must adhere to the relevant terms
and conditions of use for all car
parks. Failure to do so may lead
to parking charge notices. If you
park outside of the college grounds
please be considerate to local
residents and make sure you are
not parking in a restricted area, as
traffic wardens do operate around
college sites
Baltic Campus car park
This car park is operated by Excel
Car Parking Services Ltd.
There are 239 places including
accessible, car share and visitor
bays. 92 cycle bays and 16
motorcycle bays are also available.
You are required to have a virtual
permit to access free parking.
Car park permit
Forms are available from Student
Services and Reception. Complete
the form and hand it to Student
Services or Reception. The
document will be processed and
you will receive an email to inform
you when your virtual car parking
permit is in place.
Academy for Sport
This is a council run car park and
stretches over 3 car park areas.
You do not need to display a ticket.
Cycle and motorcycle bays are
available.
Skills Academy for Automotive,
Engineering, Manufacturing and
Logistics
65 places including accessible, car
share and visitor bays. Cycle and
motorcycle bays are also available.
You’ll need a virtual permit to park
here. Please complete a permit
request form which is available from
your campus reception. You’ll then
receive an email confirming when
your virtual permit is in place.
Skills Academy for Construction
52 places including accessible, car
share and visitor bays. Cycle and
motorcycle bays are also available.
You’ll need a virtual permit to
park at this site. Please complete
a permit request form which
is available from your campus
reception. You’ll then receive an
email confirming when your virtual
permit is in place.
All enquiries and comments relating
to the car park should be made
to Excel Car Parking Services Ltd
at their office. Additional pay and
display parking is available opposite
the Baltic Campus car park, at
Sage Gateshead and BALTIC
Centre for Contemporary Art (close
to the Baltic Campus).
20

Your key contacts
If someone needs to contact you
in an emergency they need to call
0191 490 0300. They will need to
know the full title of your course, the
year (1st or 2nd), and the name of
your lecturer. Leave this information
on a postcard in your house.
General contacts
0191 490 0300
start@gateshead.ac.uk
Call Centre:
General course information
0191 490 2246
Campus contact details
Baltic Campus
Reception 0191 490 2224
Information, Advice and
Guidance Centre 0191 490 2227
Academy for Sport,
Gateshead International Stadium
Reception 0191 490 2346
Student Services 0191 490 2412
One of the main things that stood out for
me about apprenticeships is the fact you
get hands-on learning as well as getting
paid to learn.
Jessica Dobie
Supply Chain Practitioner Apprentice
Sterling Pharma Solutions
Skills Academy for Automotive,
Engineering, Manufacturing and
Logistics
Reception 0191 490 2430
Skills Academy for Construction
Reception 0191 490 4617
Student Services 0191 490 2204
Apprenticeships
Employer support
0191 4902258
employers@gateshead.ac.uk
or contact your trainer/assessor
direct.
Support Services
Information, Advice & Guidance
0191 490 2227
Examination Office
0191 490 2233/2232
Learning Support Service
0191 490 2253
learner.support@gateshead.ac.uk
Student Welfare Support
0191 490 2325/2243
student.advice@gateshead.ac.uk
support.worker@gateshead.ac.uk
Careers Guidance
0191 490 2216
career.guidance@gateshead.ac.uk
21

6.
HERE
FOR YOU.
As an apprentice at
Gateshead College, you can
access a range of helpful
support services. We’re
here for you throughout
your training and, if there’s
something we can’t help
with, we’ll be able to
signpost you to a person
or service that can.
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Information, advice and guidance
There are a variety of different
people at Gateshead College who
can support you during your time
with us. From funding and childcare
to additional learning support
and careers advice, we have a
friendly member of our team
ready to help. No appointment is
necessary so just drop in during
opening hours to your campus
reception point and we’ll be happy
to assist and advise you. The
college provides a range of free,
accessible and impartial services
delivered by experienced staff.
Your support services include:
● Information and
advice regarding our
admissions process.
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Information on college
course, apprenticeships and
progression opportunities.
Enrolment onto all courses.
Information on college services
and facilities including learning
support, Learning Centres and
the Library, careers guidance,
DBS, learner references
and welfare support.
Advice on course payment
methods and the help available.
Help to complete application
and enrolment paperwork.
Careers resources.
We can make appointments for you
with:
● Careers Advisers who can
offer guidance on your
choice of course, career
path or progression route.
●
Learning Support staff for
advice about the support
available for apprentices
with learning and/or
physical disabilities.
Opening hours for Baltic Campus:
Monday - Thursday 9am - 5pm*
Friday 9am - 4.30pm *
Opening hours for other campuses
may differ. Please contact your
campus reception point to
confirm service opening times. No
appointment is necessary so just
drop in during opening hours to
the reception point at the campus
where you are studying and we’ll
be happy to assist and advise you.
Careers Guidance Service
Our friendly and professional
careers team can support you
with career advice and guidance
and help you to plan and manage
your progression to further or
higher education, additional
training or employment. We have
lots of resources which you can
access including specific course
information, careers literature,
higher education prospectuses,
careers software packages and
job vacancy information. These are
available at the Careers Centre
at Baltic Campus reception.
If you’d like to book an appointment
with a Careers Adviser please call
the Careers Guidance Service on
0191 490 2216 or email
career.guidance@gateshead.ac.uk.

Support funds
Our Support Funds Team is
based in Student Services, near
reception at Baltic Campus
and can help with any query
relating to financial support:
● Bursaries and other
types of funding
●
Requests for information
e.g. confirmation letters for
benefits/council tax purposes
Opening times:
Term time:
Monday-Thursday 8.45am - 5pm
Friday 8.45am - 4pm.
Non term-time:
Monday-Friday 9.15am - 4pm
During September and October the
opening hours will be extended:
Monday 8.45am – 5pm
Tuesday-Thursday 8.45am - 6pm
Friday 8.45am - 4pm
Contact the team on
0191 490 4627 or email
support.funds@gateshead.ac.uk.
I’m learning so much about
content production including
design, PR and public
consultation work. It’s also
great to earn as I learn, as
an employee at one of the
largest housing associations
in the North East.
Mary-Leigh Watkins
Junior Content Producer
Apprentice, Karbon Homes
23

Learning Support Service
If you indicate that you have an identified learning
difficulty, disability or other support need on your
Learning Agreement form you will be asked to
complete a Referral Form. This form will be forwarded
to the Learning Support Team who will contact you
to discuss and assess any extra support that you
may need. The Learning Support Team will contact
you if you have an Education and Health Care plan
(EHCP). The Learning Support Team is experienced
in supporting learners with identified learning
support needs. Services we can provide include:
● Support for you in and out of class.
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Advice and support if you have a specific
learning difficulty e.g. dyslexia
Advice and support if you have
a mental health issue.
Advice and support to access or
loan specialist equipment.
Assisting with the adaptation of learning materials.
Liaison with parents and carers, employers
and external support agencies.
Advice and support with personal
care facilities at college.
Support at meal break times at college.
Our Health and Wellbeing service is available
to offer confidential advice and brief solution
focused support for learners experiencing
emotional and mental health difficulties.
The Health and Wellbeing service will also
signpost and / or work alongside existing
external support services to ensure every learner
has opportunity to achieve their potential.
If you have a specific learning difficulty such as:
dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, ADD/ ADHD
and Asperger’s Syndrome we can help you.
Some of the things that are available:
● Identifying support needs in relation
to the chosen course.
●
●
●
●
Providing assistive technology and/or
coloured overlays where appropriate.
1:1 out of class support where necessary
Dyslexia screening
Assessment for exam access arrangements.
24

C Card Scheme
If you are aged 24 and under, you are entitled to
free condoms through the C Card scheme. To
sign up for a C Card drop into Student Services
at the Baltic Campus and see one of the Learner
Engagement Officers or speak to your tutor when
you next attend college. Alternatively, speak to
your trainer/assessor next time you see them.
To find out more email student.activities@
gateshead.ac.uk or contact Student
Services on 0191 490 2361/4612.
Chlamydia screening
Chlamydia screening is offered at the college at
regular intervals across the academic year.
For further information contact 0191 490 2361/4612
Smoking and vaping
Gateshead College is a no smoking college.
Smoking and vaping is not permitted anywhere
within the college sites or grounds, with the
exception of using our smoking shelters located
outside our buildings at the following campuses:
● Baltic Campus, Gateshead Quayside
●
●
Skills Academy for Automotive, Engineering,
Manufacturing and Logistics, Team Valley
Skills Academy for Construction, Team Valley
● There is no smoking shelter available at our
Academy for Sport as smoking is not permitted
anywhere within this college site or ground.
It is important to remember that you must also note the
smoking/vaping rules that your employer has in place
too.
Other support teams at Gateshead College:
Examination Office:
0191 490 2233/2232
exams@gateshead.ac.uk
Information, Advice and Guidance:
0191 490 2227
IT Services:
0191 490 2263
2265@gateshead.ac.uk
NUS card – Discounts for apprentices
NUS Apprentice extra - provides discounts in-store
and online at your favourite brands to help your
hard-earned cash go a little further. The scheme
is run by the National Union of Students, (NUS)
and the money raised selling the discount card
helps to fund the National Society for Apprentices,
which will serve to represent your needs and
those of all vocational learners. NUS also has
discounted travel cards available for apprentices.
Find out more here: www.apprenticeextra.co.uk
Apprentice Oyster Card – (London only) If you
are an apprentice living in London then you
are also eligible for an Apprentice Oyster Card.
You can find out how to apply for one here.
If you would like support to quit smoking, you can
make an appointment with one of the college’s
Smoking Cessation Officers. Contact the Health
and Safety Team via campus reception points.
25

Absence
You’re responsible for letting your employer and
the college know of any absence. That includes
planned absence due to appointments or holidays
and unplanned for example, due to sickness.
Gateshead College:
If you’re unable to attend college or your
scheduled appointment with your trainer/
assessor, please let your teacher and trainer/
assessor know (in advance if possible).
In order for you to achieve your apprenticeship,
your attendance during off-the-job
training needs to remain high.
Your attendance and punctuality are recorded and
discussed at your 12-week progress review. We’ll
make your employer aware if you don’t turn up to
college, scheduled training or appointments.
Your job:
Your employer will tell you how to record your
holidays and any absences. You’ll need to follow
their guidelines as you could receive a warning
or be dismissed unauthorised absence.
Assessment visits:
Your trainer/assessor should be notified if you’re
unable to attend your assessment visit. At the very
latest, let us know on the morning of the visit if you’re
not going to be there. Cancelled appointments will
flag a risk and we’ll need to let your employer know.
Your trainer/assessor will record details of all absences
and this will be reported in your progress review.
Talk to us
If at any point you feel you are struggling
to attend or there are barriers to you
continuing in learning, don’t give up. Speak
to your trainer/assessor or employer as
soon as you can so that you can discuss
and agree the best course of action.
If you’re unable to contact your trainer/
assessor or teacher to report an absence,
please log it with the college using our
absence reporting procedure. You’ll need
to leave your name, student number
and the reason for your absence.
Call: 0191 490 2340 / 2323
Email: attendance@gateshead.ac.uk
Text: 07950 080 960
Unauthorised absences:
If you don’t let the college and your employer know
you’re not going to be in, your absence will be
recorded as unauthorised. You may find that your
employer will not pay you for your unauthorised
absence. If you continue with unauthorised
absences, your employer may withdraw from your
apprenticeship or terminate your employment.
Authorised absences:
If you are going to be absent from work for more than
21 days, you’ll need to inform your trainer/assessor
and teacher as soon as possible. You’re allocated
a period of time to complete your apprenticeship
and long-term sickness will have an impact on this.
To make sure that you do not lose any time, you’ll be
temporarily withdrawn until you notify your trainer/
assessor otherwise. We will then re-start your training.
26

Assessment appeals procedure
The appeals procedure exists to assist apprentices
who may require greater understanding or who
may feel dissatisfied with their assessment outcome.
The specific aims of the procedure are to:
● Provide a means for open discussion of assessment
outcomes to ensure a full understanding of
the assessment process and outcomes.
●
●
To provide a supportive context for apprentices
to challenge assessment outcomes
that they feel are unfair or biased.
To provide a procedure to enable swift and
appropriate response so that those apprentices
seeking appeal are not disadvantaged.
The appeals process consists of three stages.
It’s important that these stages are followed, and
all parties are aware of the outcome at each
stage. Wherever possible you should try to seek
a solution through an informal procedure.
Procedure A – Seek clarification (informal)
If you feel that any part of your assessment has been
unfair or has left you feeling confused, you should
discuss this with your trainer/assessor or teacher
- whoever had responsibility for the assessment
activity. Please keep a record of all discussions.
Through discussions it is hoped that an agreement
can be met regarding: The appropriateness of the
assessment outcome, any amendments to the
assessment outcome that may be required and a set
of actions to avoid any further confusions or concerns.
Where the apprentice is dissatisfied with
the outcome of procedure A, the process
must proceed to procedure C.
Procedure B – Seek clarification
through a mediator (informal)
If you fee unable to follow procedure A and approach
the person responsible for the assessment directly
you may wish to seek the help of a mediator.
You should approach your chosen mediator to
explain your concern and seek their agreement
to assist you in discussing the issue. The
mediator may be a fellow student, a member
of staff, your employer or a colleague.
The process and anticipated outcome are the same
as that described in procedure A however, the
mediator can provide support to you in carrying out
your discussions with the trainer/assessor or teacher.
Procedure C – Challenge (formal)
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of
your informal appeal. You may wish to move
to formal proceedings and challenge the
outcome of the assessment decision.
The process is instigated by the apprentice, but
activities are led by the person responsible for quality
assurance of the assessment (the internal verifier).
Within one week of completing procedure A/B you
should contact the Head of Student Services who
will assist you to complete a ‘Student Appeal Against
Assessment Outcome Form’ and will arrange a
meeting with the internal quality assurer/course
leader responsible for quality assurance of assessment
on your apprenticeship. This meeting wherever
possible should take place within two weeks.
The internal quality assurer/course leader will formally
assess all evidence and write to you confirming
their findings within five days of the meeting.
Procedure D – Appeal (formal)
An appeal should be lodged within one
week of completing Procedure C.
The Head of Student Services will arrange an appeals
committee within two weeks. The committee should
comprise of an Independent external and internal
trainer/assessor as well as the apprentice, who may
be accompanied by a friend or colleague. During the
meeting you will be invited to explain your area(s) of
concern and provide evidence in support of your case.
The outcome of the meeting will be communicated
to you within five working days. The possible
outcome of the meeting may be that:
1. The assessment outcomes are upheld
2. Amendments should be made to
the assessment outcome.
As a final stage of the appeal procedure, the college
may contact the awarding body if the apprentice
does not feel their appeal has been resolved. An EQA
will review the assessment and make a judgement.
27

7.
KEEPING
YOU SAFE.
Health and safety
It’s important you feel safe
throughout your apprenticeship
programme. If at any time you have
concerns regarding health and
safety, you should raise these with
your employer in the first instance.
If for any reason your
concerns aren’t resolved, talk
to your trainer/assessor.
The primary piece of legislation that
ensures your safety whilst at work
is called The Health and Safety at
Work Act which places duties on
both the employer and employee
which by law you both must do.
What you must do:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Take reasonable care of your
own health and safety and
that of other people who may
be affected by your actions
Co-operate with the
employer and comply with
the employer’s legal duties
Use equipment or substances
in accordance with any
training or instruction
given by the employer
Report any serious or imminent
danger to the employer
Report any accidents
to the employer
Keep any information about the
employer’s business confidential
In case of absence or sickness,
immediately notify the
employer and place of study.
What your employer
must do:
An employer must ensure that
young people employed within
their business are adequately
protected against the risk
presented by their activity. Special
consideration must be given to
their lack of experience, immaturity
or absence of awareness of
existing or potential risk.
There are lots of things an employer
must do to ensure your safety
at work. Some of these are;
● Assess the risks to all
employees and identify what
control measures need to
be introduced to remove
the hazard or reduce the
risk from it. This is commonly
known as a risk assessment.
●
●
●
●
●
Communicate any
significant risk to you
Have copies of a risk
assessment if the company
employs 5 or more people.
Provide a safe working
environment
Provide instruction,
information and training
Provide free PPE required
so that you can carry
out your job safely.
28

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a term used to denote measures
to protect the health, wellbeing and human rights
of individuals, which allow people — especially
children, young people and adults at risk — to
live free from abuse, harm and neglect.
We all have a role to play in safeguarding the welfare
of children, young people and adults at risk. If you are
ever worried about someone or would like help yourself,
please report any concern about safeguarding to your
main point of contact at your place of work, usually a
manager or a member of the HR team. If you do not
feel that you can report your concerns to your manager
or you don’t have a HR team at your place of work,
please make immediate contact with your trainer/
assessor to share your concerns. If your concern is
related to college activity, please make immediate
contact with your teacher or your trainer/assessor.
Alternatively, apprentices can ask to speak to a
member of staff from our Safeguarding Team.
ID badge
If you are attending college for any element of
your off-the-job training, you’ll be issued with an
ID badge during your induction. Carry this with
you whenever you are in college as we may ask to
see it at any time. Your college ID badge may also
prove to be a very useful form of identification if
you need to renew a bus or metro travel card.
Abuse of trust
Adults working with apprentices under the age of
18 are working in a position of trust. This applies
even if he or she does not teach the student. It is
a criminal offence for a person over 18 to have a
sexual relationship with a child under 18, where
that person is in a position of trust in respect of
that child, even if the relationship is consensual.
Bullying and harassment
Bullying or harassment is behaviour that hurts another
individual. There is no legal definition of bullying.
However, it’s usually defined as behaviour that is:
● repeated
●
●
intended to hurt someone either
physically or emotionally
often aimed at certain groups, for example because
of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation
It takes many forms and can include:
● physical assault
●
●
●
●
teasing
making threats
name calling
cyberbullying - bullying via mobile phone,
app or online (for example email, social
networks and instant messages)
What is harassment?
Harassment is unwanted conduct which violates a
person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile,
degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
Harassment may arise from a series of events or an
isolated incident against one or more individuals and
is defined largely by the impact of the behaviour on
the recipient not its intention. Harassment may be:
● Physical - contact, assault or gestures,
intimidation, aggressive behaviour;
●
●
●
Verbal - unwelcome jokes, remarks, suggestions
and propositions, malicious gossip, nicknames;
Non-verbal - offensive literature or pictures,
graffiti and computer imagery, isolation
or exclusion from social activities;
Bullying - offensive, abusive, intimidating
or insulting behaviour.
Please report any concern about bullying or harassment
to your main point of contact at your place of work. If
your concern is related to college activity, please make
immediate contact with your trainer/assessor. If you feel
that you can’t do this, there are other staff in the college
who could help.
Internet safety
● Keep personal information such as
your family situation, your place of work
and study, your telephone number and
your address, private at all times.
●
●
●
●
●
●
Keep photographs and videos of yourself secure
and only allow access to trusted friends.
Don’t believe everything you read online. Remember
some people are not who they say they are.
We strongly advise you to never meet up
with someone you befriend online. However,
if you do, take an adult with you.
Parents should encourage young people to
use the internet in open areas of the home,
such as the kitchen or living room, rather
than private areas such as bedrooms.
If you receive abuse online REPORT IT! CEOP
(The Child Exploitation and Online Protection
Centre) website provides an easy way of
reporting concerns. www.ceop.gov.uk
We also advise you to use mobile tech (such
as mobile phones) responsibly and sensibly.
Respect yourself and others when you
send texts and photos and make calls.
29

Sexual violence and sexual harassment (including online)
The College is committed to ensuring students and
staff can enjoy a learning and working environment
free from sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and
sexual violence.
Sexual violence refers to sexual offences under the
Sexual Offences Act 2003. Sexual violence and sexual
harassment are specific forms of abuse that have
been identified as a concern in the lives of young
people. In some areas, the frequency of these sexual
behaviours means that some young people consider
them normal. In a lot of cases these actions can occur
between peers.
Sexual harassment means unwanted conduct of a
sexual nature and may be:
● Online sexual harassment
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Physical behaviour such as deliberately
brushing against someone
Sexualised language
Sexual jokes or taunting
Sexist name calling
Consensual sharing and non-consensual
sharing of nude images and videostaking
and sharing of nude photographs
of under 18s is a criminal offence
Sexual exploitation, coercion and threats
Sexualised online bullying
Sharing unwanted explicit sexual material
Being pressurised to send nude pictures (nudes)
Upskirting- a criminal offence
Unwanted sexual comments and
messages, including on social media
The College does not tolerate these actions and
works within internal procedures, including the student
disciplinary procedure, and with external agencies to
act and offer support. The College adopts a wholecollege
approach to develop a culture where all kinds
of sexual violence, sexual harassment and online
sexual abuse are recognised and addressed. We all
have a role to play in this and will achieve this by:
● Students are clear about what is acceptable
and unacceptable behaviour
●
●
Staff and students role model respectful
and appropriate behaviour
Students are confident to ask for help
and support when it is needed.
If you are a victim of sexual violence or harassment,
which is either historical in nature or ongoing, we would
encourage you to tell any College staff or one of the
College’s Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL), who
will provide a safe place for you to be heard, offering
free support and advice to any student who has been
impacted by sexual harassment or violence.
For further information or advice please contact
Darren Heathcote, Head of Student Services by
emailing safeguarding.team@gateshead.ac.uk
Prevent - working together to defeat terrorism
The Government introduced the Prevent
Duty Guidance for further education colleges
to help reduce the threat to the UK from
terrorism and to help people who may be at
risk of being radicalised, supporting a terrorist
organisation or becoming terrorists.
Terrorism is a real and serious threat to us all and we
have seen that terrorists can strike at any time and
any place without warning. Our focus at Gateshead
College is to work with, for and on behalf of the
apprentices, students, staff and visitors we serve. We
need the support and confidence of our communities
to improve a two-way flow of information in order to
identify those most vulnerable and in need of support
and intervention. Our priority is to keep all of our people
safe by working together with key partner agencies
and our communities to tackle any extremism.
The media is full of news about acts of terrorism across
the globe. Though there is not a single definition of
what a terrorist looks like or what terrorists believe
in, what is clear is that terrorists do not represent the
majority view of the faiths and/or cultures they claim
to represent. Terrorist groups exploit vulnerable people
to influence and transform them into sharing extreme
views and ideologies and in some cases, to then
support or even participate in terrorist groups or acts.
There is no place for extremist views of any
kind whether at work or studying at college. It is
imperative that our apprentices see our college as
a safe place where they can discuss and explore
controversial issues safely and in an unbiased way
and where our staff encourage and facilitate this.
As a college we recognise that extremism and
exposure to extremist materials and influences can
lead to poor outcomes for our apprentices. We
also recognise that if we fail to challenge extremist
views we are failing to protect our apprentices.
30

If you’re suspicious of something that could identify
a terrorist threat anywhere in the UK, report it using
this quick and confidential online tool, or call the
Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321. It may seem
insignificant, but your call could be vital. Trust your
instincts – it could disrupt terrorist planning and save
lives. Unusual activity or behaviour which seems out
of place may be terrorist related - and anyone who
notices such behaviour is being urged to pass on
any information via the freephone hotline on 0800
789 321. Help and advice at Gateshead college is
available in Student Services. Tel 0191 490 2335 or
email safeguardingmanager@gateshead.ac.uk
Keeping safe
If you have any concern about your safety or the
safety of others whilst at work or studying at college,
including the reporting of bullying or anything you see
which causes you concern, you can speak to your
employer or trainer/assessor. Support is also available
at college by making contact with the Head of Student
Services on 0191 490 4611, learnerservicesmanager@
gateshead.ac.uk or by making contact with the
Safeguarding Team safeguarding.team@gateshead.
ac.uk Alternatively seek assistance from the
reception point at your site of study and they will
put you in touch with a relevant member of staff.
Information about safeguarding is also available
on our intranet Learner Portal and in the
Student Services section of our website.
British values
British values underpin what it is to be a citizen
in a modern and diverse Britain valuing our
community and celebrating the diversity of
the UK. There are four British Values:
Democracy - The right to have an opinion. A culture
built upon freedom and equality, where everyone
is aware of their rights and responsibilities.
The rule of Law - No one is above the law. The law
protects everyone, innocent until proven guilty.
Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths
and beliefs - Working together and respecting
each other’s feelings, all backgrounds, cultures,
ages, genders, sexualities and beliefs.
Individual liberty - Freedom of speech. Protection of
your rights and the rights of others you work with.
British Values are not exclusive to being British
and are shared by other democratic countries
as a way of creating an orderly society, where
individual members can feel safe, valued and can
contribute for the good of themselves and others.
Equality and diversity
The Equality Act became law in 2010. It covers
everyone in Britain and protects people from
discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
Who is protected by the Equality Act?
Everyone in Britain is protected. The Equality Act
protects people against discrimination because of
the protected characteristics that we all have.
Under the Equality Act, there are nine
protected characteristics:
Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage
and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity,
race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation
Equality means to be free from discrimination
with the aim to ensure that no individual or group
receives less favourable treatment by virtue of a
characteristic thereby enabling all people to have
quality of access to the provision of goods, services,
facilities, premises and employment. Equality
is what we should all be aiming to achieve.
Diversity means “varied and different” and is about
valuing variety and recognising individual and
group differences. Diversity is about capitalising on
everything that makes us unique and encourage
an environment of respect and understanding.
Inclusion should reflect a process of positive
development within the learning and training
environment to make education more welcoming,
learner friendly and beneficial for a diverse community.
Equality of opportunity means by which disadvantage
and discrimination are reduced and eliminated
by legislation, positive action and a compliancedriven
approach and aims to ensure that no
group receives less favourable treatment
by virtue of a protected characteristic.
Our individuality is not only what makes us all unique,
it is also our strength. Gateshead College is fully
committed to equality and diversity and we recognise
that diversity is a positive attribute which brings many
benefits. It is our intent to continually embed equality
and diversity into the heart of the college’s culture and
to embrace all of the aspects of a diverse workforce
and learner population.
Click here to view a copy of Gateshead
College’s Equality & Diversity statement.
31

8.
HAVE
YOUR SAY.
Apprentice feedback
Your views are very important to
us to help us improve what we do.
You can get involved in a number
of ways; taking part in surveys,
focus groups, or by becoming an
apprentice representative on the
Students’ Union Parliament.
We want to make sure you have
the opportunity to get involved
in helping us improve the quality
of the services we deliver. If you
are interested in becoming an
apprentice representative, or would
like to know more about the role
and how you can contribute, please
speak with either your trainer/
assessor or contact the Head
of Student Services via Student
Services, Baltic Campus or email
student.activities@gateshead.ac.uk
Your feedback, compliments and
complaints
If you’d like to pay us a compliment
or make a complaint about your
studies, pick up an information
leaflet from your campus reception
point or by talking to your trainer/
assessor. Alternatively, you can
call 0191 490 0300 or email
start@gateshead.ac.uk
A copy of our complaint procedure
is available on our website
www.gateshead.ac.uk If you are
dissatisfied with the way any
complaint has been handled by
the college, and having exhausted
the college complaints procedure,
you should refer your complaint to
the Education and Skills Funding
Agency click here to go to the
website.
Should you wish, for any reason,
to raise a complaint with your
employer about any aspect of your
employment you should speak
to your supervisor/manager or a
member of the Human Resources
department at your place of work.
If you are unsure how to raise a
complaint or flag a concern, then
please speak to your trainer/
assessor who will be able to provide
advice and guidance.
32

If you need a copy of this guide
in an alternative format, or
help to understand any of the
information, we will do what we
can to help. Please call us on
0191 490 2246.

@GATESHEADCOLL
/GATESHEADCOLLEGE
WWW.
GATESHEAD.
AC.UK