Advice for Parents/Guardians
What are the benefits of an Apprenticeship?
- Earn while you learn
- It's free! No student debts or tuition fees.
- Hands-on / practical experience
- Gain nationally recognised qualifications
- Support and guidance throughout the programme
- Strengthen your CV
- Build your contacts
- Progress within a business
- Become an essential part of the team
What will my young person gain?
As well as gaining confidence, experience and a salary, your young person will also gain a qualification:
1. NVQ / Diploma in the chosen sector
This certificate is nationally recognised and will be gained through on-the-job training and assessment, which includes written assignments, observations in the workplace, witness testimonies, work product, guided discussions, personal statements and a work-based project.
2. BTEC in chosen sector
The BTEC will provide learners with the required underpinning knowledge and understanding to successfully demonstrate competence within a range of common work roles. Not all of our Apprenticeships contact the BTEC as part of the programme.
3. Functional Skills in English and Maths
Functional Skills are qualifications in Maths and English that equip learners with the practical skills needed to learn, live and work successfully.
4. End Point Assessment
All apprentices must undertake an end point assessment towards the end of their apprenticeship which is made up of a number of elements which the apprentice must pass in order to complete their apprenticeship. These assessments are designed to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate all the required knowledge, skills and behaviours outlined in their apprenticeship. On successfully passing their end point assessment, they will receive a certificate from the Institute of Apprenticeships which states the grade that they passed their apprenticeship with (depending on the apprenticeship this could be a Pass, Merit or Distinction).
How to understand the progress of my young person?
To track the progress of an apprentice, we use an online e-portfolio system called OneFile. This can track how far through the Apprenticeship they are, providing a percentage of the total amount of work that has been completed. It is also an area where apprentices can complete write-ups and assignments, so very little use for any paper. We hold an annual parents’ evening, where you will meet with your young person's Work Based Tutor (WBT) and they will go through your young person’s progress and how they’re performing at Alliance Learning and in the workplace.
Is my young person guaranteed a job?
A national study conducted by the Government shows that after completing an Apprenticeship, 90% of apprentices will stay in employment or go on to further education, most of those staying with the same employer. 32% of all former apprentices receive a promotion within 12 months of finishing, and of those in work, 75% reported taking on more responsibility in their job.
How much will my young person get paid?
The National Minimum Wage for apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year is £6.40 per hour. All other apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for their age. The average wage an apprentice will start on is around £198 per week and this usually increases throughout their Apprenticeship.
Whom to contact if any issues arise?
When your young person is signed up to one of our Apprenticeships, they will be given an information pack which will include all required contact details. Whether it is a piece of work they are struggling with or a concern about their safety in the workplace, there will be a designated person to deal with your young person’s issue and their contact details will be found in this pack.
How does my young person find an Apprenticeship?
If your young person is interested in doing an Apprenticeship, they can have a look through our current vacancies and apply online today! We also offer career education, information, advice and guidance sessions, so if your young person is not sure on the path they want to take, they can visit our centre and gather more information. For more information on this and when our next session is, call our recruitment team on 01204 677888.
Will my Child Benefit be affected if my young person starts an Apprenticeship?
If your young person leaves full-time education to start an Apprenticeship, they are no longer considered to be dependent on your. This means families of apprentices are currently not entitled to financial support.
You will need to inform the Tax Credit Office and Child Benefit Office about any changes to your circumstances. If you don't, you may have to pay back any overpayments.