Apprenticeships

An Apprenticeship with Leicester College offers a nationally-recognised training scheme, which benefits both the employer and the learner and the learner can achieve a work based qualification.

Apprenticeships are ideal for anyone aged 16 or over or are new to a job role, people who have been working in industry for a while and would like a recognised qualification or to up-skill. Within the Apprenticeship programme most courses are now work based, however they can include day release or weekly blocks if attendance at College is required. Apprenticeships will receive ongoing support from tutors and assessors, both during the workplace visits and in College if required.

An Apprenticeship or an Advanced Apprenticeship enables your employee to work towards achieving qualifications in a chosen specialism relevant to their job role which in turn will bring benefits back to the organisation. At the same time, he/she gain the skills and knowledge, which will increase productivity and effectiveness in the workplace. Leicester College ensures that, along side the standard training, improvement of functional skills including English, Maths and ICT, are included for free within the Apprenticeship programme.

“It has been a great opportunity and I have gained valuable work skills. I’m now also a qualified apprentice. I will tell my friends and family about being an ATA apprentice, it really is a good way to find a job.”

Apprenticeship Training Agency

The Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA) is a new Leicester College service designed to save public sector organisations requiring new recruits both time and money.

Rather than having to appoint a new employee, the ATA offers organisations the easier and more cost-effective option of finding a suitable Apprentice to fill a vacancy.

The service is purely for local authorities, schools and children’s services in need of an extra pair of hands - no other public sector employers are eligible.

The ATA matches a suitable Apprentice to the organisation’s requirements – eliminating a costly recruitment process.

The ATA employs the Apprentice directly, paying their wages, managing their terms and conditions, holidays and sickness record – in effect, acting as an HR company.

The organisation simply pays a monthly service fee directly to the ATA. The Apprentice’s development will be a joint responsibility, but importantly, the Apprentice will receive expert training from one of the largest and most successful colleges in the UK. Our staff will also work closely with the organisation, offering support and guidance throughout the term of the Apprenticeship.

For more details, contact Leicester College Apprenticeship Training Agency on 0116 224 2240.

Apprenticeship Benefits

Taking on an Apprenticeship will bring many benefits to the organisation such as:

• Increased skill levels across your company
• enhanced morale and staff retention
• increased ability to respond to customer needs
• reduction in the likelihood of accidents or waste
• structured training relevant to the job
• increased bottom line.
  

1. Apprenticeships can take place 100% in the workplace or there can be day release or weekly blocks when attendance at college is required, and where Apprentices will receive supporting knowldge and practical experience in their specialist area. Apprentices will receive on-going support from tutors and assessors, both in college and during workplace visits. Assessment is via observation in the workplace, witness testimony, portfolio building, written assignment and examinations.
   
2. As the employer, you will play a vital role in the training of the Apprentice and there will be three-way communication between you, the Apprentice and Leicester College, throughout the training. Your feedback will be sought and progress will be discussed during regular visits by the assessors.
   
3. If your Apprentice is aged under 19, he/she may be eligible for fully funded training under the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) funded Apprenticeship scheme. For those over 19, you will need to make a contribution to the cost. The costs cover: workplace visits, training and assessment, support, study packs, registration and certification.
   
4. Leicester College offers Apprenticeships in: Beauty Therapy, Business Administration, Computing, Construction, Customer Service, Engineering and Motor Vehicle, Fashion, Floristry, Hairdressing or Barbering, Hospitality and Food, Leadership and Management, Marketing, Oral Health and Dental Nursing, Pharmacy Services, Print, Retail, Sport and Leisure, Warehouse and Storage. Within each of these areas, there are several different disciplines.
   
5. If you are looking for an Apprentice, Leicester College can help you by providing access to learners who are currently studying at the College. These learners have skills in your area, Health and Safety training, English and maths skills, and a proven track record of timekeeping. All of this makes them a valuable and cost effective addition to your workforce, one that will increase productivity and effectiveness in the workplace.