FAQ
What are Level 2 and 3 qualifications?
Apprentices will work towards achieving a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), a key skills qualification and in some cases a technical certificate e.g. City and Guilds. An apprentice will start there apprenticeship at either Level 2 or 3.
A Level 2 qualification is equivalent to 5 GCSEs passes A* to C and Level 3 is equivalent to 2 A-Levels.
Entry onto a suitable level will be determined by the applicants existing qualifications and work experience, this will be decided in the application process.
What are my responsibilities?
Your key responsibilities will include:
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Paying a minimum wage of £95 per week
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Helping your apprentice develop their knowledge and skills
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Assisting in putting into practice what your apprentice has learnt during off-the-job training sessions
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Allowing time within the workplace to compile their NVQ portfolio
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Complying with legal requirements with regards to health and safety, discrimination, employment rights etc
Does this mean lots of paperwork?
Hiring an apprentice does not mean lots of additional paperwork for you – that’s what we are here for! We do try to keep administration to a minimum but occasionally we may need to collect information from you to fulfil government requirements.
How many apprentices can I employ?
Recent changes mean that the entry criteria for Apprenticeships have expanded to anyone between the age of 16 and 65. As long as you can meet your responsibilities (above) particularly in delivering on-the-job training and pay a minimum wage of £95 per week, there is no limit to how many apprentices you employ at one time.
How long will it take?
The length of an apprenticeship is dependent on the vocational area and can last anything from 12 months for a Level 2 or up to 48 months in some occupational areas such as Electrical Installation or Engineering.
How much will it cost me?
As an employer you are expected to pay the apprentice’s wage of £95 per week (from 1st
August 2009). The apprentice should also be subject to the business’s normal employment terms and conditions to allow for holidays etc. The apprenticeship programme and qualifications are free and funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) meaning neither the apprentice nor your business need to pay any tuition fees. Please note that this applies to UK/EU Citizens only.
How do I get started?
If you like what you have read and think an apprentice is what you business needs, call Business First on 01325 503282 and we can discuss the opportunities for recruiting an apprentice or training an existing employee.
