What is a Modern
Apprenticeship?
Modern
Apprenticeships are similar to previous training systems which witnessed
trainees 'serving their time' with employers. Due to this, employers
are asked to commit to the individual from the very beginning of the
apprenticeship programme. One way that they do this is by paying them
a wage.
Where do
I find an apprentice?
ETC
can ease the burden of finding the right young person. Council staff
promote Engineering Apprenticeships on an ongoing basis, attending
careers coventions, giving talks and hosting skills competitions.
Each year the
Council informs all post primary schools in Northern Ireland and
in the Border Counties, of the Modern Apprenticeship job advertisement
usually in the Belfast Telegraph. A general press advertisement
usually appears around the end of March each year. The Council then
receives applications and carry out a series of aptitude tests which
show each applicants ability for an engineering career.
If you are on
the Council's list of partners at that time your details will be
given to all applicants. They will make their choices and you will
receive copies of their application form along with test results.
You will then arrange to carry out interviews and further tests
if required.
Can I start
them right away?
The
bulk of recruitment is around Sept/Oct of each year. This is to
coincide with Further Education Colleges enrolment. However ETC
has an all year round recruitment policy that allows you to start
an apprentice at any time. You may also have existing Employees
who, if they meet the required pre-entry criteria can join the programme.
How much
do I pay them?
Apprentice rates of pay are wide and varied and can range from £85
per week to £220 per week, at age 16. Usually wages average
out at approximately £120 per week for a Year 1 apprentice.
A good guide for apprentice rates is as follows:
| 1. |
Determine what you would pay a newly qualified Craft person
or Technician. |
| 2. |
Base your apprentice rates on percentages: |
|
| |
1
Year : 45%
2 Year : 65%
3 Year : 80%
4 Year : 90% |
|
What is a
Training Credit?
A Training Credit is a document issued to young people from the
Department for Employment and Learning (DEL). This document is held
by the training organisation responsible for the delivery of the
Modern Apprentice programme and allows them to draw funding.
Do I pay
for the training?
You will most certainly have costs relating to training. These are
likely to be for NVQ registration and certification, Further Education
enrolment fees and other training you feel necessary.
What qualifications
do they get?
There are 4 main qualifications within the programme
| NVQ
Level 2 |
(Usually completed in Year 1) |
| NVQ
Level 3 |
(Usually 2 to 3 years after Level 2) |
| Keyskills
|
(Delivered
during a 3-4 year period) |
| Further
Education |
(Minimum of 2 years on day release) |
You and ETC, in
partnership, are responsible for ensuring that apprentices have opportunities
to achieve all outcomes.
Am I responsible for Employer insurance?
In order to qualify for participation in Training, the Employer must
normally hold public and employer liability insurance.
What are
Keyskills?
Keyskills are additional qualifications currently built into the
Modern Apprenticeship. Six different keyskills exist e.g. Communication,
problem solving, I.T. Keyskills and Levels are teamed with specific
NVQs, in order to enhance necessary Trainee skills/abilities. The
administration of keyskills is again looked after by the training
organisation. Apprentices may be required to sit external tests
for Application of Number, Communication and IT.
Who designed
NVQs?
NVQs are based on standards set by industry and provide the means
of developing people with the skills and qualities employers need.
NVQs in training
were introduced by the government in Northern Ireland under the
umbrella of Jobskills.
|
