The WTPN Apprenticeship Hub

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The WTPN is a network of skills, education and training providers that includes many of the regions leading Apprenticeship delivery providers. Membership  includes local and national Independant training providers, the 4 local colleges and UWE, the leading degree apprenticeship delivery training organisation/university in the region.

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As well as running an effective and collaborative best practice network, the WTPN also runs 3 regional Apprenticeships services.

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1. The Ask Programme - Apprenticeship IAG in Schools and Colleges for students, parents and teachers

2. A West of England SME Apprenticeship Support Service

3. A West of England Apprenticeship Levy transfer Service

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Our Apprenticeship hub aims to align our contracts, services and membership to improve and grow the Apprenticeship system in the West of England.

 

What are apprenticeships?

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An apprenticeship is a real job where employees learn, train, gain experience and get paid. Apprentices are employee's with a contract of employment and holiday leave.

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Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. Apprentices are employed; productively work on everyday tasks required by the organisation and earn a wage whilst at the same time study and gain new skills with the help of the training delivery partner. An Apprenticeship takes a minimum of a year to complete and can take up to 6 years.

 

Apprenticeships are designed by employers so are at the cutting edge of employment practice and industry skills need, apprentices and employers are supported by their training partners, a Training Provider, College or University. The process of learning theory and technical skills, putting into practice, reflecting and continuosly improving over at least a year with an expert partner makes apprenticeships one of the most powerful methods of developing skills, qualifications and a career.

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Almost anyone can embark on an Apprenticeship, they are used as a career starting block for young people entering the world of work, for adults seeking a new career pathway and skills, a career development programme for existing staff (including management) and for employers seeking skills development of their existing team and a talent pipeline for new recruits. Employers report higher staff retention of apprentices and improvements in morale and productivity after utilising apprentcieships in their business.

 

By the end of an apprenticeship, an apprentice has  the right skills and knowledge needed for their chosen career and apprentices are assessed by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation.

 

​Apprentices

 

• work alongside experienced staff

• gain job-specific skills

• Earn a wage and get holiday pay

• study towards a related qualification

 

Apprenticeships take 1 to 6 years to complete depending on their level and the previous experience of the Apprentice.

 

​Types of apprenticeships

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Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industry sectors with employers from large national companies to smaller local companies, covering more than 170 industries and 1,500 job roles; from advertising to youth work via environmental engineering and nuclear decommissioning. All Apprenticeships available for delivery or being constructed for delivery are listed here.

 

Levels of apprenticeship

 

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Apprenticeships have equivalent educational level:

• Intermediate level 2: 5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C

• Advanced level 3: 2 A level passes

• Higher level 4,5,6 and 7: Foundation degree and above

• Degree 6 and 7: Bachelor’s or master’s degree

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Apprenticeships are for people to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future.

Hiring apprentices helps businesses to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.

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Apprenticeships help businesses to grow

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The national apprenticeship service website states that 96% of employers that take on an apprentice report benefits to their business and 72% of businesses report improved productivity as a result of employing an apprentice.

• Apprenticeships develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce
  Businesses that offer apprenticeships think that they help with their long-term development. According to the British Chambers of Commerce, businesses usually employ an apprentice to improve the skills available within their organisation.

• Apprenticeships improve productivity while reducing costs
  Apprenticeships are boosting productivity by helping businesses to expand the skills available in the organisation. The average person completing an apprenticeship increases productivity by £214 a week. These gains include increased profits, lower prices and better products.

 

Training

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Most of the training is on-the-job at an employer's premises, working with a mentor to learn job specific skills in the workplace. Off-the-job training is provided by a training organisation (a training provider, college or university) and may be delivered in the workplace or through day or block release at premises away from the working environment. Off the job training methods are delivered creatively by training partners to support business needs and learner development.

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Traineeships

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A traineeship is a course for young people which aims to prepare them for working life and apprenticeships. They provide up to 90 hours of unpaid work experience alongside classes in maths and English. They can last up to six months and are open to anyone aged between 16 and 24.

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Traineeships can be seen as a pathway to an apprenticeship and the work experience element can introduce candidates to employers.

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