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Apprenticeships FAQs

Who will be involved?
A Training Co-ordinator will help you in securing the right kind of placement to complete your practical training and assessments. They will regularly visit the work place and will liaise with your employer to discuss your progress. The College tutor, lecturer and assessor will provide the necessary input and support for you to achieve. If you require further support, learning or social, then there are specialist development officers and mentors on hand to help.

What happens if I can’t find a work placement?
Most young people do find a placement but if you are experiencing problems you must let your Training Co-ordinator know. The Training Co-ordinator can also advise on Programme Led Apprenticeships, which allow you to start the College elements of your programme before receiving a confirmed placement offer. A work placement will be required to achieve the full Apprenticeship however. For more information, please contact the Apprenticeship Contracts Manager on 01935 845392.
 
What happens if I change employer during my training?
You must get agreement from your new employer to be able to continue. The Training Co-ordinator will then contact your new employer to complete the Apprenticeship paperwork.  There are lots of people who you can ask for help when discussing choices after school. Your Head of House or Careers Teacher will be able to advise you, as well as Connexions. Don’t forget that you can also call us too. Contact the Customer Liaison and Enrolment Team on 01935 423921 for help and advice.

Will I be treated like other employees in the workplace?
Your Training Co-ordinator will ensure that you are receiving your due rights, such as proper supervision and opportunities for on-site training. All placements are carefully vetted and monitored by the Training Co-ordinator to ensure that they uphold the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work and Equal Opportunity legislation. Like all employees you will have to abide by the requirements of the employer in terms of attendance, punctuality, safe working practices etc.

How will I be paid?
Like all employees, apprentices must still receive a wage. The National Minimum Wage for apprentices is £2.60 per hour. However, as skills develop, many employers tend to increase wages.

Who decides which Apprenticeship training programme I enrol onto?
You will be able to discuss your options with a member of the Apprenticeship Team. They will provide you with an insight into individual occupational areas and career opportunities and support and guide you in making your choice. Most of the Apprenticeship programmes have entry requirements and these are listed within each subject area. You will be able to change your mind at any time, even if you have already started on a programme. Programmes are tailored to what you want to do.

What qualifications will I get and how long do they take?
Level 2 Apprenticeships include Technical and Competence qualifications from the Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF) in your chosen vocational area and Functional Skills qualifications. An overall Apprenticeship framework certificate will be awarded when all the individual components are achieved. This usually takes between 12-24 months dependent on the occupational area.  Advanced Apprenticeships are achieved within 2-4 years, again dependent on the occupational areas and incorporate the same components as the Apprenticeship, but at a higher level of achievement.

Can I work towards additional qualifications whilst completing an Apprenticeship?
Both Apprenticeship programmes allow you to complement your training programme with other qualifications e.g. Health and Safety, First Aid, CLAIT etc. 

Will I get the same benefits as a full-time student when I come to College?
Yes, you will be treated no differently to any other student. You will have access to all facilities whilst the College is open, including access to the Learning Centre. You will have an opportunity to join the Student Union and make use of all their benefits, including discounts on shopping with some of the big retail outlets.

Are courses available to everyone?
At Yeovil College we believe that all learners have the right to be valued as individuals and have equality of opportunity, regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status or age. Learners will not be disadvantaged by any conditions or requirements that cannot be shown to be justified. The College wishes to ensure that it complies with the requirements of the DDA (as amended by the Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Act 2001). If you are a disabled person, please ensure that we know what you need so that we can make all reasonable adjustments to help you succeed.