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Employers’ Guide

Apprenticeships and Training

Nelson and Colne College Business Training Solutions

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Contents

1. Our Services 4

2. Our Partners 7

3. Our Sectors 9

4. Apprenticeships 10

5. Traineeships and Bespoke Training 13

6. Recruitment and Talent Matching 14

7. Funding and Evaluation 15

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Adam BarronStarted as a Catering Apprentice Now: Head Chef at The Lounge, Crow Wood Leisure

We train your people for your needs...

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1Through our personalised approach, we identify,

develop and deliver your training solutions; matching

relevant and recognised qualifications with innovative

and practical solutions for your business.

Our training packages combine Apprenticeship

delivery with any bespoke training you may require.

Apprenticeships are often funded, providing a

cost-effective solution to your training requirements.

You may even receive a grant of up to £1,500* for

taking on an Apprentice!

Fundamental to our delivery is a vacancy matching

service for your recruitment needs, and a unique

Talent Matching Service where we are able to find the

best candidates for any vacancy you may have.

Best of all, our Talent Matching Service is FREE!

At every stage of the process we work in partnership

with you to understand and accommodate your

exact needs.

Our dedicated and highly qualified team will meet with

you to discuss your needs before designing a bespoke

training package. We will then work closely with you to

develop and enhance the skills of your employees.

You can rest assured that the training received by

your employees is of the highest quality – our training

is recognised as amongst the best in the UK!

Training for your business

Our Services

*subject to eligibility

Government data shows we are 3rd in the country for 16-18 year old Apprenticeship success, and our general success rate is above the national average.2012-13 Government data

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Training designed for you and your business

Max BridgesStarted as an Engineering Apprentice

Now: Engineer at Standel Dawman Ltd

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Growing a small business is challenging and our people

will be an important factor in whether we achieve our growth targets. We need to attract the right candidates to new positions, induct and train them and then develop them so that they become an integral part of our team. The skills funding programme run through Nelson and Colne College has allowed us to deliver this, investing in our staff at no initial cost.

Linda BarrowcloughOperations Director Innova Solutions Ltd

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“We have been successfully working in partnership with

Nelson and Colne College’s Apprenticeship Team for the last

4 years. By employing passionate, hardworking Apprentices

who want to learn about all aspects of the recruitment

industry, we are able to work with them to plan their long term

career paths, identifying which areas of our business they will

be best suited to.”

Jennifer BerryAshberry Recruitment

“Pendle Leisure Trust is a great advocate of Apprenticeships

and Nelson and Colne College has delivered our

Apprenticeship training for a number of years; it’s great that

together we can help hardworking and committed young

people to get the experience they need to further their career.”

Sue MadiganPendle Leisure Trust

“Apprentices will, and do play a key part of our business

expansion strategy. Our commitment is to employ and train

‘Apprentice’ staff members to maintain our growth, and give

us a highly competent and motivated workforce.”

Thomas JordanText Styles UK Ltd

Don’t take our word for it, hear what other employers have to say about us…

Our Partners

2Just some of our key clients

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Investing in new talent for your business

Levi SarchetStarted as a Business Administration Apprentice Now: Recruitment Consultant for Ashberry Recruitment

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Your business is unique and so are Apprenticeships!

They are offered in many different types of roles, grouped

in occupational sectors, meaning that almost any

organisation, of any size, in any industry, can benefit.

ADAPTABLE AND RELEVANT

Some Apprenticeship frameworks are very specific to

a particular industry sector, but others can be adapted

and tailored to meet the needs of your particular

business. We ensure that our Assessors are experts

in their sector, able to identify any skills needs your

business may have and ensure that the training

delivered meets these requirements.

SECTOR SPECIFIC TRAINING

We acknowledge that each sector will require certain

training in order to fulfil certain laws and legislation. If

your sector is one of these, we will ensure that your

training is directly linked to these requirements so that

your Apprentices are able to fulfil what is required, to the

necessary standard.

Below is a list of the sectors we currently offer

Apprenticeships in:

Our Sectors

3Accounting

Business, Administration and Customer Service

Catering and Hospitality

Contact Centre Operations

Children and Young People

Engineering and Manufacturing

Hair and Beauty

Health and Social Care

Information Technology

Leadership and Management

Marketing and Social Media

Leisure and Tourism

Retail

Sales

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In an increasingly tough marketplace, successful

businesses know that to continue to grow and

thrive they need to maintain a skilled and motivated

workforce. By taking on Apprentices or supporting

your existing staff onto an Apprenticeship programme,

you can deliver real returns to your bottom line through

increased productivity, enhanced competitiveness,

lower overall training and recruitment costs, and a

skilled workforce dedicated to working harder for

your business. By offering Apprenticeships you’ll

find it easier to recruit and retain the right people

for your organisation.

WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?

An Apprenticeship is a work-based training

programme, which leads to a nationally recognised

qualification. It allows employees to develop their

skills and understanding whilst in an actual working

environment, which benefits both the employer

and the employee.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Apprenticeships ensure that your workforce has the

practical skills and qualifications your organisation

needs both now and in the future.

Apprentices are keen, eager and committed to making

a tangible contribution to your business, helping your

organisation become more efficient by adding to the

skills you already have.

THE KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Gaining skilled and qualified staff in a

cost effective way

• Ensuring that your staff have up-to-date

training and qualifications

• Ensuring that your business is up-to-date

with industry standards

• Addressing skills shortages

• Motivating your workforce

• Enhancing your business performance

HOW LONG DO APPRENTICESHIPS LAST?

Apprenticeships can last between 12 months and four

years, depending on the type of sector and level.

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

Training combines off the job study (usually at college)

with learning and development in the workplace.

HOW MANY HOURS DOES AN APPRENTICE WORK?

All Apprentices work a minimum of 30 hours a week

on average, this includes any training time at College

(off the job) and with the employer (on the job).

Over 100,000 employers across the UK currently use Apprenticeships to attract new talent, cut costs and address future skills shortages.

Apprenticeships

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Qualification Guide

Apprenticeships

TraineeshipsA combination of training and work experience to ensure that young people develop the necessary

skills to help them progress onto an Apprenticeship.

Level 2 ApprenticeshipsEquivalent to five A*- C GCSEs

Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2, Key Skills and, in most cases, a relevant

knowledge-based qualification.

Level 2 is suitable for a junior member of staff who is at the beginning of their career.

Level 3 ApprenticeshipsA Level 3 Apprenticeship is equivalent to two A Level passes.

A Level 3 Apprentice works towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 3, Key Skills and, in most cases, a relevant

knowledge-based certificate.

Level 3 is suitable for those working in a Team Leader or Supervisor role.

To start this programme, the applicant should ideally have five GCSEs at grade C or above or have completed an Intermediate Apprenticeship.

Higher ApprenticeshipsLevel 4 and 5 is equivalent to a Higher Education Certificate, Higher Education

Diploma or a Foundation Degree.

A Higher Apprenticeship incorporates a work-based learning programme and leads to a nationally recognised qualification at Level 4 and above.

Level 4 is suitable for those in a management position.

Higher Apprenticeships offer a new work-based route into professions which have

traditionally been the preserve of graduates.

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WHAT DOES AN APPRENTICESHIP QUALIFICATION INCLUDE?

A typical Apprenticeship comprises of:

• Knowledge-based training

• Competence-based training

• Transferable key skills such as numeracy, IT and

communication

• An employment rights and responsibilities module

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR A BUSINESS TO TAKE ON AN APPRENTICE?

There is usually no cost involved for the training

besides the Apprentice salary. Apprentices have to be

paid in line with the national minimum wage, however,

as the Apprentice progresses many UK employers

tend to increase wages in line with their developing

skills and industry-specific knowledge. You may also

be entitled to funding to support these costs, please

see our funding section for more information.

HOW WILL I BE SUPPORTED WITH MY APPRENTICE?

We ensure first-class supervision, support and

mentoring for all our Apprentices. Throughout

the duration of the Apprenticeship you and your

Apprentice will have the support of a highly

experienced Assessor who will visit the work place

and review the skills that have been learnt. You will

also have a dedicated Account Manager who will

be your key point of contact and will offer support,

guidance and advice throughout the partnership.

By starting your own Apprentice Academy,

you can offer your employees the opportunity

to gain recognised qualifications through an

Apprenticeship, which will also improve how they

work for you and your business; and make them

more likely to stay with you in the long-term!

An Apprentice Academy is a pioneering

method of delivering training and professional

development to your employees. We will meet

with your initially to discuss your needs and what

you want to achieve from your own academy.

As a guide, the College could offer the following:

• Initial consultation to discuss your

training needs

• Pre-screening of applicants

• Tailor-made training, including delivery of

recognised qualifications in your

own workplace

YOU COULD EVEN RECEIVE FUNDING GRANTS OF UP TO £1,500* PER EMPLOYEE!

*subject to eligibility

GROW YOUR OWN TALENT START YOUR OWN APPRENTICE ACADEMY!

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TRAINEESHIPS

WHAT IS A TRAINEESHIP?

Traineeships have been developed in response to

research showing that young people frequently lack

the knowledge and experience employers expect in

the workplace. The Traineeship will help tackle this

problem as it is a programme designed to combine

both education and training with work experience,

giving young people the skills that employers are

looking for.

Traineeships can last up to six months and include:

• Work preparation training

• English and Maths support if required

• A work experience placement of between six weeks

to five months with an employer, such as yourself

In addition to these basic elements, we can work with

you to add flexible additional content to meet the

needs of your business and the local labour market.

THE BENEFITS

• You as an employer can design a high quality

Traineeship within your company in partnership with

the College - one that suits both the needs of your

business and the needs of the Trainee.

• You can get ahead of the competition by bringing

enthusiastic young people with their fresh ideas into

your business before they get on to the career ladder.

• Traineeships will allow you to shape the skills

and experience of young people from your local

community, helping your business to develop a loyal

and talented workforce.

• Working with Trainees will give established staff

members the chance to develop their skills in

mentoring and coaching young people.

• If you decide to offer a Trainee an Apprenticeship

you could be eligible for an Apprenticeship Grant

for Employers of £1500.*

OUR BESPOKE TRAINING

TRAINING DESIGNED FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS

At Nelson and Colne College we do more than

offer Apprenticeships; we have a reputation for

success in delivering a range of bespoke training

programmes to suit your business requirements. From

AAT to Strategic Management and Leadership

programmes, nationally recognised qualifications,

and short one day specialist workshops; your

training mix can be as diverse as your organisation.

Speak to our Business Training Team to discuss what

training could work for your business.

Traineeships and Bespoke Training 5

*subject to eligibility

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TALENT MATCHING

As part of our recruitment process, we offer a unique

Talent Matching Service that means that we are able to

find the best candidates for any vacancy you may have.

We work with candidates to ensure they are fully

prepped for interview, knowledgeable about your

organisation, fit the skills set that you need and will be

committed to your business.

We hold assessment centres and conduct

pre-employment training, free of charge, saving you

between 10-20% of the annual salary costs, which

is the average cost of using a recruitment agency.

We never put a candidate forward who we are not

confident will meet the needs of your vacancy.

Recruitment ServicesCandidate Assessment Centres and Pre-Employment Training

Recruitment and Talent Matching

6Finding the right member of staff to drive your business forward is crucial to your delivery success. As part of

our services we offer a fully integrated vacancy matching service, from advertising your vacancy to selecting

and coaching the right candidate for the job.

FREE

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With Government funding available for training,

investing in Apprenticeships is the smart choice for

you to achieve long-term business growth

and profitability.

THE BEST INVESTMENT YOU CAN MAKE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

It goes without saying that a well-skilled workforce

drives forward your business, and therefore continual

professional development is one of the best

investments you can make for your business.

Our dedicated funding team will also work with

you to ensure that your business is able to access

appropriate funding to assist with the costs associated

with training. The team has a breadth of experience

and expertise in accessing funds for training from a

wide variety of sources and will work hard to ensure

that you get the best possible deal.

It is also important that you are getting the best value

from your training, which is why we will measure

the impact of the training, from staff retention and

motivation, to productivity and the ‘bottom line’ of

your business.

TRAINING EVALUATION

Our training experts will regularly evaluate the

effectiveness of our training delivery through Project

Evaluation Reports so that you can be confident of

the impact. At key stages of the training, we will carry

out a Training Needs Analysis to show the outcomes

– so you can see the return on investment and report

on this to colleagues within your organisation. This

also allows us to identify any changes and adapt the

training programme if necessary – ensuring you that

you are getting the most out of our training delivery.

Training Solutions

Receive up to £1,500* per Apprentice!

Funding and Evaluation

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*subject to eligibility

01282 440 319employer.services@nelson.ac.ukwww.nelson.ac.ukFollow us: @NelsonColne_BIZ

Contact our Business Team today