APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME EMPLOYER’S GUIDE

E M P L O Y E R ’ S G U I D E

TO SUPPORT THE RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING OF THE VERY BEST TECHNICIANS, SKILLNET OPERATES A MARKET LEADING APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME WHICH ALL AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESSES CAN BENEFIT FROM. SINCE THE LAUNCH OF THE BUSINESS IN 1998, THOUSANDS APPRENTICES HAVE BEEN TRAINED ON OUR PROGRAMMES AND HAVE GONE ON TO BE FULLY QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS IN THEIR BUSINESSES.

IN MORE RECENT YEARS WE HAVE EXTENDED THE REACH OF OUR APPRENTICE PROGRAMME TO COVER; PARTS, SALES, MANAGEMENT, TEAM LEADING, CUSTOMER SERVICE AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.

THE PROGRAMME HAS RECEIVED THE HIGHEST ACCOLADES AND OUR APPRENTICES HAVE GONE ON TO ACHIEVE INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITION. SKILLNET APPRENTICES ARE WELL REPRESENTED IN THE IMI’S OUTSTANDING ACHIEVERS AND THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SERVICE AWARDS.

THE SKILLNET APPRENTICE PROGRAMME PROVIDES BUSINESSES WITH HIGH QUALITY AND RELEVANT INDUSTRY ACCREDITED EMPLOYEES WHO ADD VALUE FROM DAY ONE. A SKILLNET APPRENTICE WILL BECOME A LOYAL AND COMMITTED ADVOCATE OF YOUR BUSINESS, TRAINED TO THE HIGHEST INDUSTRY STANDARDS.

SKILLNET APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

OUR RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES OFFER:• A free recruitment service• A full training programme for Apprentices

which includes up to 24 weeks of instruction at a Skillnet training centre for technical Apprentices

• In-Dealer visits every 8 weeks from a dedicated Skillnet Skills Coach

• For smaller SME businesses Apprentice training costs are met by the government - you only pay for wages, travel and accommodation

• A solution to the shortage of highly trained technicians. Recruiting apprentices is a long-term solution to build company loyalty and develop specialist knowledge that will positively affect your bottom line

• For Levy Paying employers we offer a fully managed service to ensure you get maximum return on your investment

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANFor technical Apprentices, attendance at a Skillnet training centre is usually on a day release basis. Alongside their technical training they also undertake a programme of study designed to develop their wider life skills. Subjects such as financial awareness, drug and alcohol awareness, British values and healthy living are all covered.

APPRENTICESHIPS OFFERED*:TECHNICAL APPRENTICESHIPS:

Light Vehicle Technicians

Heavy Vehicle Technicians

Body Repair Technicians

Paint and Panel Technicians

APPRENTICESHIPS IN OTHER SKILLS:

Vehicle Sales

Parts Advisor

Customer Service

Business Administration

Team Leading / Supervisor

Management

*available depending on location.

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EMPLOYER’S GUIDE

HOW IT WORKS

Our technical Apprenticeship programmes are challenging three-year programmes that combine hands-on workshop training with study at Skillnet’s training centres.

Apprentices are trained for the Automotive Industry and lead to nationally recognised qualifications. This means they provide your staff with real skills and recognised certification that will build confidence amongst your customers.

Training begins with an induction alongside other Apprentices from around the country. Training takes place at one of the Skillnet training centres with specialist instructors, range of vehicles and dedicated workshop facilities.

Technical Apprentices typically achieve:

• VCQ Level 2 & 3• VRQ Level 2 & 3 • Functional Skills Qualifications in English,

Maths and ICT or their Scottish, Welsh or NI equivalent CASE STUDY: 1

LEO ROCHA 2015

Aberdeen automotive technician Leo Rocha is described by his manager as “conscientious” and “someone who takes prides in his work”.

The former Aberdeen Grammar School pupil started working in the parts department at AM Phillip in Bucksburn after completing a mechanics course at Aberdeen Altens College.

Leo wanted to become a light vehicle technician and Service Manager Gary McDonald was so impressed by his attitude, that he felt a Modern Apprenticeship at the Henry Ford Academy would be the best way to develop his skills.

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SKILLNET APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

Gary said: “He took pride in his work in the stores and

made it clear how much he wanted to work and to

learn. Leo has the right attitude and is conscientious so

it made sense to give him the opportunity.”

The 21-year-old completed his automotive Modern

Apprenticeship and has already set his sights on

becoming a senior technician and, ultimately, a master

technician.

He says that working, learning and earning through an

apprenticeship has been the best route for him.

Leo said: “I enjoyed my apprenticeship because I

prefer to do something that is hands-on, so it was

definitely a good way to learn for me.”

He added: “I would say to anyone who is thinking

about an apprenticeship to go for something that they

feel they that really want to do because then they will

enjoy doing it and get the most out of it.”

APPRENTICESHIPS IN OTHER SKILLS

Other Apprenticeships like Parts, Sales, Team Leading and Management are delivered entirely in your premises, reducing the amount of time your employees are away from work.

NON TECHNICAL

Our non-technical Apprenticeships like Business Administration, Customer Service, Team Leading and Management are all delivered by our Skills Coaches in your workplaces. Like our technical Apprenticeships these qualifications can be offered to members of your existing workforce. You can also use our free recruitment service to find new Apprentices to fill these roles in your workplace.

FUTURE PROSPECTS FOR ALL APPRENTICESThe completion of an Apprenticeship is just the start of your Apprentice’s journey. Having qualified as a technician, they can go on to develop their technical skills to become Maintenance or even Master Technicians. Technical Apprentices and Apprentices in other skills may also take Apprenticeships which can lead them into management, including new degree level Apprenticeships. An excellent Apprenticeship is the best possible foundation for an exciting career in the automotive industry.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT RECRUITING AN

APPRENTICE PLEASE CONTACT THE SKILLNET

APPRENTICESHIP HOTLINE

ON 01923 2161655

EMPLOYER’S GUIDE

RECRUITING YOUR APPRENTICES

Skillnet operates a robust attraction and selection process to help you recruit the very best Apprentices.

Each year we generate 20,000 applications from people looking for Apprenticeships in the automotive industry through our advertising and marketing campaigns, and our links with schools and careers services nationally. We then take these applicants through a series of assessments, practical tests and interviews to help to determine if they are right for the industry and your business. You then make the final decision about which Apprentice to recruit.

You can support Skillnet in attracting applicants for your vacancies by:

• Arranging “open days” for Careers staff and schools to visit your dealerships.

• Offering “work-tasters” and work experience opportunities for year 10-12 pupils from local schools.

• Giving potential Apprentices the chance to visit your premises with their parents to find out more about the opportunities you can offer.

• Visiting local schools to talk to groups of pupils about careers in the automotive Industry.

• Putting your Apprenticeship vacancies on your own website and linking these to the www.skillnet.org.uk site.

STAGE 1: QUALIFY

TIMESCALE: WITHIN 24 HOURS OF RECEIVING THE VACANCY

The vacancy is allocated to your dedicated recruiter and they will speak to you to find out as much about your business as they can. They will also confirm details and plan a schedule for Initial Assessment, Interviews and potential start dates.

STAGE 5: 2ND INTERVIEW

TIMESCALE: 1 WEEK

Second interviews are an opportunity to take another look at one or more candidates. For younger applicants dealers may want to invite parents to be present during the interview process.

Second interviews will be arranged by your recruiter.

STAGE 6: AWAITING DEALER DECISION

TIMESCALE: 24 HOURS

Decisions are usually made immediately after interviews.

STAGE 3: INITIAL ASSESSMENT

TIMESCALE: WITHIN 2 WEEKS

Your recruiter will organise an Initial Assessment which will be run by your Skillnet Skills Coach, who will recommend the applicants most suitable for interview based on their test scores and the results of a short interview.

Many employers interview the best of the applicants immediately after this IA event.

THE SKILLNET SEVEN-STAGE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT RECRUITING

AN APPRENTICE PLEASE CONTACT THE SKILLNET

APPRENTICESHIP HOTLINE ON

01923 216165

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SKILLNET APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

STAGE 7: SIGN UP

TIMESCALE: AT START DATE

The end of the recruitment process is when the successful candidate is enrolled on the Skillnet Apprentice Programme by their Skills Coach. This should happen on or very close to their start date in the role and will be co-ordinated by the recruiter as soon as the start date is known.

STAGE 4: INTERVIEW

TIMESCALE: IDEALLY AT THE IA EVENT. ALTERNATIVELY WITHIN ONE WEEK.

If you can’t hold your interviews directly after the IA event, your recruiter will organise interviews with you for a later date.

Remember – high quality applicants are in high demand so you will need to move quickly to secure your preferred applicants.

Recommendations for interview will be made by the Skills Coach who delivers the IA event.

Using our applicant database, your recruiter will search through more than 20,000 applicants to find the ones, local to you, that meet your requirements. This means they are looking at academic background, interests, aspirations and career goals. Advertisements will also be placed with the National Apprenticeship Service and a selection of job-boards. We can also advise you on how to attract additional applicants locally.

Your recruiter will then contact each of the selected applicants, discuss the vacancy, complete a telephone-based vetting process and select a short list of the best candidates to present to you.

STAGE 2: MATCH & FILL

TIMESCALE: WITHIN 48 HOURS

THE SKILLNET SEVEN-STAGE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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EMPLOYER’S GUIDE

THE BUSINESS BENEFITS OF RECRUITING AN APPRENTICEBusinesses across the UK offer Apprenticeship places because they are effective at increasing productivity, improving business performance and creating a committed and highly trained workforce.

Recruiting Apprentices enables employers to fill the skills gaps that exist within their current workforce as Apprentices begin to learn sector specific skills from day one.

• 80% of companies who invest in Apprentices have reported a significant increase in employee retention.

• 77% of employers believe Apprenticeships make them more competitive.

• 76% of those employers who employ Apprentices agree they make their workplace more productive.

• 81% of consumers favour using a company which takes on Apprentices.

• 92% of employers who employ Apprentices believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

• 83% of employers who employ Apprentices rely on their Apprenticeship programmes to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future.

(Statistics produced by the National Apprenticeship Service)

CASE STUDY: 2

TAYLOR YUILL 2015

A Lanarkshire Modern Apprentice is seen as a mentor to other apprentices in the Bellshill commercial vehicle repair company where he works.

Scania Workshop Controller Chris Black said Modern

Apprentices who at earlier stages of their training look

to Taylor Yuill as a role model.

Taylor, who is 18, is in the third year of his mechanical

engineering apprenticeship. He has represented

his workshop at Scania’s Apprentice of the Year

competition and at the recent Worldskills contest in

Birmingham, where he was one of the youngest ever

contestants.

“He has the right attitude and the right approach. He

comes from a transport background and he wants

to help people which is very much the Scania way.

The good thing for Taylor is that this means there

is no limit to where he can go in the organisation,”

explained Chris.

Taylor wanted to have a practical, hands-on job rather

than any other type of employment. His family’s

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SKILLNET APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

AGE AND ELIGIBILITYWhilst the traditional view of Apprentices may be that they are recruited directly from school or college, opportunities exist for applicants outside this age range and your existing staff can undertake Apprenticeship qualifications too. Almost all staff are likely to be eligible to complete an Apprenticeship, regardless of their age or previous qualifications.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENTApprenticeships are funded via the Apprenticeship Levy by the government and there are rules and regulations about their use:

• Apprentices can only work a maximum of a 40-hour week and cannot work night shifts.

• Rates of pay for Apprentices are governed by National Minimum wage legislation.

• You must actively support your Apprentice in gaining their qualification throughout their period of study.

• Your Apprentice will be employed full-time with recognised terms and conditions of employment. They will be entitled to paid holiday each year as well as the usual Bank Holidays.

• You will need to provide overalls, safety boots and other PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) where relevant.

business is the Blantyre-based haulage company Yuill and Dodds, so he always wanted to become a technician.

The former Strathaven Academy pupil would recommend an Apprenticeship as a good way to learn those hands-on skills and gain all round knowledge.

“I’ve also been learning a lot from the people I work with, who are happy to share their experience and show me a lot and I am always being encouraged to do more and develop which is really good. And with a mentor like Robert Frame I can’t really go wrong,” said Taylor, who works in Bellshill.

He found the Worldskills competition a tough, challenging event. “It was fantastic and not only showcased all the heavy vehicle engineering but all of the different skill sets in a huge number of industries and I was very proud to be a part of it.

I’m overwhelmed that I can be part of that again this year, not to compete for medals but to fight for a place as part of Team UK to compete in Russia in 2019,” he explained.

Taylor added: “When you get doors opening like that, it makes you appreciate having the opportunity to pursue an apprenticeship. I would say to anyone who might be considering an Apprenticeship to do it. Think about doing something they are keen about, because they are already interested in it, and just go for it.”

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EMPLOYER’S GUIDE

THE ROLE OF THE SKILLS COACHThroughout their Apprenticeship, whether technical or not, your Apprentice will be visited regularly by a Skillnet Skills Coach. Their task is to make sure that the training is effective and to help them complete their qualifications in the workplace. They also have a pastoral care role in checking that your Apprentice is happy, safe and making good progress. The Skills Coach will also keep you up to speed with your Apprentice’s progress and plan with you the next steps in their training programme. To do this, they will meet with you and your Apprentice approximately every 8 weeks.

SKILLNET’S TRAINING CENTRES• When it comes to providing staff with the

skills they need, no-one does it better than Skillnet.

• Situated throughout England, Scotland and Wales the Skillnet training centres are real

centres of excellence unmatched within our

industry. As well as our own centres we

partner with some of the finest Colleges of

Further Education in the UK. Step inside and

you will find the broadest range of state-of-

the-art equipment, well-equipped workshops

with a wealth of Skillnet products available

for Apprentices to develop their skills and

classrooms containing the latest diagnostic

computers.

• Skillnet offers a wide and ever-developing

selection of courses. From Apprentices

taking their first steps within our industry

to experienced Technicians being updated

on leading-edge technology, Service

Receptionists or Managers being developed,

you will find them all here, being trained and

supported by our expert team of in-house

instructors – delivered in a safe environment

in accordance with Skillnet’s health and safety

policies.

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SKILLNET

16-18 YEAR OLD - RECRUITED TECHNICAL LEARNERSFREE OF CHARGE

Funding is either deducted from your Apprenticeship Levy account or funded by the government.

19 + YEARS OLD - RECRUITED TECHNICAL LEARNERS£1,500 EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION

Funding is either deducted from your Apprenticeship Levy account or funded by the government.

EXISTING STAFF ALL AGES - NON-TECHNICAL (TEAM LEADER, MANAGEMENT, CS, BA)FREE OF CHARGE

Funding is either deducted from your Apprenticeship Levy account or funded by the government.

* Different amounts of funding are provided in Scotland and Wales.

WHAT IT COSTS

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EMPLOYER’S GUIDE

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Skillnet Ltd | Unit 4, Woodshots Meadow | Croxley Green Business Park | Hatters Lane | Watford | Hertfordshire WD18 8YS

Telephone: 01923 630800 Email: info@skillnet.org.uk Website: www.skillnet.org.uk

TESTIMONIALS

“ I realised I needed a career that would offer me secure employment for the future. The DAF programme provided an excellent environment in which to study and work on the current DAF product range. This combined with the support and encouragement within the Dealership helped me achieve my full potential culminating in being awarded Apprentice of the Year in my first year at college, 2nd in Year Two and finally being awarded the IMI Outstanding Achievers Award in 2011 from HRH Prince Michael of Kent.”Ben King – Wessex DAF

“ It has been a pleasure to be associated with the DAF Apprenticeship Programme, both professionally and as the father of a recently graduated apprentice. I have watched Ashley develop and mature as an individual and as a Heavy Vehicle Technician throughout the programme. The interest and enthusiasm this career has brought out of Ashley demonstrates how DAF have nurtured and harnessed the potential of an individual and turned him into a valuable and loyal asset for the organisation and the industry for the future.”John Williams – Head of Membership, Society of Engineers (and a proud parent)

“ Skillnet have been consistent and reliable during training. Achieving the desired results, always available for additional visits and assist with any queries at anytime.”

Martin Smith - Lifestyle Ford, West Sussex

“ Our apprentice has done really well, Skillnet has helped him immensely.”Ian Peters - Vospers, Exeter

“ Skillnet Apprentices receive good teaching, learning and assessment from well qualified trainers; they develop good knowledge and skills and, consequently, enhance their contribution to the workplace, take up additional responsibilities or secure promotion.”Ofsted 2010

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SEE HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS, PLEASE CONTACT US TODAY:

APPRENTICESHIPS: CALL OUR RECRUITMENT TEAM ON 01923-216165

COMMERCIAL CALL SKILLNET PERSONNEL ON 01923-216175 RECRUITMENT: OR E-MAIL AT SKILLNET PERSONNEL@SKILLNET.ORG.UK

ALL OTHER CALL OUR HEAD OFFICE ON 01923-630800 ENQUIRIES : OR E-MAIL AT INFO@SKILLNET.ORG.UK

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SKILLNET APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME