Oldham College / Employer Guide

SUPP RT

2012 - 2013

EmployerGuide

2 Oldham College / Employer Guide

What’s in your Guide?

What’s in your Guide?

Welcome 3

What is Apprenticeship? 4

What makes an Apprenticeship? 5

Why choose an Apprenticeship? 6

Put your business in front, Get Oldham College behind it! 7

Employer Charter, Recruitment Co-ordinator Role 8

Assessor Role, Oldham College Recruitment Service 9

Work Experience 10

Employers Role in the Apprenticeship Programme 11

Working Time Directive 12

National Minimum Wage 13

Complaints 14

Sector Skills Councils and Awarding Bodies 15

Health & Safety 16

Safeguarding Learners 17

Equality, diversity and fairness for all 18

Important links 19

3Oldham College / Employer Guide

Thank you for choosing Oldham College to provide training for your employee(s). We have an established Apprenticeship/Work Based Learning programme and are dedicated to supporting employers and learners through all stages of their training.

This handbook is designed with you (Employer) and you’re Apprentice in mind, to inform you of all the requirements needed to support your Apprentice through their programme.

We believe that every learner should be equipped with the professional skills necessary to succeed in their chosen career. We will:

Thank you for choosing Oldham College as your training provider.

King Regards,

Cheryl Wiseman, Director

Welcome

Welcome

Provide you with Information, Advice and Guidance regarding the Recruitment and Selection of your employee(s) where required

Review and monitor the progress being made at college and in the workplace, conducting regular reviews in the workplace

Provide you with information regarding other training opportunities / courses that may suit your needs

Discuss the impact you wish the training to have on your organisation prior to programme commencement

Design an Individual Learning Plan with you and the learner(s) which will be continually reviews during the programme

Evaluate the impact that the training has had and whether this has been achieved

Assign you an Account Manager

Complete initial assessments with you and the learner(s) to ensure training is tailored specifically to meet the needs of you and your employee(s)

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Introduction

Oldham College has been providing education in Oldham, England since 1893, and continually strives to achieve the highest standards possible.

We are proud to be a multi-award winning college for Equality and Diversity and Celebrating Diversity. We have also been awarded the much coveted Beacon status which is given to the very best providers of Further Education in the country.

What is an Apprenticeship?

They are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to national recognised qualifications. You can use Apprenticeships to train both new and existing employees. Funding is available to train apprentices.

Apprenticeships are designed by the Sector Skills Councils, while the National Apprenticeship Service helps to fund the training. Business representatives from the relevant industry sector work with the Sector Skills Councils to develop the course content. Because they genuinely understand your business, the training will be relevant for your industry.

Over 100,000 employers in over 160,000 workplaces offer frameworks across a wide range of industry sectors.

Depending on the sector and job role an Apprenticeship can take anything between one and four years to complete. It is a package of on-the-job training and qualifications.

There are three levels of Apprenticeship available:

Intermediate Level Apprenticeships

Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as a Level 2 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification.

Advanced Level Apprenticeships

Apprentices work towards work-based learning such as a Level 3 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge based qualification.

Higher Level Apprenticeships

Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as a Level 4 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in some cases, a knowledge-based qualification such as a Foundation Degree.

What is an Apprenticeship?

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What makes an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a set of qualifications, known as a ‘framework’.

There are different levels of Apprenticeships available but they all work to a similar framework.

The Competence element (known as an NVQ) are work based qualifications that are achieved through assessment and training. To achieve an NVQ, candidates must prove that they have the ability (competence) to carry out their job to the required standard. NVQs are based on National Occupational Standards that describe the ‘competencies’ expected in any given job role.

The Knowledge element gives the candidate additional knowledge and understanding about the job environment they are training in.

The Functional Skills element covers more general work-related skills such as English, Maths and ICT. ICT is not mandatory is some frameworks.

The Employment Rights and Responsibilities (ERR) element teaches candidates about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace, including Health and Safety, Contract of Employment etc.

The Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) element was introduced in April 2011 and comprises of six skill groups:

Independent enquiries, Creative thinkers, Reflective learners, Team workers, Self-managers, Effective participants

ApprenticeshipFramework

Competence

Personal Learning and

Thinking Skills (PLTS)

Transferable Skills:Functional Skills Maths, English

ICT

Employment Rights and

Responsibilities (ERR)

Knowledge

What makes an Apprenticeship?

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Why choose an Apprenticeship?

More UK businesses than ever before are offering Apprenticeships because they are proven to offer a host of benefits ranging from improved productivity and competitiveness, to better staff retention and motivation. In 2010/11, nearly half a million people began an Apprenticeship, 63.5% more than the year before.

There were increases at all ages and all levels, including young people, who help employers, grow their own talent for the future as well as help create a great place to work. Evidence shows that hiring eager-to-learn younger people also helps businesses improve cost effectiveness, provide a more flexible workforce, create a shared organisational culture, create insights into new markets and deliver innovation, energy and a competitive advantage for an employer.

As David Way, Chief Executive of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), explains: “For a strong and growing economy we must have a high level of skills to meet employer demand and Apprenticeships are vital way of achieving this. The National Apprenticeship Service is not only committed to increasing the number and range of Apprenticeships on offer, but also to ensuring the quality of Apprenticeships, which is so key to this growth.”

A range of initiatives have recently been announced by the government to define a new era for Apprenticeships that firmly places the programme as the country’s gold standard for vocational training. These include the introduction of more Higher Apprenticeships (up to degree level), plans to ensure every Apprenticeship meets rigorous new standards, the launch of a new financial incentive for small firms who hire apprentices and the introduction of a high profile national annual skills and careers event, The Skills Show.

With more than 250 types of Apprenticeships, offering over 1,400 job roles to choose from, Apprenticeships can help businesses across all sectors by offering a route to harness fresh new talent.

Why choose an Apprenticeship?

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Put your business in front, Get Oldham College behind it

Oldham College offers a wide range of Apprenticeships and bespoke training/short courses that could meet your business needs

Apprenticeships available include:

Driving Goods Vehicles

Electrical Installation

Emergency Medical Care

Hairdressing

Health and Social Care

Hospitality

IAG

IT

Logistics Operations Management

Nail Technician

Oral Healthcare / Dental Nursing

Painting & Decorating

Accountancy and Financial Services

Activity Leadership

Beauty Therapy

Brickwork

Business Administration

Carpentry & Joinery

Children & Young People

Cleaning

Community Transport

Construction Operations

Customer Services

Design

Plastering

Plumbing

Retail

Road Passenger Transport

Sales

Sports Development

Street Lighting

Team Leading / Management

Traffic Office

Warehousing & Storage

Waste Management

CSCS Health and Safety Test / Training

Driver CPC

Manual Handling

Emergency First Aid at Work

First Aid for an Appointed Person

First Aid at Work Refresher

17th Edition (Full and Update)

Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations (2391-10)

Fundamental Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations (2392-10)

BPEC Part P

BPEC Gas Foundation Course

Accredited Certification Scheme

BPEC Renewable Energy Awareness

Award in Preparation to Teach in Lifelong Learning (PTTLS)

Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS)

Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS)

Assessor

Verifier

Put your business in front, Get Oldham College behind it

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Employer Charter

Oldham College is a leading provider of training for business. We are committed to deliver consistently high levels of service to our employers and their employees.

Here is what you can expect from us:

Our aim is to offer you an outstanding service and we are continually seeking to improve what we do and how we do it. We would welcome your comments through discussion with ourselves or by contacting us on 0800 269 480.

Recruitment Co-ordinator Role

You will be allocated a Recruitment Coordinator who will provide you with advice and guidance on to support you’re Apprentice(s) and will complete the following with you:

• Develop a Training Proposal

• Discuss and complete a Health and Safety Appraisal

• Your commitment to the College’s Safeguarding Agreement

• Your commitment to the College’s Employer Agreement

• Advise on eligibility for Employer Grants (when available)

Employer Charter

Ensure you have regular updates on your employees progress

Professionally negotiate and make arrangement with you on how the training is going to be delivered

Deal promptly and professionally with enquiries and requests

Provide specialist advice from a member of staff who understands your business needs

Seek feedback and act on it

Provide clear and easily accessible information on our training and services

Provide training that conforms with the College’s Service Standards to Learners

Respond to problems and complaints quickly, effectively and with empathy

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Assessor Role

Your Apprentice(s) will be allocated an assessor who will provide advice, guidance and support throughout the Apprenticeship and complete the following:

Initial assessment of learners to ensure they’re on the appropriate level of •Apprenticeship and to arrange additional support where requiredDiscuss and complete a skill scan with the learner and employer•Complete an Individual Learning Plan with the learner and employer•Deliver a College Induction to the learner•Assess and support the learner and employer throughout the Apprenticeship •programmeComplete Progress Reviews with the learner and employer regularly•Complete Health and Safety Monitors when required•Assess learner’s occupational competence•When the learner is nearly completed the assessor will discuss progression •opportunities between learner and employer

Oldham College Recruitment Service

Recruitment Services are available to employers wishing to find and recruit new talent. Services include:

Advice and guidance regarding job descriptions and person specifications•Advertising and marketing of your position with a wide array of sources•Screening and short-listing of applicants along with assessments as required•Interview arrangements; with appropriate results feedback on your behalf•Bespoke Pre-Recruitment Training tailored to the needs of your business •developing and testing skills prior to employmentApprenticeship advice and guidance, and delivery•Training Needs Analysis and Organisations Needs Analysis with bespoke training •offer as required

Please call 0161 785 4330, or email us at apprenticeships@oldham.ac.uk for more information on how we may be able to support you with your recruitment needs.

Most of our recruitment services are FREE to employers who take on a new apprentice with their apprenticeship delivery through Oldham College.

Assessor Role

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Work Experience Scheme

Can you offer our students the chance of some valuable work experience?

Work Experience provides our students with a valuable insight into the ‘real world’ of work, putting theory into practice and developing the key skills required in the workplace.

At Oldham College we offer all our full time students the opportunity to undertake some form of work experience in a variety of vocational areas.

As an Employer you will be:

Enriching students education, raising your profile in the community•Assisting young people to develop the key skills required in the workplace•Raising the profile of careers within your organisation and influencing the career •choices of young peopleInfluencing the quality of future employees•Reducing future recruitment costs by identifying possible future employees•Gaining fresh ideas and assistance within your workplace•Providing staff development opportunities for your current employees involved in •supervising, mentoring and training the employees

For further information please contact: Work Experience Team - 0161 785 4072

Working Experience Scheme

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Employers Role In The Apprenticeship Programme

As Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes, most of the training is ‘on the job’ – at your premises. The rest where applicable will be delivered on College premises.

What you need to do as an employer of an apprentice

Apprentices must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week, and have a •contract of employment that has a minimum term of 12 monthsProvide the apprentices with an induction into their role and provide on-the-job •trainingProvide the range of learning and training opportunities required for your •Apprentice(s)Attend and actively participate in the review process with your Apprentice(s)•

Provide help and support to your Apprentice(s) where required in the workplace•

Allow your Apprentice(s) time in the workplace to obtain their work based evidence •and sign statements/photographs to confirm their competence in specific activitiesEnsure your Apprentice(s) are supervised by a ‘competent person’ at all times•

Inform your Assessor of any changes in circumstances affecting your Apprentice(s)•

Liaise with your Assessor if you have an concerns about your Apprentice(s) or •about any aspect of the training programmeSign and adhere to our Employer Agreement•

Pay Apprentices the legal minimum hourly rate or higher and ensure compliance •with relevant Employment LegislationEnsure the hours worked by your Apprentice(s) comply with the Working Time •DirectiveEnsure the Health, Safety and Welfare of your Apprentice(s) by complying with all •health and safety legislationEnsure your Apprentice(s) are treated equally and fairly in accordance with Equality •and Diversity legislation. Induct your Apprentice(s) into the workplace•

Complete Employer surveys and provide feedback on our service•

Participate in Ofsted Inspections if required to providing Employer Feedback to •Inspectors

Employers Role In The Apprenticeship Programme

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When a worker is work-ing at his/her employer’s disposal

Carrying out activities related to his/her work

Carrying out a duty of his/her work

Aged 15-17 years old

Not allowed to work more than 8 hours in one 24 hour period

No Opt Out

Not allowed to work more than 40 hours in a week

Not allowed to work nights – 10pm to 7am

Must have two days rest per week

Not allowed to work more than 4.5 hours without a 30 minute break

Employers must proac-tively ensure workers take breaks both in work and compensatory rest periods

After working 6 hours continuously a worker is entitled to a minimum 20 minute unpaid rest break

A daily rest of 11 consecu-tive hours in each 24 hour period

A weekly rest of at least 24 uninterrupted hours in each 7 day period

Definition of Working Time

Young Workers Aged 18+ Workers

Working Time Directive

Every employer has a duty to ensure that every trainee or employee works within the Working Time Directive.

For Further information please see: http://www.direct.gov.uk/

Working Time Directive

Correct at the time of printing

13Oldham College / Employer Guide

National Minimum Wage

National Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage is a minimum amount per hour that workers in the UK are entitled to be paid.

£6.19 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over•£4.98 - the 18-20 rate•£3.68 - the 16-17 rate for workers about school leaving age but under 18•£2.65 - Apprentice National Minimum Wage•

Correct at the time of printing

Employers must ensure that they are paying their employees at least the minimum wage. Employers are free to pay above the amounts and may already do so. For further information please see: www.direct.gov.uk

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Complaints

If at any time you are dissatisfied with the service we are providing please let us know

We will always aim to:

Listen to your concerns•Where possible, incorporate your ideas into the way that we conduct our business •Ensure that you understand how your complaint will be dealt with •Use feedback to improve the quality of our provision •

Timeline

We aim to resolve your complaint as quickly as possible

If we cannot resolve your complaint within 24 hours we will send a written acknowledgement within 2 working days; advising the name of the person responsible for investigating matters

The person responsible for investigating matters will provide a proposal for resolution within 10 working days of their acknowledgement letter

We will keep you updated if the investigation takes longer than anticipated

Provide you with details of how you can appeal against the outcome of a complaint investigation

How to Complain - Complaints can be referred to:

Work Based Learning Quality Improvement Manager Business Development UnitOldham College Rochdale Road OLDHAM Lancashire OL9 6AA Telephone: 0161 785 4330Website: www.oldham.ac.uk (‘About us>Compliments/Complaints On-Line Form)

Complaints

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Complaints

Sector Skills Councils and Awarding Bodies

The College works we a large number of Sector Skills Councils and Awarding Bodes to ensure the qualifications we deliver meet the needs of individual industries.

Some of the Sector Skills Councils are:

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Sector Skills Councils and Awarding Bodies

Health & Safety

The Oldham College is committed to ensuring that Employees work in safe, healthy and supportive environments.

Prior to Programmes commencing, The Oldham College will complete a Health and Safety appraisal in the workplace with you. This will be arranged at a time convenient for yourself and The College will advise you on the documentation they will require, for example a copy of your Employers Liability Insurance certificate, H&S Policy and relevant risk assessments etc.

If there are any recommendations made in the Appraisal, an action plan will be completed to ensure all requirements are in place to protect the health, safety and welfare of the Employee(s).

Once the Programmes have commenced The Oldham College will conduct regular health and safety monitoring inspections; the frequency will be a minimum of every 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the risk factors present.

Failure to complete satisfactory assessments can result in Employee(s) being withdrawn from their Programmes and loss of funding.

Useful information and guidance re Health & Safety can be found on the Useful Links page at the back of this handbook

Learner Accidents Incidents and Near Misses All Learner Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses must be reported to The Oldham College as soon as possible after the event, within a maximum of 3 days. Please report to your work based assessor or work based learning safeguarding officer on 07912 485 429.

This is a contractual requirement and employers must also ensure compliance with RIDDOR regulations, reporting relevant accidents/incidents to the HSE as legally required.

We will require copies of the relevant Accident Forms and where appropriate, RIDDOR Report.

Depending on the nature/circumstances of the incident, The Oldham College’s Safeguarding Officer may need to contact or meet with you to discuss the incidents further. The Oldham College and The Skills Funding Agency have a no blame culture. We will work with you to look at ways of preventing such learner accidents/incidents in the future.

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Health & Safety

Safeguarding Learners - Employer Commitment

Young people and vulnerable adults have a fundamental and legal right to be protected from harm. The protection of young people and vulnerable adults is a shared community responsibility. The Oldham College has a responsibility to inform you of the following aspects of Safeguarding This is that arrangements to take all reasonable measures to ensure that risks of harm are minimised; and arrangements to take all appropriate actions to address concerns about the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults are in place.

You may find yourself in a position whereby a young person (under the age of 18), or vulnerable adult (aged 18 or over) who is placed within your company, discloses that they are suffering from abuse in one form or another. This could be in the form of neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse or emotional abuse.

If you find yourself in this situation it is essential that you record, in writing, including time, date and details of the allegation and where it was discussed. At no stage ask any questions as this may jeopardise any legal proceedings that may be brought if the case goes to court. It is vital that you re-assure the person but do not promise confidentiality at any stage of the process. Once this is done contact The Oldham College (within 24 hours) who will instigate the child protection procedure.

It is an offence under the Sexual Offence Act 2003, for any person in a position of •trust, to enter into a sexual relationship with a person under the age of 18, even if it is consensual. This is commonly known as an ‘abuse of trust’ and must be communicated to all staff employed in an organisation.Victimisation / Harassment at work can take many forms. This can include unwelcome •physical, verbal or non verbal conduct e.g. bullying, sexual advances, physical contact, verbal via jokes, gossip, graffiti, obscene gestures etc. It is vital that the young person who is placed within your company is not subject to any form of harassment.Abuse may consist of a single act or repeated acts. It may be physical, verbal, or •psychological, it may be an act of neglect or an omission to act or it may occur when a vulnerable person is persuaded to enter a financial or sexual transaction to which she or he has not consented, or cannot consent. Abuse can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of, the person subjected to it.

Failure to provide an effective response to the above issues can have serious consequences for the person’s workforce development.

NB: Your Recruitment Co-ordinator will discuss this with you and you will receive a separate copy of your Signed Agreement. For further information please contact:

Workbased Learning Safeguarding Officers - Karen Ashton on 07912 485 429

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Safeguarding

Equality and Diversity / Fairness for All

The Oldham College is a diverse multicultural community which includes students with a wide range of ages, people with different religions, lifestyles, ethnic groups, sexual orientations, abilities and disabilities.

The College prides itself on mutual respect and respect for other peoples’ beliefs and values. To compliment this we have an Equality and Diversity policy which is designed to protect everyone from unwanted mistreatment such as bullying, teasing or unfair behaviour of any kind.

In short, our Equality and Diversity Policy firmly states:

No discrimination •No harassment •

We will need you to confirm that you are actively committed to equality and diversity and that you agree to abide by all relevant legislation. We will need confirmation that you have policies and procedures in place.

Remember Discrimination can occur in many different ways for example:-

Direct Discrimination — when a person is treated less favourably, on grounds of their sex, race, disability, colour, ethnic origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation or nationality than another person would be treated in the same or comparable circumstances

indirect Discrimination — when a requirement is imposed, which on the face of it applies to everyone, but the proportion of people of one gender or ethnic group etc. who can comply is considerably smaller

Harassment — can be directed at any group or individual and can include unnecessary touching, unwanted physical contact, leering personal remarks, verbal or written abuse, visual displays, coercion, isolation or non-cooperation

Bullying — Belittling or intimidation of an individual

Apprentices will need to be made fully aware of what to do if they have a concern about the way they are being treated. Your staff will need to be aware of what to do if an Apprentice raises concerns to them.

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Equality and Diversity / Fairness for All

Important Links

Oldham College – www.oldham.ac.uk

Employment Issues – www.direct.gov.uk

Apprenticeships – www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Habia – www.habia.org

http://readingroom.skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/sfa/A_Guide_to_Supervising.pdf

Health and Safety – www.hse.gov.uk

http://www.hse.gov.uk/getting-started/index.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/youngpeople/index.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg449.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/casestudies/index.htm

Course Enquires: 0800 269 480Reception: 0161 785 4000

Fax: 0161 785 4234E:mail: info@oldham.ac.uk

Oldham College, Rochdale Road, OL9 6AA

www.oldham.ac.uk