Apprenticeship guide.

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HELLO.We know it’s not always easy to decide what to study after your GCSE exams.

So we’re here to help.

An apprenticeship could be a great way to start your career if you like practical learning.

It’s also a great way to: ⚫ Get straight into work ⚫ Earn your own money ⚫ Develop your knowledge ⚫ Gain practical skills

This handy guide will tell you all you need to know about apprenticeships, how to apply and how we can help you get job ready.

Every effort was made to ensure that information in this guide was correct at the time of going to print (September 2017). Gateshead College reserves the right to amend information at any time. © Copyright Gateshead College 2017.

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Q&A

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What is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a mix of work and training.

As an apprentice, you’ll have a job with an employer where you’ll work as a member of their team and be trained to do a specific role by your colleagues or supervisor.

You’ll also spend time with Gateshead College staff developing skills and knowledge relevant to your chosen job.

WORKA paid job with an employer.

TRAININGTime at college developing your knowledge.

SKILLSDevelop specific skills and behaviours that you can apply in your role.

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Are apprenticeships changing?Yes. Apprenticeships are becoming more relevant to the industry you are working in.

You’ll learn skills and behaviours specific to the career you have chosen, as well as English, maths and, for some apprenticeships, ICT.

Are there different levels of apprenticeship?Yes. Apprenticeships are now available from level 2 through to masters degree level.

What level will I start at?School leavers can start on a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship, depending on your exam results, experience and the kind of candidate the employer is looking for.

What will I get paid?The average salary is £170 per week. Some employers will pay more than this, some will pay less, but no less than a set national minimum wage. The salary will be advertised with the job.

Will I get any holidays?Yes. You will be entitled to a minimum of 20 days holiday, plus 8 statutory days such as Bank Holidays.

What are the entry qualification requirements?The entry requirements will be set by the employer advertising the apprenticeship. For some high level apprenticeships you may need GCSE grades C/4 or above including English and maths.

Some apprenticeships will not require you to have any prior qualifications, but will expect you to demonstrate a great attitude.

I don’t have good English and maths GCSE grades. What can I do?If you don’t meet the entry qualifications for English and maths, don’t panic. You can start on a full time vocational qualification with us and we’ll help you gain the grades you need. Then when you’re ready, you can apply for an apprenticeship.

How long will I be an apprentice for?It depends upon the type of apprenticeship and can vary from 12 months to four years.

How will I be assessed?Assessments will take place during your apprenticeship and at the end you will then be awarded a grade based on your performance.

I don’t have any qualifications, can I still do an apprenticeship?At Gateshead College we offer a range of introductory training courses and pre-apprenticeships which are designed to give you the skills you need to progress onto an apprenticeship. For more information call 0191 490 2246.

How much time do I spend at Gateshead College?This will depend on the type of apprenticeship you do. For some apprenticeships, you’ll spend four days in work and one day with us. For others, you might spend several weeks in work, then spend a week at college.

What can I do after an apprenticeship? With a CV bursting with work experience and ‘job ready’ skills, you’ll be ideally placed to secure a job in your chosen field following an apprenticeship. The majority of apprentices stay in employment with two thirds staying with their apprentice employer.

Or you can progress onto a foundation degree or HND, many of which can be studied part time so you can continue to work.

Can I still go to university?Yes. Some apprenticeships attract UCAS points or lead to foundation degrees and HNDs which enable you to progress on to a full honours degree programme at university.

Level 2 Apprenticeship

This is the same level as GCSEs.

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

This is the same level as A levels.

Level 4 to 7 Higher Apprenticeship

This is the same as a foundation degree or above.

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We offer training in: Beauty TherapyBricklayingBus & Coach Engineering and MaintenanceBusiness AdministrationBusiness Improvement TechniquesBuilding MaintenanceChildren and young people’s workforceCommunity ArtsCreative and Digital MediaCultural and Heritage VenuesCustomer ServiceDriving Goods VehiclesElectrical InstallationEngineering - GeneralEngineering - MaintenanceHairdressingHealth and Social CareHospitality and Catering

ITLeadership Health and Social CareLive Events and PromotionsManagementManufacturingMusic BusinessPlasteringPlumbing and HeatingRailRetail SkillsSocial Media and ICTSupply ChainTeam LeadingTechnical TheatreVehicle Body Repair and PaintVehicle Mechanic (Light and Heavy)Warehousing/Storage/Logistics

WHAT CAN I TRAIN IN?No longer just for the traditional trades, apprenticeships can be the starting point for a wide range of exciting careers.

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1Apply for a vacancyAll our vacancies can be found on our website.Simply find the one you like,

send us your details and we’ll take it from there. Find vacancies here:www.gateshead.ac.uk/apprenticeshipswww.joblabgateshead.co.ukwww.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk

2Sign up to alerts If you can’t find a vacancy that’s right for you, you can sign up to our apprenticeship

alerts. As soon as a vacancy becomes available we’ll let you know and help you prepare. Sign up for alerts here:www.gateshead.ac.uk/apprenticeships

3Fast track from a vocational programmeIf you’re not sure if an apprenticeship is right

for you or you don’t have the right GCSE English and maths grades to be able to apply, no problem.

You can start on a full time vocational course in the relevant subject area and we’ll help you gain the grades you need to apply for an apprenticeship, alongside the vocational qualification. Then, when you’re ready, you can fast-track to an apprenticeship.

Find our vocational courses here:www.gateshead.ac.uk

HOW TO APPLY.

To apply, simply come along to an open event.

For dates, see our website.

Taking up the apprenticeship is the best career move I could have made.

Stephen McCarronNissan apprentice

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£170A WEEK

THE AVERAGE SALARY FOR AN APPRENTICE IS...

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To find out more about each of our individual campuses facilities and transport links, visit www.gateshead.ac.uk

OUR CAMPUSES.We have four different campuses across Gateshead, all with world class facilities including:

Relaxed social spacesGymsSalon & Spa83m indoor athletics trackMusic recording studiosRestaurantsCosta & StarbucksScience labsConstruction trade workshopsSports science and medicine facilitiesMechanical maintenance workshopsWelding and fabrication workshopsElectronic labPole vault, long jump and throw areaSpray paint boothsFree parking

Get £s to help you

with travel to all our campuses.

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Apprenticeship contact formFor more information and to sign up for apprenticeship alerts, please complete this form. Personal details

Name

Address

Postcode Date of birth

Mobile number

Email

Nationality

GCSE English grade (or predicted grade)

GCSE maths grade (or predicted grade)

More over the page...

You can sign up online at www.gateshead.ac.uk/apprenticeships

NEED HELP?NO PROBLEM.Our Apprenticeship Team is here to help with:

● General information and advice ● Completing application forms ● Writing a CV ● Preparing for interviews

GET IN TOUCH OR POP IN AND SEE US.

www.gateshead.ac.uk/apprenticeships0191 490 2364apprenticeships@gateshead.ac.uk

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Please tick the type of apprenticeship you’re interested in. You can select more than one.

□ Administration (Business) □ Beauty Therapy □ Business Management □ Construction □ Creative Industries □ Customer Services □ Driving goods □ Early Years & Childcare □ Engineering & Manufacturing □ Hairdressing □ Health & Social Care □ Hospitality & Catering □ IT & Computing □ Live events & production □ Motor Vehicle □ Retail □ Warehousing/Storage

□ I’d also like information on Vocational Study Programmes□ I’d also like information on A Levels

Data ProtectionGateshead College is registered under the Data Protection Act 1988. We may use the information we process about you for planning, analysis, marketing and other purposes related to your studies. Your information may also be shared with other official organisations, such as your school and Local Education Authorities. Please contact the College Data Protection Officer (Tel: 0191 490 2265) if you have any concerns about the use or accuracy of your information.

□ I confirm the information given is correct

Please return to: Corporate Administration Team, Gateshead College, Baltic Campus, Quarryfield Road, Gateshead NE8 3BE

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