If you’ve just secured an Apprenticeship, this guide will tell you everything that an Apprenticeship entails with a detailed explanation for each step.
1. Enrolment Process
What happens in a Discovery Meeting for an apprenticeship?
The first step is the Discovery Meeting, which is all about ensuring the Apprenticeship qualification is the right fit for you. They’ll ask about why you’re interested in the Apprenticeship, what previous qualifications you have, and how these relate or crossover with the Apprenticeship. This is important as the training providers need to ensure you aren’t relearning things you already know, or doing an Apprenticeship that isn’t well suited to you.
What is an Initial Assessment and why do I need one?
Next, they will test your skills and build an understanding of your prior learning and experience in an Initial Assessment. It’s important to do this as they must ensure the work you’re given includes learning that’s essential to the field and doesn’t repeat things you’ve already studied during education. This usually covers your English and Maths, and is primarily done online and independently.
What information do I need before starting my apprenticeship?
They will also need to confirm all relevant information about you beforehand, such as your qualifications, name, and date of birth. It’s important to have access to your key information ahead of this stage, including your National Insurance number and any certificates from previous courses.
What is an Apprenticeship Agreement?
The Apprenticeship Agreement is then completed, an agreement between the apprentice, employer, and training provider. It’s essentially a contract ensuring each party is committed to finishing the full apprenticeship and carrying out their respective duties. Agreements vary between roles but usually include start and end dates, what happens if the apprenticeship ends for any reason, and signatures from all parties.
2. Apprenticeship Journey
What is off-the-job training and how many hours is it?
Off-the-job training is a key part of your apprenticeship journey. This is any relevant activity that happens outside of your regular job role, with a minimum requirement of 6 hours per week or 20% of your total working hours. It must be relevant to your apprenticeship standard and involve learning new skills or knowledge. It can take place in or outside of the normal workplace, and doesn’t include progress reviews or on-programme assessments.
How often will I meet my apprenticeship tutor?
During your apprenticeship, you’ll be assigned a tutor to support your progress. They’ll typically visit or contact you about once every 4 weeks to deliver training and provide the resources you need before your next session.
What is an apprenticeship portfolio?
Throughout this journey, you’ll gradually build your portfolio, which is essentially evidence of the work and progress you’ve made over the course of your apprenticeship.
3. End Point Assessment
What is the End Point Assessment (EPA)?
This is the final stage of the Apprenticeship. Think of it like your final GCSE exams or a final project at college, in that it tests whether you’ve learned everything needed to pass your Apprenticeship and secure your qualification.
When does the End Point Assessment happen?
It only takes place after your progress reviews, once the employer, apprentice, and training provider agree that sufficient progress has been made. The assessment format varies depending on your qualification, but all follow the same overall structure.
Who carries out the End Point Assessment?
The assessment is carried out by an independent end point assessor, separate from your employer and training provider, to ensure it’s fair and impartial.
How 360 Apprenticeships Can Help
You can find out more about the apprenticeship scheme on our website. To speak to one of our recruiters directly, contact us on: 0161 4644805
Or email us at [email protected].
You can also find us on social media:
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Twitter: @360Apprentices