Apprentices

An apprenticeship scheme is the opportunity to ‘learn as you earn’.

Apprenticeship schemes consist of four key elements:

• A competency-based qualification (NVQ). This demonstrates to employers that the individual has been assessed on the skills that are required for the job in question.
• A technical certificate (usually in the form of a BTECH). This gives confirmation to the employer that the individual has a knowledge of the underpinning theory behind the apprenticeship. Some apprenticeships will have a qualification which acts as a dual certification. This will combine both competency and technical aspects which will be assessed independently.

• Key Skills. These are a mixture of soft skills (the ability to work in teams, problem-solving, communication) as well as functional skills (the use of new technology, English and Mathematics qualifications – at functional or GCSE level).
• Employment Rights and Responsibilities (EER). This module educates apprentices on the employment law and the statutory rights for both the individual and the employer. This includes health and safety at work, the equality and diversity procedures and existence of employee representatives and trade unions. Every apprentice is required to demonstrate their understanding as part of their qualification.

For more information on what it means to become an apprentice, contact us directly at signmeup@coolbluecollege.com.

Apprenticeships are more than an opportunity to gain a qualification, they are a chance to gain practical experience.  

Apprenticeship training programmes help individuals to gain a fundamental understanding of their chosen sector, whilst preparing them for a fulltime working role. Whilst training, you will be immersed into your chosen role and gain a practical understanding of the industry and its culture.  

For more information on what it means to become an apprentice, contact us directly at signmeup@coolbluecollege.com.  

Apprenticeships cover a vast range of sectors, industries and job roles, with over 200 different types of courses, suitable for more than 1,200 job roles.  

Examples of courses are inclusive of but not exclusive to Veterinary Nursing, Finance, Engineering, Administration and Accountancy.  

Depending on your level of education and/or experience in your chosen sector, there are three different apprenticeship offerings available: Intermediate (NVQ Level 2), Advanced (NVQ Level 3), and Higher (NVQ Level 4 and above),
 

For more information on what it means to become an apprentice, contact us directly at signmeup@coolbluecollege.com.  

Anyone at a legal working age, living in the UK and not taking part in full time education can apply for an apprenticeship.  

Whether you are leaving school and looking for further education or have decided you’d like to train in something new, apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn on the job, with a financial incentive.  

For more information on what it means to become an apprentice, contact us directly at signmeup@coolbluecollege.com.

This is apprenticeship specific.  

Depending on which level of apprenticeship you apply for, providers may ask for Maths and English at Level and/or a previous qualification in the same or similar field.  

For most Intermediate Apprenticeships (NQV Level 2), if the level for Maths and English qualifications are not met, these subjects will be incorporated into the apprentices training programme as an additional part of the success criteria.  

For more information on what it means to become an apprentice, contact us directly at signmeup@coolbluecollege.com.

The amount apprentices will get paid is negotiated with employers. Pay rates, as for all fulltime employees, will vary on the sector, regions and employers.  

To protect apprentices there is a national minimum wage (NMW) in the UK which applies to 16–18-year-olds, and all those aged 19 and above in their first year of their apprenticeship.  

For further information please seek advice at www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates.

Apprentices will gain ‘employment status’ which give them the same benefits and protections as a regular employee. These can be found in their contractual agreement. Furthermore, apprentices are also covered under all relevant employment legislation.  

The standard employment contract will cover (as a minimum):  

• Working hours  
• Pay  

• Holidays  
• Health and Safety 
• The right to join a trade union.   
• Protection from any form of discrimination in the workplace.  

For more information on what it means to become an apprentice, contact us directly at signmeup@coolbluecollege.com.