Apprenticeships
The government funded Apprenticeship Scheme replaced the traditional apprenticeship system whereby a school leaver was taken on by a Company or Craftsperson and under the supervision of an experienced person with day release at college taught a craft or trade over a period of four to five years. The availability of traditional apprenticeships declined as companies became increasingly unwilling to fund training over a long period of time.
The Government realised that this situation could not continue and as a result launched the Apprenticeship Scheme. Under the scheme the government funds training provision. Apprenticeships are currently available for all 16-24 year olds.
Apprenticeships are set at 2 levels, Apprenticeship, which is National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 2 and Advanced, which is set at NVQ level 3.
NVQ’s
Provide a practical and nationally recognised work related qualification in specific occupational areas
Within the standards for both the Apprenticeship and or Advanced level there are additional qualifications to complete as well as the NVQ`s. These vary slightly depending upon subject and the awarding body criteria:
Key Skills
These are set at 5 levels, with transferable work related skills that include:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Communication (COM)
- Application of Numbers (AON)
- Problem Solving (PS)
- Working With Others (WWO)
- Improving Own Learning (IOL).
Technical Certificates
Qualifications that provide the under-pinning vocational knowledge and theory to assist in the completion of the NVQ.
Employee Responsibilities and Rights (ERR)
ERR has links with the government’s citizenship programme. The intention is that all modern apprentices are taught, and are able to demonstrate what it means to be a good employee.
Milton Keynes Council Apprenticeship Programme
Milton Keynes Council is committed to training and developing young people and supporting them to gain the skills and personal qualities needed to progress in their chosen career. The Council currently offers Apprenticeship training in the following fields:
- Accounting
- Administration
- Customer Service
- Early Years and Education
- Horticulture
- Information Technology
All vacancies for the Apprenticeship programme are advertised in the local press and via Connexions and the local College. Applications must be made on the Milton Keynes Council application form, CV`s are not accepted.
Apprentices are employed on the same terms and conditions as all employees of Milton Keynes Council. The Council provides both the Apprenticeship and Advanced level apprenticeship via, a full time, two-year, fixed term contract.
Under the scheme the apprentice gains skills and experience in the work place and also attends appropriate off-job training at a local college. The usual pattern for college attendance is one day a week. Individuals are given personal development targets and support to achieve the qualification, with increases in pay for the completion of both the NVQ and Key Skills at both the Foundation and Advanced level.
Apprentices can progress from Apprenticeship to Advanced level. However, this process is not automatic and applications are assessed on an individual basis.
Apprentices who complete the programme before the end of their contract are given additional support in all aspects of job search including preparing applications and CV’s, writing covering letters and preparing for interviews.
If you require further advice or additional information please contact:
Employee Development Consultant
Organisational Support and Development
Human Resources
Mouchel
Milton Keynes Council
Saxon Court
502 Avebury Boulevard
Milton Keynes
Buckinghamshire
Mk9 3HS
or complete the information request form below and send it to the above address or email it to
employeedevelopmentsupport@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Apprentice Information Request Form
New Deal
New Deal is a key part of the government's Welfare to Work strategy. Personalised programmes of work and skills training opportunities, delivered locally, are aimed at helping unemployed people into work. There are programmes for young people (18-24), 25+, lone parents, disabled people, 50+ and partners of the unemployed.
All programmes are accessible through Employment Services and, whether you are an unemployed individual looking for a job or a company with vacancies to offer, your first point of contact should be your local Job Centre.
www.newdeal.gov.uk
or
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Learn Direct
Learning through work allows working people to gain university qualifications without leaving the work place. It is designed for individuals as well as work based groups.
www.learndirect.co.uk
LGCareers
The only website providing you with information and advice on local government careers. Whoever you are, whatever your skills and experience, there could be something for you.
www.lgcareers.com
Connexions
Connexions Direct is a new service for young people age 13-19 that offers quick access to information and advice on a wide range of topics, including employment and training, through one easy to use website.
www.connexions-direct.com
