How Do Apprenticeships Work?
Apprenticeships are nationally recognised qualifications that combine practical training in a job with study. You’ll learn practical skills in the workplace, develop your technical knowledge through formal off-the-job training and gain experience whilst working.
Initial Assessments
Once you have enrolled to start an apprenticeship with an employer, Channel Training will contact you to make some initial assessments.
This will establish your English and Maths skills, learning skills and any recognised prior learning (RPL) you have towards the apprenticeship standard that you have gained in previous jobs and courses. By collecting this information, Channel Training can ensure that your learning journey is designed most appropriately for you.
Induction
Once you have started in your role, your tutor will visit you at your place of work to give you an induction into your apprenticeship programme. This is focused upon the apprenticeship journey and the standards expected.
Your employer will also induct you into their procedures in their particular workplace. Both will include Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity, Safeguarding, Prevent, British Values and Online Safety amongst other topics. Consequently, this will also be your first day of learning.
Visits to Support Learning
The frequency of tutor visits will be arranged to suit you and your employer. During these visits, we will support and plan together how you will work towards your Apprenticeship Assessment.
These visits may include:
Off-the-Job Training
All learners enrolled on an Apprenticeship Standard are required to spend a portion of their contracted hours engaged in ‘off the job training’ activities. This is mandated by the government as part of the apprenticeship funding rules.
Off the job training (OTJT) is defined as training that takes place away from the normal day to day, customer facing, working environment and which makes progress towards achieving the Apprenticeship Standard.
This can include training that is delivered in the Apprentices workplace but must not be part of their normal working duties.
Off-the-Job Training Activities Include…
You will need to keep a log of all off-the-job training within OneFile, and this will be reviewed regularly. Where you are not meeting the 20% off-the-job requirements, a meeting will be held with you, your employer and your tutor to discuss how you can achieve the minimum requirements of the apprenticeship.
Functional Skills
If you are aged 16-18 and do not have the GCSE / Functional Skills needed for your Apprenticeship, or are 19+ and have identified as needing support in English and maths, you will be introduced to your dedicated Functional Skills tutor. They will set up 1:1 tutoring sessions with you to support your English and Maths and get you ready to sit any Functional Skills assessments you may need. The aim will be to get these done in the first 6 months of your apprenticeship.
Collecting Evidence For Your Portfolio
During your Induction, you will be introduced to the online learning software and e-portfolio we use for all your apprenticeship work: OneFile. This will be used for:
Setting of tasks
Collection of evidence
Communication
8-weekly reviews
Reflective Logs
As we are all encouraged to be reflective practitioners in the education world, you too should make this a regular part of your work and learning.
There is a function on OneFile – Learning Journal, which allows you to reflect on the sessions you have delivered.
Reviews and Learner Feedback
At least every 12 weeks, you will meet with your tutor and your line manager either in person or in an online review, to discuss your progress with the apprenticeship, as well as wider personal goals.
This will include your skills, knowledge, behaviours and readiness/next steps to reaching Gateway To Completion. It is an opportunity for each party to give feedback and ensure the programme is meeting both your and your employer’s needs.
Gateway To Completion
At the end of your apprenticeship, you will go through a ‘Gateway To Completion’ process where your tutor and employer agree that you are ready for the final assessment of your knowledge and practical capabilities. This will also involve a mock Apprenticeship Assessment so that you know what to expect during the final assessment.
Apprenticeship Assessment
The Apprenticeship Assessment (AA) will test that you are competent to work effectively and productively in your chosen occupation.
The AA will be graded: Pass or Distinction, and will review your work, look at any portfolios or projects which have been carried out, look at the employer witness testimonies and any other requirements which are stated in the apprenticeship standard.
Apprenticeship assessments will allow you to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours you have acquired to meet the requirements of the standard.
Achievement!
After successful completion of your Apprenticeship Assessment, you will receive a certificate and your Personal Learner Record will be updated.
Registered Practitioner of the Institute for Outdoor Learning (RPIOL)
All those who are successful in achieving the Outdoor Activity Instructor standard are also eligible to receive recognition as RPIOL.
This professional accreditation is very valuable, and Channel Training, as an IOL recognised awarding organisation, awards this to all successful candidates who are IOL members.
What’s Next?
On completion, there are several routes you may take. Channel Training provides ongoing support, advice and guidance whenever you need it and we are keen to maintain contact with you whatever your next destination.
Get in touch with Channel Training today to start your apprenticeship journey!