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Activate Apprenticeships launch industry collaboration project to make world class apprenticeships

Activate Apprenticeships have launched a new industry collaboration project to find what makes a world class apprenticeship experience

Activate Apprenticeshipsis excited to announce a new industry collaboration project it is launching that aims to discover how apprenticeships can be made world class.

To answer this question, we will be asking some of the UK’s biggest names in engineering and manufacturing to join our newly-formed Apprenticeship Hub.

The new Hub will bring together experts in their fields to discuss the key areas of the apprenticeship journey, from recruitment and onboarding, to managing stakeholders and, most importantly, the development and progression of the apprentice.

The first cohort of employers invited to join the Hub will include Collab Group, Ercol, Essentra, Hewland, Jacobs, Mitie, Moog and Transformers and Rectifiers, who will all take part in a series of forums run in partnership with MRM Solutions and sponsored by the Gatsby Foundation.

Fiona Stilwell, Managing Director of Activate Apprenticeships, said: “There are some amazing employers doing fantastic work to nurture and develop apprentices.

“We feel that by coming together to share ideas and creating a collaborative space to talk about best practice, we can create a template for others to use and shape their approach to employing and developing apprentices.

“Apprentices are an important part of the workforce and given the growing number of apprenticeships now on offer, across all levels, it’s even more vital for employers to understand what an exceptional experience looks like.

“By bringing together excellent providers to talk about their processes and experiences, we hope to be able to share this information more widely with other apprenticeship providers and employers.”

The initial Hub will involve levy paying employers,which is a type of tax paid by large employers to fund apprenticeship training in the UK. However, we will also be rolling out a similar programme aimed at non-levy paying firms.

Fiona added: “This isn’t just about the benefits to large firms, it’s also about the SMEs and small businesses that we work with who are reliant on bringing through talent and training people on the job.”

To find out more about how you or your firm can get involved in the new Apprenticeship Hubs, contacthello@activateapprenticeships.co.uk.

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Progression routes

What happens next? Most people stay on with the employer they train with, but there are plenty of options! You may decide to study a higher-level apprenticeship, return to academic studies, or work full time. We will support you whatever you decide!

The apprenticeship programme

You will have access to a range of support and advice we have on offer. This includes support from Advice and Admissions, Learning Support and Student Support.

You can access all facilities at Activate Learning Colleges and reap benefits, such as student discount. However, you may not be entitled to certain funding and travel bursaries as apprenticeships are paid positions.

How much will I earn?

The amount you’ll earn will vary depending on the nature of your role, sector and business you are working with.

The minimum hourly rate for an apprentice is £8.00, however most apprentices are paid more than this. If you are over 19 and have completed one year, you will be paid national minimum wage. 

You will also be entitled to the same conditions as all other employees in a business, including paid holiday, sick pay and pensions (where requirements are met).

What can I expect from my apprenticeship?

You must be at least 16 years old when you start an apprenticeship.

There are 3 types of apprenticeships depending on your requirements and previous qualifications: day release, work-based and block-release.

Your apprenticeship programme may be assessed with:

  • Practical assessments/exams
  • A portfolio of evidence
  • Interviews and presentations
  • Final assessments
  • On and off the job training

You will have a performance coach visit your workplace every eight weeks as well as an inhouse mentor throughout your apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship typically lasts 24 months, but can vary between 12 months to 5 years.