Apprenticeships_Students Handbook

Apprenticeship Student Handbook

CollegeServices Useful contact numbers Principal: Stephen Carlisle Deputy Principal: Lynda Mason Main Reception T_01254 389933 F_01254 354001 Information+ Centre T_01254 354354 E_info@accross.ac.uk Admissions/Enrolment Team T_01254 354031 Learning Support Team T_01254 354050 E_lsupport@accross.ac.uk Counselling Team T_01254 354038 Apprenticeships T_01254 354354 E_info@accross.ac.uk Higher Education Office T_01254 354047 Accrington and Rossendale College (accross) exists to provide high quality education and training to the widest range of local people.

The details in this course guide were correct at the time of print. The College however, reserves the right to alter the information contained in this publication at any time.

Classes will run subject to sufficient student numbers, please check with our staff if you want to be sure that a programme is running or a specific facility is in operation.

This prospectus is available in a range of formats eg; large format or braille. For more details please call 01254 354354 or e-mail info@accross.ac.uk Please call the College’s main reception with any enquiries you may have on 01254 389933.

Training Support Officers (TSO)

Jan Bowman T_01254 354351 M_07595 204206 E_jbowman@accross.ac.uk

Dan Pinder T_01254 354341 M_07595 204218 E_dpinder@accross.ac.uk

Janet Strahan T_01254 354345 M_07803 658864 E_jstrahan@accross.ac.uk

Rachel Tinkler T_01254 354361 M_07711 082500 E_rtinkler@accross.ac.uk

Jill Griffiths T_01254 354230 M_07595 204216 E_jgriffiths@accross.ac.uk

Denise Easton T_01254 354230 M_07803 658863 E_deaston@accross.ac.uk

Julie Wrigley T_01254 354220 M_07971 049965 E_jwrigley@accross.ac.uk

Designed and written by the accross Marketing Team.

2

(01254) 354354

Contents 4

Welcome to

5

Where can apprenticeships lead?

6

What qualifications do you gain?

8

Others involved in your training

9

The Employers commitment to you

accross

10 The College’s commitment to you 12 Health and Safety 13 What you need to know

www.accross.ac.uk

3

Congratulations and welcome to accross apprenticeships.

You have successfully gained a place on the apprenticeship training programme of your choice.

Apprenticeships teach you a trade through learning in the workplace, backed up with theoretical knowledge which can be delivered in the workplace or at College. Not only will you get on the job training, you will also earn money from day one.

Plus, did you know that over the course of your career, research shows that you can earn on average £100,000 more than those who don’t do an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are nationally recognised as a fantastic pathway into the career of your choice and accross now offers apprenticeships in almost all industries.

4

(01254) 354354

Where can apprenticeships lead?

There are a number of routes that you can take after an apprenticeship. You can use the skills that you have developed to carry on in employment. You can also use the apprenticeship scheme to go on to an advanced apprenticeship and then a higher apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are constantly evolving and as such many now count towards your University application.

This handbook has lots of useful information that will help you to get the most out of your apprenticeship. If you need help with any aspect of your course or other things that are happening in your life, your Training Support Officer (TSO) is your first point of contact. They will be able to help you with most things and if they don’t know the answer they will know someone who does.

Don’t worry, just ask.

Once you start your training programme your tutor will take you through a full induction which will help guide you through your training and the contents of your qualifications. It is our aim to help and advise you throughout your apprenticeship.

Our team will help to make the process as painless as possible. In the next few weeks you will be introduced to all the people who are assigned to assist you with your training.

Please do not hesitate to ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success with your training programme.

Good luck! www.accross.ac.uk

5

What qualifications do you gain?

Apart from the chance to learn a trade, gain real life work experience and earn money, through an apprenticeship you will gain a framework of qualifications. These are:

National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) (practical)

Employment Rights and Responsibilities (ERR)

To gain your NVQ an assessor will regularly visit your workplace and you will be assessed on practical work based tasks.

These assessments are led by you and in some instances can take place in college.

This explains all your rights and responsibilities as an employed apprentice.

Technical Certificate / Diploma (theory) Depending on your course, you will complete assignments and tests based on the modules that you take. You will receive regular updates on your progress by your tutor and Training Support Officer (TSO).

Functional skills / Keyskills Your apprenticeship will also develop your Functional / Key Skills, including Maths, English and in some frameworks ICT. You will be encouraged to develop your Functional Skills further in the workplace.

Personal development In addition to your employment specific training you will also attend sessions which will help you to develop as an individual and increase your value to an employer.

Examples of the topics you will cover in these sessions include: • • • • •

Employment rights and responsibilities Equality and diversity Health and safety Business enterprise Personal finance

Other qualifications Some frameworks require additional qualifications. These will be explained to you by your tutor.

6

(01254) 354354

My framework Please fill in the boxes below with the qualifications you will be studying:-

www.accross.ac.uk

7

Others involved in my training

My workplace employer / mentor

My Training Support Officer

This is the person within your workplace who will supervise your work, support you through your training and give you guidance to help you achieve your apprenticeship.

This is the person who is assigned to guide both you and your employer throughout the apprenticeship programme.

My personal tutor This is the person who, within college, is responsible for your training.

My work based assessor This is the person who is responsible for assessing your NVQ in your workplace.

They will: • Explain the NVQ system and the assessment process to you • Identify any additional training or skills needs • Carry out assessments • Help you to develop your portfolio of evidence • Explain the college appeals procedure

8

They will conduct a Health, Safety and Welfare appraisal with your employer to ensure that your company complies with Health and Safety legislation and that they follow good working practices and procedures that protect the workforce, contractors and others from accidents and serious injury wherever is reasonably practicable. They will conduct regular progress reviews with both you and your employer to keep all parties up to date on your progress.

Your Training Support Officer is there to support you with any problems you may encounter, both work related and personal.

(01254) 354354

The Employers commitment to you: Contract of Employment It is a legal requirement that all apprentices have a contract of employment. As an apprentice the maximum number of working hours per week should not exceed 40, this includes your time in college.

Pay Your level of pay will be decided by your employer and should be detailed in your contract of employment. It is a legal requirement that your employer complies with the minimum wage act. All employees should be given itemised pay statements.

Holidays An employee is entitled to holidays from their first day of employment. The minimum statutory entitlement is currently 28 days annually including bank holidays. Where possible, holidays should not be taken during college term as this may delay progress towards your qualifications.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) offers free, confidential and impartial advice on all employment rights issues.

Workplace Induction All employers should provide their apprentices with information regarding the company’s policies on health and safety, welfare, equality and diversity, terms and conditions of employment and how their training will be delivered. Induction in the workplace should take place within your first week of employment. Your Training Support Officer will check you have had your induction prior to sign up.

Apprentices must book all appointments (driving lessons, routine dentist /doctors etc) in their own time unless it is a medical emergency. Evidence of pre-arranged hospital appointments must be given in advance to your Training Support Officer (TSO) and Tutor.

www.accross.ac.uk

9

The College’s Equality and commitment to you diversity

• No smoking except in designated areas

The college will ensure that all learners have access to appropriate learning provision, without prejudice, on grounds of special educational needs, disability, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

• Safe working practices

Student protection

• Clean, comfortable and modern accommodation

Safeguarding and protecting young people The college has a comprehensive Safeguarding and Protecting Young People Policy and works closely with other agencies such as Social Services to ensure the safety of all students. The college safeguards and promotes the welfare of all its students.

• Equality of opportunity for all who learn and work here • Professional and competent staff

Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students The college celebrates diversity and challenges any form of discrimination. In 2006 the college was awarded the ‘Navajo’ gay and lesbian friendly service kite mark for its work in making Accrington and Rossendale College a safe and enjoyable place to study and work, regardless of sexual orientation.

Accrington and Rossendale College was reaccredited by Navajo in June 2010.

Helping us to get it right If you have any compliments, comments or complaints about the college services or facilities you should ask for a ‘Did We Get It Right’ form. These are available from Reception areas, Information+ or your Training Support Officer (TSO) or Tutor.

10

(01254) 354354

Alternatively if you have any immediate concerns you can send an email to ideas@ accross.ac.uk and we will endeavour to sort the issue out straight away.

Completed forms are sent to the manager’s responsible who will respond within 15 working days. In the case of a complaint, if you are dissatisfied with the managers handling of this, you can appeal to the College Principal who will investigate the matter again and give you a response in 10 working days. If you are still dissatisfied, your final recourse is to the Chief Executive of the Skills Funding Agency or the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families. The Charter is reviewed and updated every year.

Information+ Information+ provides independent advice and guidance on a range of topics. They have experienced staff available to deal with any concerns or suggestions that your may have regarding any aspect of college life, you employment or personal issues.

If you wish to discuss any aspect of your training programme you can contact your designated Training Support Officer (TSO).

Library+ All apprentices have access to Library+.

Library+ is manned by staff that are willing to offer help and support if required.

www.accross.ac.uk

Learning Support Support is available to all learners in college in relation to any disabilities, difficulties with learning or health related issues. Many learners work with support to ensure that they achieve their potential and succeed.

If you need support with any aspect of learning there is a highly qualified support team who will work with you to agree a personalised package of support that will meet your needs and help you to achieve.

Learner Voice The staff at college are keen to listen to learners and there are many ways in which your voice can be heard around college. As well as regular feedback surveys, students are encouraged to share their views of college life with their tutor/assessor. Any issues are then dealt with by the Student Representation Officer, who is a member of the college enrichment team.

Student Discounts When you have enrolled on your course you will be issued with an ID badge. This badge can be used to access discounts from a variety of outlets including: shops, restaurants and travel to name but a few.

All information regarding college policies is available in Its Learning.

Its Learning is the College VLE; this will be introduced to you by your Tutor.

11

Health and safety Everyone has the right to work and study in healthy and safe surroundings.

By being aware of the Health and Safety Policy (available on Its Learning) and working together, we will help to achieve a College which is as healthy and safe as possible.

Accrington and Rossendale College ensure your health, safety and welfare by doing the following: • Checking the College follows all Health and Safety rules and regulations • Conducting a Health and Safety appraisal with your prospective employer • Ongoing monitoring and reviewing of Health and Safety practices and procedures in the workplace.

Whilst we have a responsibility for your welfare you also have a responsibility for your own health and safety.

We expect the following standards of behaviour from you: • Use the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as appropriate to the task set, both at work and in College • Respect all tools and equipment and use only as trained to do so and for their intended purpose • Do not use tools or equipment without prior consent or training • Obey all safety rules and regulations as set by both the College and your company • Operate high standards of housekeeping • Familiarise yourself with your company’s health and safety policy

12

•

•

Behave in a way that ensures both your own and others safety Familiarise yourself with your company’s safe practices and procedures

Make sure you are aware of all safety procedures If you suffer a personal injury, seek assistance from a first aider who will treat you. All accidents, incidents and emergencies should be reported to your Training Support Officer and Tutor. The Health and Safety Manager will then investigate and take action.

Please read carefully the fire instructions posted in each room identifying the nearest fire exit and assembly point so that you know how to evacuate the building in the event of fire or other emergency.

Do not block emergency points to the buildings Some courses, such as those which involve using chemical substances, plant or equipment, involve a higher degree of risk.

Make sure that you comply with specific instructions and wear personal protective / respiratory equipment.

Use all equipment correctly and report any dangers to your tutor.

All College buildings are smoke free. If you do smoke, please use the designated areas.

Always carry your ID card with you for security reasons and keep your personal possessions with you at all times.

Remember that you are responsible for your own health and safety.

(01254) 354354

What you need to know‌ Accident procedures

Dress code

It is necessary to report all accidents and near misses that occur on College premises to your Training Support Officer (TSO) and Tutor who will follow the College accident reporting procedure.

Each apprenticeship has its own dress code. You will be given details of the clothes that you will be expected to wear by your tutor. If you are attending the college there is a general dress code whilst on the campus.

All accidents and near misses that occur in the workplace must be entered in the accident book at work following your company’s accident procedures. You must inform your Training Support Officer (TSO) as soon as possible, the telephone number is (01254) 354231.

How long will it take?

The time frame differs on the type of apprenticeship you undertake. This will be discussed at the beginning of your programme when your Training Support Officer builds you an individual learning plan. Apprenticeships generally take between 12 and 24 months.

What hours will I work?

Most apprenticeships are based on full time working hours and can be a mixture of time in the workplace and time at college.

This is agreed with your employer before you start your apprenticeship programme and tailored to the individual employer and apprenticeship needs.

Attendance If you are unable to attend work you must follow your employer’s procedures for reporting your absence.

If you are unable to attend college you must contact Martin Kelly on (01254) 354231 before 9:30am. You must also inform your employer.

www.accross.ac.uk

13

Conduct

Notes…

The College is a large community with people from many backgrounds. We ask you to show tolerance and respect towards others and to the fabric of the buildings. You must obey health and safety notices, including those that tell you not to smoke in any College property.

In addition, the use of mobile phones is not permitted in classrooms, study areas or during examinations.

Whilst in College you are asked to adhere to the following standards of conduct: • Attend lessons regularly and be on time for each session, switching off your mobile phone before entering the classroom/workshop • Hand in work on time • Treat everyone with respect • Follow all health and safety rules • Follow all college rules

accross College values

for staff and apprentices • You have the right to a safe environment.

• You have a responsibility to follow safe rules.

• You have the right to voice your opinion.

• You have a responsibility to respect the opinion of others.

• You have the right to fair treatment.

• You have a responsibility to treat others fairly.

• You have the right to be treated with respect.

• You have a responsibility to treat staff and other students with respect.

• You have the right to receive high quality education.

• You have a responsibility to do your best.

14

(01254) 354354

Accrington and Rossendale College (accross) exists to provide high quality education and training to the widest range of local people.

The details in this course guide were correct at the time of print. The college however, reserves the right to alter the information contained in this publication at any time. Classes will run subject to sufficient student numbers, please check with our staff if you want to be sure that a programme is running or a specific facility is in operation. Please call the college’s main reception with any enquiries you may have on 01254 389933.

Greening the College Accrington and Rossendale College (accross) prides itself on being green organisation, which has undertaken a series of initiatives designed to reduce the size of our carbon footprint.

We promote the use of sustainable resources and discourage wasteful or damaging environmental practices and continue to raise awareness and understanding of environmental issues among all staff and students.

www.accross.ac.uk

15

Broad Oak Campus, Broad Oak Road, Accrington, Lancs BB5 2AW The College Shop, 54 Broadway, Accrington, Lancs BB5 1EN accross at the Waterside, St James Court West, Accrington, Lancs BB5 1NA Eatery 1853, The Globe Centre, St James Square, Accrington, Lancs BB5 0RE T_01254 389933 E_info@accross.ac.uk

F_01254 354001 W_www.accross.ac.uk