Chichester College Group (CCG)
Thank you for choosing us as your apprenticeship training provider. Our dedicated Apprenticeship Team will work hard to support you and your employer to ensure you achieve your maximum potential and provide you with the skills needed to thrive in your chosen profession.
We train and educate over 35,000 learners across Sussex and beyond each year, offering a range of courses and services to support businesses.
We recognise taking on an apprenticeship requires significant time and investment so we have identified some practical ways you can increase your chances of success, by working closely with your employer and Chichester College Group:
> Agree your off-the-job training time with your employer, so you do not have to sacrifice it to pick up work activities
> Keep your log of off-the-job training hours (OJTH) up-to-date to give yourself the best chance of completing your planned (OTJT) by your delivery end date, to allow you to complete final assessments in a timely manner.
> Use the OneFile learner journal to add a weekly reflection of your knowledge, skills, and behaviour development, and how this has impacted your performance at work
> Clearly communicate with your line manager and assessor to ensure any challenges are highlighted, and support identified early in your apprenticeship journey
> Make the most of any opportunities you are offered for mentoring, work shadowing, projects, and/or skills competitions
> Ensure you fully prepare for your progress reviews and keep your line manager up to date with what you are learning in your scheduled off-the-job hours
> Review and act on any feedback you receive from your assessor, lecturer, and line manager
Lindsey Sherring Vice Principal - Apprenticeships sherringl@chichester.ac.uk
Supporting you
We will support you and your employer throughout your apprenticeship programme from initial assessment to completion. This will mean you will come into contact with four key teams in college:
1
Employer, line manager or mentor
Your line manager and/or mentor is there to support you with all aspects of your job role. That can be anything from your workplace induction (if you are new to the company or role) to issues relating to H&S, pay, leave, performance, appraisals etc. Your line manager has a pivotal role to play in your regular progress reviews, inputting to discussion on performance and supporting planning of the next steps for your development, for the apprenticeship, and your progress in the workplace.
3
Apprenticeship Coaches
Their role is to ensure you have all the pastoral support that you need to be able to successfully achieve your apprenticeship. They will ensure you are attending college and work, as required, and support you to overcome any barriers affecting your attendance and/or performance. The coach can also support you to access Additional Learning Support and give guidance with processes should you experience situations, such as the need to change your employment.
2
Tutors and Assessor Trainers
This team is responsible for teaching you new knowledge, skills, and behaviours as part of the off-the-job training hours. You are likely to have a tutor/lecturer delivering your knowledge sessions, and also an assessor who will visit you at work, to assess your performance in the workplace, collect evidence of your performance and help you build your portfolio of evidence in preparation for your End Point Assessment (EPA). You will meet these people as part of the apprenticeship induction process.
4
Additional Learning Support
The College is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities, learning difficulties, and any other support needs, and has a team of staff who will work with you if required to give appropriate support. The support team will work in liaison with the tutors, assessors, and coaches to ensure the additional support provided contributes to helping you develop the skills needed to be successful in work and complete your apprenticeship.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a job with training that enables individuals to gain qualifications and essential skills whilst working. It is a fantastic option for those seeking to bridge the gap between full time education and the world of employment.
> It is a ‘real job’ with training and will see you work alongside experienced staff in the workplace to gain hands-on experience and the skills needed for your chosen career.
> As part of your apprenticeship, you must complete a minimum amount of ‘off-the-job training’ (OTJT) determined at the start of your programme, which can be defined as learning undertaken outside of the normal day-to-day working environment but within working hours. This can be spread evenly through the length of your apprenticeship or accumulated at a varying rate. You will be expected to log this and meet the specified amount before entering gateway and your final Apprenticeship assessments.
> Apprenticeships will normally last anywhere between 12 and 36
Apprenticeships
months but higher level or technical apprenticeships could take longer.
> This is designed to give you time to develop the relevant skills, knowledge, and behaviours to complement your practical experience and help you work towards the requirements of your apprenticeship standard, fully preparing you for final Apprenticeship assessment alongside any nationally recognised qualifications such as, NVQ Certificates or Diplomas which may be embedded within your apprenticeship.
> Depending on your prior attainment levels, you may also be required to study Functional Skills in English and maths alongside your apprenticeship.
What are the responsibilities of my employer?
Below are some of the responsibilities that your employer will be expected to fulfil with regards to supporting you, their apprentice. These responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
> Working with CCG to ensure you are enrolled on the most appropriate apprenticeship standard to support your job role
> Ensuring you have the right opportunities in your job role to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed within the apprenticeship
> Paying you an agreed wage (must at least meet the National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice)
> Providing employment and the necessary training for the duration of your apprenticeship
> Allowing off-the-job training to take place
> Releasing you to attend training sessions as required
> Providing a safe workplace, and any PPE required for your role
> Showing commitment to equal opportunities
> Providing a written contract of employment and induction programme
> Providing a suitable member of staff to undertake the role of a mentor
> Attending progress reviews
> Releasing you to attend functional skills as required
> Allowing you to attend meetings with your trainer/coach
Should you need further explanation of any of the above points, please talk to your Apprenticeship Coach
What are my responsibilities during my apprenticeship?
> Behave in a safe and responsible manner, in accordance with the requirements of health and safety legislation relating to individual responsibilities (both at college and at work)
> Obey the health and safety instructions given to you by your employer, and the advice about safe learning supplied by the College
> To ask if unsure of any procedure or health and safety before starting a task
> Ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn where appropriate and, where advised, at all times
> Report to the employer any broken or malfunctioning equipment, and to discontinue using it
> Inform ALL parties of any medical conditions, physical and development disabilities, that could affect your training, either at work or at college
> Report to the employer any work-related Accident, Dangerous Occurrence or Occupational Disease contracted (including Meningitis)
> Attend ALL required off-the-job training and workshops or notify the College and employer, in advance where possible, of non-attendance
> Commit to the learning activities required in each module, including any self-study and research (to take place during working hours)
> Complete any coursework, assignments and exams required in order to achieve the apprenticeship
> Keep your off-the-job hours journal up-to-date
What are the responsibilities of Chichester College Group (CCG)?
To check:
> The employer has a contract of employment with you
> The employer is paying you a lawful apprenticeship wage
> The employer acknowledges that you require a volume of training that meets the minimum off-the-job training policy
> The employer will allow you to complete your off-the-job training (and English & maths if required) during normal working hours
> The employer will give you appropriate support and supervision
To ensure:
> The effective management and delivery of the off-the-job training as detailed in the plan of training within this document
> An induction programme is delivered to the apprentice (and the employer if required) that explains the plan of training
> The quality of delivery is maintained
> Health and safety information is readily available to the apprentice, and to conduct appropriate training and regularly update the apprentice with new requirements as and when necessary
Role of an apprenticeship coach
During your time on an apprenticeship, you will have access to a dedicated apprenticeship coach.
The apprenticeship coach will offer you support and guidance throughout your course where needed and is responsible for monitoring your attendance, achievement, progress and welfare. If you have have any concerns at all about the quality of the apprenticeship programme or support provided to you in the workplace, please do let the apprenticeship coach know so that the college can liaise with you both to establish a solution.
The apprenticeship coach can also support you with:
Strategies to meet targets and deadlines
Priorities of targets set
Organisation of your time
Developing your work ethic
Please contact your apprenticeship coach or trainer if there are any changes to the terms of employment. For example:
> You are relocated to a different office within your company
> Company premises relocate address
> You are off sick for more than 2 weeks
> You intend to resign from your employment
Off-the-job training
You need to undertake ‘off-the-job training’ (OTJT) as a mandatory requirement of your apprenticeship, as set out in the apprenticeship funding rules.
What is ‘off-the-job training’?
Off-the-job training is defined as learning which is undertaken outside of the normal day-to-day working environment/responsibilities and leads towards the achievement of your apprenticeship. This can include training that is delivered at your normal place of work but must not be delivered as part of your normal working duties.
What ‘off-the-job training’ could include?
> It MUST be directly relevant to the Apprenticeship Standard
> Teaching or theory lectures
> Simulated exercises/role play
> Online learning eg webinars/ blended learning (online and physical)
> Manufacturer training eg new equipment or technologies
> Practical training
> Work shadowing/ receiving mentoring
> Industry visits/visiting other companies/suppliers/departments
> Attendance at competitions
> Time spent writing your assessments/assignments
> Revision
What does not constitute as ‘off-the-job training’?
> Enrolment/induction
> Diagnostic assessment or prior assessment
> English and maths (up to level 2) – this is funded separately
> Progress reviews or on programme assessment needed for the Apprenticeship Standard
> Training that takes place outside paid working hours
Wellbeing
Here are some simple steps that you can do to support your wellbeing in the workplace:
Recognition
Don’t be too hard on yourself make sure you take time to reflect on the things you achieve. Learning new knowledge, skills and behaviours is valuable. Make sure you include the things you have done well in your progress reviews not just the things you need to develop.
Take opportunities!
Be confident to take opportunities that are presented to you. If you are offered chances to work on new skills, projects etc, show willing, but equally do ask when you need support of help to complete tasks. There is no such thing as a silly question in a new job.
Time
Make time for yourself within your week. Make use of breaks and downtime, to reflect and recharge. Don’t expect too much of yourself, everyone learns and develops at different rates so be patient with yourself.
Community
Make an effort to be part of communities that are important to you, in or outside the workplace. Take time to get to know your work colleagues and contribute to meetings and events when you feel able.
Support
Seek out and utilise the support you have at work and in the College. If you are struggling with anything at all, or just need to ask a question to do something better use the support networks that are in place.
Safeguarding
CCG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults.
What are the signs of abuse?
> Being withdrawn or reluctant to communicate
> Sudden change in behaviour
> Low self-esteem
> Bruising and/or injury in unexpected places, for example ears or soles of feet or mismatch of injury to story
> Attention-seeking behaviour with strangers
> Looking unclean or wearing clothing inappropriate for the weather
> Hunger
> Young people demonstrating overly sexualised behaviour
> Persistent absence
If you have any concerns about your own or a peers’ wellbeing or safety, then you should inform your coach. Alternatively, you can call the Safeguarding Helpline.
Prevent
Prevent is one of the four elements of CONTEST, the government’s counter-terrorism strategy.
As a college we have a responsibility to protect young people from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from other risk taking behaviour. We also have a responsibility to promote our fundamental British values to facilitate free debate, the values of:
> Tolerance
> Individual liberty
> The rule of law
> Democracy
> Mutual respect
These are the characteristics of British citizenship. Importantly, we provide a safe place for you to discuss these issues so you can better understand how to protect yourself.
Safeguarding Contact Details
> Brinsbury College staysafebrinsbury@chichester.ac.uk 01243 786321 ext 5555
> Brighton MET College safeguardingmet@gbmc.ac.uk 07739 615265
> Chichester College staysafe@chichester.ac.uk 01243 786321 ext 5555
> Crawley College safe@crawley.ac.uk 01293 442275
> Haywards Heath College staysafehaywards@chichester.ac.uk 01444 711900 ext 3900
> Northbrook College safeguardingmet@gbmc.ac.uk 07739 615265
> Worthing College staysafe@worthing.ac.uk 01903 275755 ext 400
Health & Safety
All employers should take all the necessary steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all persons participating in training, is of the same standard as the company is required to do in relation to its employees, under current health and safety legislation.
Basic health and safety documentation and safety arrangements should be in place and monitored. These include Employers Liability Insurance, accident book, first aid facilities, fire precautions and where appropriate, risk assessment and safety policies.
Our responsibility
> To use competent staff to verify that we can provide a healthy, safe, and supportive learning environment by conducting a health and safety appraisal
> Provide a safe and healthy working environment for apprentices at all times during off-the-job training
> Provide health and safety training for apprentices to raise their awareness of hazards in the workplace
> Check apprentices’ understanding of health and safety risk awareness
> Investigate any accidents involving apprentices within the workplace and agree preventative action
Your (apprentice’s) responsibility
Employer responsibility
> Ensure the health, safety and welfare of their apprentices and bring their policy statement to the attention of the apprentice
> Comply with health and safety legislation
> Provide initial and ongoing health and safety training in the workplace for apprentices
> Assess the risks to which apprentices are exposed at work and apply the general principles of prevention
> Report any accidents involving the apprentice immediately to the trainer and allow investigation of the circumstances
> Follow all safety procedures, policies, and systems to maintain a positive safety culture
> Ensure all accidents, incidents and near misses are reported to your line manager
> Act in a safe and reasonable manner at all times
> Follow the correct safety procedure in each task performed to ensure safe practices are adhered to
> If unsure of any safety procedure, seek advice from your supervisor/manager
Diversity Policy
CCG is committed to equality of opportunity for its staff, apprentices and all members of the community. We value difference and diversity. We respect all our people for their individuality, abilities and aspirations.
We will treat individuals with respect and be fair to them irrespective of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, nationality, religion, sexuality, status and any other distinction. We are committed to the elimination of direct and indirect discrimination and will take appropriate action to implement this diversity policy. We ask that all employers and apprentices support the College policy by undertaking the same commitment as the College in actively promoting equality of opportunity for all within their organisation.
Our responsibility
> Promote equal opportunities throughout the work-based training process
> Have a written equal opportunities policy which staff, apprentices and employers understand and are committed to
> Advise you on equal opportunities issues and legislation
> Explain to apprentices how they should treat other people
> Make sure that apprentices know what to do if they feel they are being unfairly treated in the workplace.
> Act on any complaints received from apprentices
Employer responsibility
> Comply with equal opportunities legislation
> Demonstrate your commitment to equality of opportunity in the workplace through a clearly publicised statement
> Ensure that apprentices are treated fairly and equally
> Make sure that apprentices are not bullied, harassed, or made to feel unwelcome in the workplace
> Explain to apprentices what to do if they have a complaint about the way they are treated
Your (apprentice’s) responsibility
> Co-operate with the employer to ensure equal opportunities and non-discrimination
> Treat all colleagues in a fair and non-discriminatory way
> Not harass or intimidate other employees
> Inform management if they feel that any form of discrimination has taken place whether they or another employee is the victim
Your apprenticeship programme
On Programme
Your learning is planned at the start of your journey and shared with you as a training plan. Your apprentice journey will include a carefully scheduled delivery programme, utilising a range of delivery methods (dependent of your apprenticeship standard). The delivery methods will be supplemented by targeted independent study, all of which will contribute to your off-the-job hours. As part of the programme of study you will also receive formative assessment tasks that are designed to check the progress you have made,support your development, and prepare you for your final Apprenticeship assessments.
Gateway
For you to be considered ready for Final Apprenticeship assessments and pass through gateway you will need to demonstrate to your trainer/assessor and employer that:
> You have participated in the full training plan, and as a minimum studied for 366 days
> You are competent when assessed against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard you are studying
> You have achieved the required levels for maths, English (and ICT if required)
> You have completed and logged the minimum required off-the-job hours
> You have completed all preparation activities for your EPA successfully
Progress Reviews
During your programme the assessor/trainer will arrange to meet with you in person or via a TEAMS call to complete a progress review. This is a valuable opportunity for all parties to measure progress made against the skills, knowledge, and behaviours and is captured on record by the completion of a skills scan on the student portal. This threeway partnership ensures that you receive the best possible training experience, as well as ensuring the right training opportunities are provided within the workplace to allow you to further develop.
At a progress review there will be an opportunity to check the following:
> Your distance travelled against your starting points on the apprenticeship
> Your functional skills development within the workplace and against any required exam(s) (maths and English)
> Your development of the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for your apprenticeship
> Your professional learning/ professional development (off-the-job training)
> Your progress in your job role
> Your progress towards final Apprenticeship assessments
End Point Assessment
Your EPA is carried out by the chosen End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) and is an independent assessor to the college.
What your EPA will consist of will depend on what apprenticeship standard you are on. Common elements include:
> Online knowledge tests
> Observations
> Practical assessments in simulated environments
> Presentation
> Question & answer sessions
> Professional discussion
The assessor/trainer will fully support you in preparing for your EPA.
The EPA usually takes approx. 3 months to fully complete. These are graded assessments, so it is important you work hard to achieve the best grade possible.
Full details of all apprenticeship standards and assessment plans can be found on this government website: skillsengland.education.gov.uk/ apprenticeships/
IMPORTANT
It is critical that employers attend all progress reviews. During this meeting SMART targets will be set, and full feedback provided. We find that by having employers/line managers fully engaged in every stage of the apprenticeship journey, you gain an enhanced experience of skills development.