Coleg Gwent Guide for Apprentices

It’s great that you’re thinking of studying with us at Coleg Gwent Every year thousands of people just like you go on to achieve great things – get an Apprenticeship, get good jobs and improve their prospects for the future.

An Apprenticeship will develop your skills and gain industry recognised qualifications that will help you progress to a brighter future.

So take a look through this guide, come along to one of our open events, visit our website or simply pick up the phone – we’re here to help.

Apprentices can train up to degree level and beyond; apprentices are working in some of the most advanced and highly technical fields in the Welsh economy, such as engineering.

Earn whilst you learn We know that full time learning isn’t for everyone. If you’d prefer to go straight into employment but want to get the qualifications alongside your new skills and experience, and are employed for more than 16 hours a week, an Apprenticeship could be for you.

A real job Put your new skills into practice in your workplace, and come to college, usually one day a week.

A real qualification A national qualification recognised by employers around the world.

A real paycheque Not only do you get industry experience, workplace skills and qualifications, you get paid! (In line with national minimum wage requirements) A real future 85% of Apprentices stay on in employment when they complete their Apprenticeship and 32% get promotion within 12 months of finishing.

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We specialise in engineering and construction based Apprenticeships in: • • • • • • • • •

Automotive engineering – light and heavy vehicle Automotive engineering – vehicle body repair Mechanical engineering Electrical engineering Welding Bricklaying Carpentry Electrical installation Plumbing

Depending on your current qualifications you can either do a Foundation Apprenticeship (the equivalent of 5 GCSEs at grade A-C) or an Apprenticeship (equivalent to 2 A Levels).

You’ll follow a framework specific to the needs of a particular industry or occupational area you’ve chosen to train in. As well as getting the skills employers want and improving your chances of getting a full time job after your training, you’ll get: • •

To do an Apprenticeship you need to be: • Employed in the relevant sector, have a contract of employment and be paid in line with the national minimum wage • Living and/or employed in Wales • Aged 16 or over and not in full time education • Committed to achieve the qualifications that underpin

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A National Vocational Qualification providing skills specific to occupational areas A Technical Certificate – to underpin your practical skills that you’d usually do as day release or block release at one of our campuses Transferable work-related skills and qualifications in communication, application of number, ICT, Welsh language and culture and citizenship An understanding of employees’ rights and responsibilities and the procedures and structures within the workplace

the Apprenticeship

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Jay Barrett, motor vehicle apprentice working at Forza GB “My Apprenticeship is a win-win opportunity for me and my employer – I’ve got a job where I’m getting practical skills, a qualification and my employer is training me in the skills they need, they have a qualified mechanic through cost effective training.

Our Apprenticeships give you the competitive edge

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“I absolutely love my job. I get to work on high end cars like Ferraris, Bentleys and Aston Martins – servicing them, replacing head gaskets and other technical work. And I really enjoy being in college where we learn about the theory behind the technical work – how the electrics work, how engines and transmission works – things like that.

As well as developing the skills you need and getting qualified, you could have the chance to take part in skills competitions. They’re a great way for you to benchmark your skills amongst the best in the UK, and they look good on your CV too.

“I want to get qualified to Level 3 then hopefully I’ll stay at Forza GB for a few years. My longer term plan is to join the RAF or the Navy as an engineer which I’ve always wanted to do and I’m hoping my experience and qualifications as an apprentice will improve my chances of getting in.”

Two of our apprentices recently qualified for the UK squad and may have the chance of showcasing their skills on a global scale at WorldSkills in Abu Dhabi in 2017 – a great achievement for them and testament to the quality of the our Apprenticeships.

Find an employer First of all you’ll need to be employed before you can enrol with us.

If you’re already in employment or have a job lined up, that’s great news. If not, knowing the right places to look for vacancies can make finding an Apprenticeship that much easier – you’ll find more information and advice on how to find a job on our website by scanning the QR code below: Your employer will also find more information on our website: www.coleggwent.ac.uk/employerinfo

Interview We’ll invite you in to college for an interview. This is nothing to worry about; we’ll give you more information on your Apprenticeship and it’s the perfect opportunity for you to ask questions.

Complete an Apprenticeship Agreement between the college, you and your employer One of our Work Based Learning Assessors will arrange to visit you and your employer to discuss how we’ll work together and each of our responsibilities.

Health & safety checks

Apply Once you’re employed you can then apply for an Apprenticeship at college.

You can get an application form by: • Downloading one from the Apprenticeships section on our website • Phoning us on 01495 333355 – we’ll then send you one in the post • Calling in to any of our five campuses

One of our Health & Safety Co-ordinators will be in touch to arrange a visit to your workplace to do the necessary health and safety checks – to make sure you’re working in a safe environment.

Enrol You will need to come in and enrol – we’ll make sure that both you and your employer know the date and time and other relevant details in advance.

Once you’ve filled it in you can: • Email it to wbl@coleggwent.ac.uk • Post it to Coleg Gwent WBL, Royal Chambers, 3rd Floor, High Street, Newport, NP20 1FZ • Drop it in to any of our five campuses

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Coleg Gwent is part of a group of training providers and further education colleges in Wales who work together to offer top quality work based learning to ensure you get the most out of your Apprenticeship and employers’ skills needs are met.

The group, led by Pembrokeshire College and called B-wbl, ensures that all apprentices get the best support and opportunities by sharing resources and best practice in college, and in the workplace.

You’ll find more information on our website, or you can call our friendly team to discuss your options in more detail