APPRENTICESHIP MINI GUIDE
WITH THE HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
Apprenticeships are a great mix of hands-on learning in the workplace and theory learned with us at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group to give you the practical skills and knowledge you’ll need to thrive in the working world.
We work with a variety of different employers, ranging from small to large who offer great opportunities to ‘earn while you learn’.
Why Us?
+ We work with over 1,000 apprentices and 500 employers
+ Achievement rates above national average
+ Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted
+ Winners of the 2024 West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Training Provider Award
+ Wide-ranging support at College and in the workplace
Corey
“I chose to do an apprenticeship because I’ve always wanted to have a trade and I felt that earning whilst I learned was the best way forward for me personally, and I’ve never looked back. Every day I’m learning from my mentors who are passing on their vast knowledge and experience of the industry.”
Level 3 Gas Engineering Operative Apprentice
YOU CAN PROGRESS TO HIGHER-LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS OR HIGHER EDUCATION HERE WITH US AT THE HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
Becoming an apprentice, whether you are starting your career or looking to upskill in a current role, is a productive and effective way to develop into a skilled and qualified member of an organisation.
An apprenticeship is a ‘paid job’ that provides you with the opportunity to gain industry relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours. Apprenticeships can be used to kick start a career or to develop themselves in a current role or industry.
The minimum wage for an apprentice can be found at: www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions but wages will vary as there are many employers who are willing to pay more than the minimum.
We work with a variety of different employers, ranging from small to large, who offer great opportunities to ‘earn while you learn’. Some of the top companies we currently work with are Unilever, Drax, YPO, Wakefield council, Schneider Electric, TJX Europe and several local NHS Trusts including Mid Yorkshire and South & West Yorkshire.
We offer four levels of apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are for anyone aged 16 or over and they allow you to earn and learn at the same time, giving you great
DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT!
What do our apprentices say?
Harry
Level 2 Bricklaying Apprentice
“I chose to do a Bricklaying apprenticeship because I like being outdoors and working alongside college suits me. I enjoy the artistic element of bricklaying and seeing the end result of what I’ve worked on. At College, I’ve learnt to work to a construction regulation standard which has helped me succeed at work. After College, I want to work full-time as a bricklayer and one day start my own bricklaying company.”
Izabela
NHS Healthcare Apprentice
“I’m enjoying everything on my apprenticeship. I’m learning a lot from my tutor, my manager, colleagues and everyone around me.”
Sarah Grey
Ward Manager at Pinderfields Hospital, Izabela’s Employer
“Izabela is one of our healthcare assistants on ward 44. She’s a great team player and works exceptionally well with her colleagues and patients. Izabela is a really good and valued member of the team, hard-working and always prepared and knows what she’s doing. Her colleagues think a lot of her.”
Holly
Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice
“The benefits of doing an apprenticeship are that you get to learn on the job and you’re more likely to stay in a permanent position afterwards. One of my fears was going to university, studying and then not being able to find a job, so an apprenticeship meant I could get paid whilst being in a full-time role.
My apprenticeship has taught me how to work in a professional environment and I have learned vital skills that I’ll need in the future. It has prepared me for the next steps in my career.”
Oliver
Higher National Certificate in Engineering Apprentice
“The programme is increasing my knowledge and skills in various Engineering disciplines, as well as my experience working with modern technology such as robotics. Without this course, I wouldn’t be able to progress in my career as an Engineer at Drax.”
Haroon
Level 2 Autocare Technician Apprentice
“Being able to work on cars every day is what I enjoy the most about my Apprenticeship. It has taught me the basic construction of engines which helps me diagnose problems in my role at Halfords. I want to become a master technician in the future.”
HOW TO BECOME AN APPRENTICE
If you already have a prospective employer, please contact the Apprenticeship Recruitment Team to discuss further OR
Find an employer who is recruiting apprentices
There are several ways to do this:
Our Recruitment & Engagement Officers can support you with finding a suitable employer to support you through an apprenticeship.
Submit a copy of your CV to: apprenticeships@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk and we can share this directly with employers who are looking to recruit an apprentice.
Although our Team can support, there are no guarantees of employment, therefore it’s important for you to also continue to search for opportunities yourselves.
The Apprenticeship Recruitment Team will keep in regular contact with potential apprentices throughout this process and will be on hand if you require any support or guidance.
Some employers do approach us regarding vacancies and those vacancies can be found on our website: www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships
Scan here to see availible vacancies;
Register for an account on www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship which will allow you to search and apply for a range of apprenticeship vacancies.
Approach local businesses with a CV.
Search employer websites, particularly for larger companies who may advertise their own vacancies.
Search/request on local social media pages.
Speak to friends and family in your chosen industry.
SUCCESS STORY:
Joey, a Level 3 Construction student, joined Shanco for a work placement designed to offer first-hand exposure to site engineering across several days in April 2025, shadowing both Quantity Surveyors and Senior Site Engineers.
Over the course of three live site visits, Joey’s confidence grew rapidly. He quickly impressed the team with his enthusiasm and natural ability. His punctuality, professionalism and willingness to learn earned praise across the board.
As a result, Joey was invited to return to Shanco for Summer work. Building on this momentum, Shanco then supported Joey to pursue a Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship- allowing him to study whilst gaining invaluable site experience. What began as a short placement quickly turned into a transformative journey, one that has reshaped his career aspirations and opened the door to a new pathway.
Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor
Quick tips on creating your CV
1. No more than a couple of sides of A4
Clearly presented and easy to read 3. Only include relevant info
Be positive, concise and honest 5. Avoid fancy fonts, use 11 as your minimum font size 6. Spell check!
7. Get someone to proof read it
Apprentice Joey
HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP IS HERE TO SUPPORT YOU!
An Apprenticeship Recruitment & Engagement Officer will be assigned to each apprentice, whose roles is to support them and their employer throughout the apprenticeship journey. The Recruitment & Engagement Officer will cover the following:
Support the potential apprentice with finding a suitable employer (if required).
Provide advice and guidance throughout the journey. 4 3 2 1
Ensure the potential apprentice is aware of requirements, and these are met prior to enrolment.
All required paperwork to meet apprenticeship compliance is discussed and completed.
THE PROCESS:
Apprentice Screening
As part of the application process, potential apprentices will be screened by the Apprenticeship Recruitment Team to ensure suitability and eligibility. They will also be required to complete an English & Maths assessment.
Additional Learning Support
We are required under section 20 of the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled apprentices (including those with learning difficulties).
Care
Bursary Grants
The bursary is for eligible apprentices who are in care or are care leavers. It will help remove financial barriers to accessing and completing apprenticeships.
Care leaver bursary is paid by the Education and Skills Funding Agency to the apprenticeship training provider once the apprentice has been on the apprenticeship for at least 60 days.
Normally, the provider must pass it on to the apprentice within 30 days of receiving it.
For the payment to be made, the eligible apprentice must tell their training provider that they are a care leaver and provide written confirmation from their local authority.
For care leaver apprentices starting their apprenticeship after 1st August 2023, the bursary will be £3,000. It is payable in instalments over the first year of the apprenticeship.
On some occasions, potential apprentices may not meet the entry requirements of the chosen apprenticeship programme; this would be discussed with them by their Recruitment & Engagement Officer.
All potential apprentices will be given the opportunity to discuss any support needs they may require prior to and after enrolment.
REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION TO THE EMPLOYER AND RECRUITMENT
Employers will need to ensure:
• Apprentices are employed in a ‘paid job’ that provides them with the required scope to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviour required for both the job and apprenticeship standard.
• Apprentices have a designated mentor who will actively take part in their training and take part in regular three-way progress reviews.
• That off the job training time is protected and provided to apprentices. This is a legal requirement of all apprenticeship programmes.
• Apprentices may be required to study English Language and Maths qualifications as part of their apprenticeship programme if they do not hold relevant exemptions. These are delivered over block weeks at either Castleford or Selby College.
• Apprentices are required to receive a lawful wage. Please note if the potential apprentice is employed prior to enrolment, they must be paid the National Minimum Wage until enrolment onto the apprenticeship programme. Rates of pay can be found www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates.
• Apprentices must be provided with a contract of employment outlining their working hours and rate of pay.
OUR REQUIREMENTS AS THE TRAINING PROVIDER
As part of suitability and eligibility checks, we will issue several documents to the apprentice for completion prior to the enrolment of their programme.
Prior learning of each apprentice is reviewed via skills scan to establish the correct starting point for the apprentice.
This includes prior education, training or associated qualifications in a related area, previous apprenticeships or relevant work experience.
• The potential apprentice will be contacted to complete these prior to enrolment onto programme. A reduction to the length of time the apprentice is on programme must be made if they have substantial relevant prior learning.
• Upon completion, if prior learning is assessed and results in the apprentice needing to be on programme for less than eight months, the apprenticeship programme cannot be funded. Such occasions will be discussed further by the Recruitment & Engagement Officer and employer.
• Contractual paperwork is issued via signable documents for signature to both the apprentice and their employer.
• Apprenticeship Agreement
• Training plan
• Training agreement
• Once all steps and paperwork are in place, the apprentice will be issued with an enrolment form for completion, alongside this they will be required to provide a copy of identification and a passport style photograph.
POST-ENROLMENT
A welcome email, including college login details and timetable (if applicable) will be shared with the apprentice following enrolment, confirming their start date.
Apprentices will be designated an Assessor, who will contact them within the first four weeks on programme.
• Regular progress reviews will be completed by the assessor with the apprentice and their employer. Additional feedback and planning, observations and on-site assessments will also take place during the apprenticeship duration.
• If you are under the age of 18, your parent/guardian will be able to receive progress updates as and when you request them.
• Attendance alerts are created upon enrolment via automatic email to their line manager/mentor.
• If apprentices require English Language and/or Maths as part of the apprenticeship programme, they will be provided a date for attendance six weeks prior to the required attendance. Both the apprentice and employer will be notified.
• The uses electronic portfolio systems. Login details are provided shortly after enrolment to each apprentice, and assessors will instruct apprentices on how to use this. An End Point Assessment is a requirement of all apprenticeship standards and is designed to ensure competency of each apprentice. These are completed by an external body. Further information can be found www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/ employers/end-point-assessments.
• We will periodically ask for feedback from employers and apprentices.
CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES
On occasion a change of circumstances may affect the apprenticeship programme. We would advise apprentices to contact their Assessor or Recruitment & Engagement Officer as soon as possible to discuss these.
Apprentices must be employed continuously throughout the duration of the apprenticeship programme. If the employment is terminated by dismissal or resignation, apprentices must inform their assessor and/or Recruitment & Engagement Officer as soon as possible:
• Date employment was terminated.
• Reason why employment was terminated.
• Apprentices will have up to 12 weeks to secure alternative suitable employment (if applicable) and will be supported by their assigned Recruitment & Engagement Officer.
Break In Learning
• If the apprentice is going to be absent from work for a period of time, they must inform their Assessor and Recruitment & Engagement Officer as soon as possible and their employer will be required to notify us also.
Change of Employer
• Where no active learning is planned to take place within a calendar month (except for apprentices working in schools for the month of August, or for some programmes that are delivered by block release)), the apprentice may be placed onto a Break In Learning (BIL).
If the apprentice moves employer, they should inform their Assessor and Recruitment & Engagement Officer as soon as possible with the date they are due to leave employment. The employer is also required to notify us of this.
Redundancy
• If the apprentice is made redundant from their employer and, on the day of dismissal, are within six months of the final day of the apprenticeship practical period or have completed at least 75% of the apprenticeship practical period, they may continue the apprenticeship training without being employed.
• If the apprentice has completed less than 75% of their programme and the remaining training represents a training duration of six months or more, they can continue the apprenticeship programme for a maximum of 12 weeks whilst searching for a new employer, but will need to source relevant employment to finish their apprenticeship.
If you think an apprenticeship might be for you, join us and start your journey to a fulfilling career!
Visit www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/apprenticeships where you can find more information about the apprenticeships on offer and any current vacancies.
Alternatively, call us on 01924 789469 or email apprenticeships@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
