First For Business
MARCH 2018
www.ffb-online.co.uk
A SHEFFIELD SUCCESS STORY NOCN IS A LEADING APPRENTICESHIPS QUALIFICATIONS AND ASSESSMENT ORGANISATION. heffield employer NOCN has been in business for 30 years; from early days in adult community education it has grown to be a market leader for apprenticeship qualifications and assessments delivered all over the country by FE colleges, training providers and employers.
Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular option for businesses, helping them develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce and bringing about many business benefits – including improved skills levels, service, morale and productivity.
Thousands of students, adult learners and apprentices study NOCN qualifications every year, helping them improve their skills, knowledge and employment prospects.
Many employers already know the benefits of taking on an apprentice and with the introduction of new standards more companies are getting on board every day because these apprenticeships are employer-designed and employermanaged.
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Apprenticeships offer people of any age a route into employment with the opportunity to train on the job, learn specialist and technical skills, and achieve vocational qualifications. NOCN offers two types of apprenticeships – Apprenticeship Frameworks, which are the more established type including vocational and technical qualifications offered by training providers; and Apprenticeship Standards where NOCN provides the End Point Assessment at the end of a programme of learning on the job – these are a new type of apprenticeship which are managed by employers. 12 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk
Looking for some top tips on successful apprenticeships? Well, the expert and knowledgeable team at NOCN have you covered with some top tips. • Focus on quality not price A higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a better service. It’s important to make sure your chosen assessment organisation is fully quality assured, experienced in your chosen sector and above all shares the same ethos and values as yourself.
• Start with the end in mind Choose your end point assessment partner at the start and work with them to ensure your apprenticeship programme covers all the aspects which will be tested at the end. • Embrace diversity Businesses benefit from a diverse workforce as new ideas and perspectives bring opportunities for growth. A fair and inclusive apprenticeship programme is a good way to attract new talent to revitalise your organisation. Employers and training providers can learn more about NOCN at www.nocn.org.uk/nocn-apprenticeships. To arrange a call or meeting to discuss NOCN’s expert services call 0114 227 0500 and ask about apprentice End Point Assessment. CONTACT: NOCN The Quadrant, Parkway Business Centre, Sheffield S9 4WG Tel: 0114 227 0500 Email: nocn@nocn.org.uk www.nocn.org.uk