Contents 03 Bethany Woods: An apprentice success story 04 Seddon leading the way 05 Cav’s Column 06 A parent’s view 07 The future of rail is in safe hands 08 How the Apprenticeship Team at Salford City College can support you and your apprentices 09 Bernie walks for apprentices in need 10 National Apprenticeship Week 2018
12 Sector based work
academy celebration event
13 “I’m more than
an assessor, I’m a motivator.”
We pride ourselves on providing an outstanding apprenticeship provision, with success rates 10% above the national average
14 The apprentice
& employer recruitment journey
16
Apprenticeships: meeting the needs of the local economy
@
apprenticeships@ salfordcc.ac.uk
0161 631 5555
www.salfordcc.ac.uk
18 Employer
/SCCapprenticeships
19 Make the
@SCCapprenticeships
celebrations most of your apprenticeship! Career hacks for apprentices
20 Careers in health &
social care
@SCC_apprentices
ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
Our apprentices are all on a personal journey to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours that will drive their chosen career forward. Welcome to the Spring 2018 edition of Achieve! We have received some fantastic feedback from issue one and have worked hard to ensure this copy is just as good, if not even better. As we move into National Apprenticeship Week, commencing Monday 5 March 2018, we, like many apprenticeship providers up and down the country will be celebrating the fantastic achievements of our apprentices. We’ll be celebrating at our Annual Apprenticeship Awards on Thursday 8 March. We have around 1,200 apprentices and would celebrate each and every one of them if we could. They are all on a personal journey to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours that will drive their chosen career forward.
To highlight the fantastic support we receive from our clients, in this special National Apprenticeship Week edition, we are launching ‘Cav’s Column’ (see: page 5) written by Roy Cavanagh MBE, Seddon Training Executive. The column will present views and opinions aligned to industry and the ‘employer voice’. Roy has supported thousands of apprentices during his career with Seddon, and through his continued involvement in national educational policy, he is fantastically placed to share his views with us. Welcome Roy!
However, in this week it is also vital to celebrate and highlight the amazing contribution employers make to apprenticeship programmes. Without willing, supportive and understanding employers the apprenticeship sector would not be experiencing the significant growth that we have seen over the last 10 years. In the 2007/2008 academic year, 225,000 people embarked on an apprenticeship in the UK, in comparison to 500,000 in the last academic year. This more than doubling of numbers in the sector has been supported by brilliant employers across the country.
DEBBIE WARD Head of Apprenticeships & Partnerships, Senior Leadership
ALLAN MILNE Head of Apprenticeship & Business Development
Since we introduced apprenticeship programmes at Salford City College in 2009, we have worked with almost 600 employers, and currently have apprentices employed by 408 clients. These clients range from the smallest micro-businesses in Salford to some of the biggest global brands. Our employers have different demands and requirements to support their apprenticeship needs, but they have one key thing in common: they are all passionate about developing the skills and knowledge of their apprentices to support their business.
/SCCapprenticeships
@SCCapprenticeships
CHRIS WILEY Head of Apprenticeship Delivery
@SCC_apprentices
@
apprenticeships@ salfordcc.ac.uk
0161 631 5555
Bethany Woods: An apprentice success story Deciding on a career path is a daunting and confusing process for any school leaver. Bethany Woods experienced this first hand when she left Ellesmere Park High School in 2017. Realising that employers would value work experience and someone who had employability skills, Bethany signed up for the Salford Futures Traineeship. As well as leading to the achievement of her first work based qualification in Business Administration, the traineeship provided valuable work experience, and developed her employability skills and knowledge. This included preparation of a CV, interview experience, how to identify and apply for work, and advice about the personal qualities, attitude and behaviours required by employers. Bethany said: “I would definitely recommend a traineeship or apprenticeship to anyone. It really helped to boost my confidence and gave me loads of valuable experience.” Salford City College’s Apprenticeship Team subsequently met with Bethany to have a chat about apprenticeship options available. With their support - and within a week of completing her traineeship - Bethany had successfully secured herself an interview and was offered a Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship within the HR Department at The Albion Academy in Salford. She continued: “I love working at The Albion Academy, I feel really settled and comfortable in my working environment! “The Apprenticeships Recruitment Team at Salford City College were fab, they stayed in touch throughout the process of application to employment, supporting me along the way.” Chris Wiley, Head of Apprenticeship Delivery said: “Our trainer assessors use their industry expertise and experience to develop an apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours across a range of industry areas and job roles. “There are many career options available, many employers looking for talent and many vacancies waiting to be filled.” Want to be an apprentice like Bethany? Contact our apprenticeship team on 0161 631 5555 or email apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk. The dedicated and experienced recruitment and delivery teams are ready and waiting to support you.
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ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
SEDDON LEADING THE WAY Seddon have a national reputation for excellence in the broad range of projects and services they deliver within the construction and built environment sector. That said, they also have a national reputation for excellence when it comes to recruiting, training and retaining apprentices! Founded in 1897 - and with an annual turnover of around £180 million - they have been supporting apprentices for much of this time, with well over 3,000 of them from local areas supported. Working with Apprenticeships at Salford City College as their primary apprenticeship partner, Seddon currently have 67 apprentices on their books. The majority of these are in craft and building services areas, but an increasing number are now in management and support functions across their business too. Seddon have chosen National Apprenticeship Week to launch their 2018 Apprenticeship Recruitment Programme. Kat Healey, Training Manager at Seddon stated: “There is no better time to launch our annual apprenticeship recruitment. National Apprenticeship Week is about celebrating all that is good about apprenticeships. As a company we absolutely believe that apprenticeships are vital to not only our business, but also to our sector.”
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This year, Seddon, supported by Apprenticeships at Salford City College, will be recruiting up to 20 new trade, management and support service apprentices - the majority of whom will be recruited as part of this campaign. For more information on the vacancies and the recruitment process, please go to www.seddon.co.uk. Vacancies go live from the 5 March 2018 at 9am.
SPRING 2018
CAV’S COLUMN Now one of the last things I would have imagined leaving school in Salford just after my 15th birthday, (a long time ago) with no qualifications, was writing a column in the Apprenticeships at Salford City College magazine. Salford though has never left that young lad and I am now very proud to be heavily involved in helping out where I can in the finest city around. Things were so different though back in 1962 (yes that long ago) jobs were a plenty and career advice hardly needed. Today, however, it is the other way around, there are not as many permanent jobs and career advice desperately needed. We can help out with this. Schools must become more aware of the different modern employment offerings. Colleges have to also adapt by being aware of how industries and technologies are changing and what knowledge is needed for their standards. Finally, employers really must look to take on more apprentices direct, which could, and should, alleviate any skill shortages.
PROJECT HOPE
ROY CAVANAGH MBE
In recent years, along with Salford City College and Buile Hill Visual Arts College, I have facilitated a project with year nine students called ‘Project Hope’. This seeks to inspire, motivate and inform students on their future career pathways. The more we can help youngsters make informed career choices, the better. I would hope in the future more employers can support youngsters with this!
“A champion of training for young people.”
CHALLENGING TIMES FOR EVERYONE
Roy Cavanagh MBE has remained with the major contractor, Seddon, for over 50 years. He received an MBE for his services to construction, and is renowned for his efforts in campaigning for apprenticeships and training for young people across Salford and the UK. Roy is passionate about anything Salfordian - being born and raised in the city - and has lived in Ordsall, Little Hulton and now Worsley.
Alongside his lengthy and admirable career at Seddon, Roy has also occupied the role as: •
Chair of National 14-19 Education Group C&BE for four years, which followed seven years as Chair of National 14-19 C&BE Diploma.
•
Chair of Salford Construction Partnership from being awarded the London Government Association (LGA) award in London in 2008.
•
A member of a group of Salfordians that created 500 apprentices in the city during 2011/12 for Salford City College.
•
Award winner of the CIOB International Innovation Award for Education & Training in 2013.
•
Previous Chair of the North West Construction Hub Training Group.
•
Previous Chair of CITB ‘Skills for Growth’ in the North West.
•
Board Member of ‘Constructing The Future of Merseyside’.
2017 saw major implications for colleges and employers with various reforms and the introduction of the levy. It is vital that companies across Salford interact with the college as ONE VOICE. Companies are now (or should be) fully integrated into the levy imposed on them to increase apprenticeship numbers. It is really vital they use the revenue to give more people jobs, not just using it to update their existing staff, which whilst of course it is also beneficial, should be delivered alongside increasing their future workforce with willing young people eager to be trained and employed.
GET INVOLVED Hopefully, this is a first of a regular column, but why not get in touch and inform of how the college has helped you, or what more you think it could do, or how we can improve job opportunities in the great city of Salford. ONE VOICE!
ROY CAVANAGH MBE
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“ ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
A PARENT’S VIEW THE OPINION OF A SALFORD CITY COLLEGE APPRENTICE’S PARENT
As a parent, it can be difficult to accept that the pathway your child has taken has turned out to be one they do not want to pursue. It can be difficult to support them in a decision that you yourself are unsure of and that you feel like you need to know more about to be of any help. On top of this, you are acknowledging that they are now turning into an adult and the decisions about their future have to be theirs to make themselves. Declan had originally chosen to pursue A levels with a view to move onto an apprenticeship once these had been completed. However, on starting college it was evident that he was finding it difficult to balance earning a small income, with the complexities of college work. He had to work very hard over the first term to get through, and over the October half-term he came to me to discuss the issues he was having. Declan was unsure this was the right path for him. He went away and looked at his options; what direction he might wish to go in, what he wanted to do and what direction he might take. This was also discussed with teachers at college. Once Declan had made his decision I wanted to support him. He had a heavy college timetable and asked me to contact Apprenticeships at Salford City College to make an enquiry. From the first point of contact everyone was really helpful. Declan was invited in a few days later for the induction interview and a review of his academic skills. The day of the induction with Stacey went well and Declan was given the chance to assess his options properly. Stacey gave a very open and fair review of what was on offer and the pathways Declan could take.
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Declan decided business administration was the path he wanted to pursue, he felt this would give him a wide enough platform to get into many areas of work and sectors as he still wasn’t sure what career he wanted to go into. My son was kept up to date and supported throughout the application, interview and feedback process. Our experience with Apprenticeships at Salford City College has been very positive and as a parent I am happy that Declan is once again motivated and feeling positive about his future. Embarking on an apprenticeship will hopefully take into account Declan’s views and perspectives. He will be treated as a young adult and it will help him acknowledge that there is not just one route into the working world. I want to thank the college and team for their support, I feel I have had the guidance I need as a parent to support Declan in his decision whilst enabling Declan to make life choices for himself. I look forward to supporting Declan through his apprenticeship and working alongside Salford City College. If this experience is anything to go by he is in safe hands!
”
SPRING 2018
THE FUTURE OF RAIL IS IN SAFE HANDS
Apprenticeships at Salford City College and Morson Vital Training support the national demand for increased numbers of skilled engineering operatives in the sector. Advancements and huge infrastructure projects in the rail network, such as HS2, are demanding a significant increase in the number of new, skilled entrants into the rail sector. Salford based Morson Vital Training, headed up by National Training Manager Matthew Leavis and Training Support Manager Andrew Robinson, are determined to meet this challenge head on.
Allan Milne, Head of Apprenticeship and Business Development at Salford City College, recently supported the induction of a new group of apprentices employed by the Morson Group out of their Canning Town site. He said: “It was great to meet the new group of Salford City College apprentices in Canning Town. As a delivery partner, Matt and the team provide a fantastic service. They equip the apprentices with real and current skills which allows them to thrive in the demanding world of rail track engineering.”
In partnership with Apprenticeships at Salford City College, they have devised an innovative, high quality and successful apprenticeship programme, delivered to clients locally and across the nation. Morson Vital Training, the first specialist rail training provider to be awarded the ‘platinum standard’ seal of approval from the National Skills Academy for Rail, have a highly skilled team of rail experts at their disposal to deliver the required training. Matthew and the team are passionate about the sector, and passionate about delivering an outstanding apprenticeship programme in partnership with the college. He said: “We have developed a great apprenticeship scheme which ensures apprentices can quickly gain access to real projects and live jobs with their employers. They need core skills to be safe in the rail environment and then they need to develop their engineering skills in a real environment, supported by real track operatives who can mentor and support them.” 7
ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
How the Apprenticeship Team at Salford City College can
SUPPORT
you and your apprentices
The Salford City College Apprenticeship Team are unique in that they employ two Apprentice Support Officers. Their main focus is to care for and assist all apprentices whilst they carry out their apprenticeship programmes. It is a pastoral care role, with the interests of the apprentice coming first. The college believes the more support an apprentice gets with any personal issues and struggles, the better they will perform in their apprenticeship – which is why this role was introduced. Support Officers make it their mission to ensure the happiness of apprentices, they personally introduce themselves to all 16-18 year olds within the first few weeks of their apprenticeship and quickly establish themselves as a source of help and support. Introductory emails are sent to all 19+ apprentices in case they themselves need any additional support. To date, Support Officers have helped with a number of student issues, from emotional and behavioural difficulties, sexual and domestic abuse, mental health problems, family and relationship difficulties to housing and financial troubles. Salford City College Senior Leader, Debbie Ward, spoke about some of the difficult situation students have been in that have required help from the college’s Support Officers: “Just because an individual moves into an apprenticeship opportunity, does not mean they are free from issues or problems. We want all of our apprentices to achieve, and this support function provides a great service for our apprentices.” The college’s Support Officers help with all of this and more. They have even set up an Apprentice Hardship Fund, whereby they fundraise for those who need that little extra assistance.
TESTIMONIALS “The provision of the Apprentice Support Officer has proven to be a valued resource when supporting our apprentices. There is a real need for apprentices to feel that they have an avenue of support that is not only accessible but that is proactive in ensuring their welfare and personal circumstances are understood. They should feel that all best actions are utilised to guarantee that they are able to progress in their chosen discipline. 8
Meet Salford City College’s Apprentice Support Officers: Sarah Ball and Sally Ogden
“This role offers a safe haven for apprentices to speak about their issues away from the workplace and is therefore more likely to be accessed by the apprentices themselves. “For us this is a provision that has become invaluable and has enabled us to extend the level of support that was already offered to our apprentices.” Kat Healey, Training Manager Seddon Construction
“I feel as though it’s really easy when talking to the support officers. The different suggestions and advice they’ve given me with my apprenticeship have all contributed massively to how much more confident I am as a person in general!” Level 3 Creative & Digital Media Apprentice
“I just want to say thank you to the college and the team. I really do appreciate all the help. Without Sally and Sarah talking me into going to the GP at the start I wouldn’t have got the help I needed.” Level 2 Business Administration Apprentice
SPRING 2018
BERNIE WALKS
FOR APPRENTICES
IN NEED ‘Do you ever stop to wonder how we take a lot of things for granted? Having a home? Enough food to eat? Clothes to wear?’ These were the questions Bernard Jordan was asking on his crowd-funding page as he worked to raise money for the Apprenticeship Hardship Fund. He went on to say: “Some of our apprentices face times when they are in dire need of the basics just to live. Our amazing Apprentice Support Officers provide much needed help to those apprentices. I’m fundraising to provide supplies which can be used to help those most vulnerable.” Bernie, a Maths Functional Skills Tutor for Apprenticeships at Salford City College, was raising money for the fund which has been set up by the college’s Work Based Learning Team. His aim was to raise £500 for the cause and he made his money walking The Camino de Santiago de Compostela, a 780km, major Christian pilgrimage route through Spain, which takes around 5-weeks to complete. The route, which is a popular but challenging hike, took Bernie 30 days of continuous walking to complete. He set off on his hike on 2 December 2017 and arrived at Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain, on New Year’s Eve. He said: “It was an amazing experience with some fantastic views, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. I walked with some interesting people of many nationalities and shared some unique experiences. Thanks again to everyone who have sent messages of support and donated, it helped keep me going when the days were tough.” Bernie was even more elated to have hit his £500 target for the fund: “I am very happy that we’ve exceeded the target of £500. We’ve raised over £1,000 so far for the Apprentice Hardship Fund and this will make a huge difference to many lives.”
BERNIE’S JOURNEY
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ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
APPRENTICESHIPS WORK! The week of the 5 to 9 March 2018 is an exciting opportunity to celebrate apprenticeships and how they benefit people, businesses, communities and our economy. Now in its 11th year, this national moment brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships to encourage more people to choose apprenticeships as a fast-track to a great career and business growth. The theme of National Apprenticeship Week 2018 is Apprenticeships Work - to showcase how apprenticeships work for individuals, employers, local communities and the wider economy. THE INDIVIDUAL There is little doubt that apprenticeships can benefit individuals seeking to develop a career. Apprenticeships are a great way to progress in work and life. They allow people to gain the skills they need to develop and importantly, you earn while you learn - establishing a great career with no debt. BUSINESS It is no wonder apprenticeships are becoming the increasingly go-to option for businesses. They support businesses with their skill needs, attracting diverse talent and ensuring businesses are future-proofed. Apprenticeships deliver improved productivity, employee retention and bring new ideas and ways of working into the workplace. LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND THE WIDER ECONOMY Apprenticeships help communities by creating a stronger and fairer economy where lives are transformed, and people can fulfil their potential. Higher and degree apprenticeships are widening access to the professions and facilitating a more diverse talent pool for employers. 10
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ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
Sector Based Work Academy Celebration Event A celebration event marked the successful completion of another cohort of an award-winning work experience partnership between Salford Royal, Salford City College and JobCentrePlus. Nine local people have all spent 14 weeks participating in the Sector Based Work Academy employability programme, combining four weeks based in the classroom with placements across the Trust. For the first time, non-clinical and communitybased placements were available alongside clinical placements based in the hospital. Each candidate undertakes two 12-hour shifts per week for 10 weeks, after attending college for four weeks where they complete a level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Health and Social Care. The placements are unpaid, but the Trust and the college work closely with JobCentrePlus to ensure that all benefits are maintained throughout the programme. Debbie Ward, Head of Apprenticeships and Partnerships, Senior Leadership at Salford City College, said: “The good relationship with JobCentrePlus is really important. They support the programme and refer really good candidates to us. There’s a rigorous selection process, looking at candidates’ work and life experience. But the three key things we are all looking for are punctuality, attendance and hard work as these will set you on the road to a good career pathway.” Some of the placement candidates talked at the celebration event about their experiences on the programme and all were quick to praise the teams they worked with and to share the life-changing impact the programme has made on them. Steven Wong had been looking for work for a number of years, as well as caring for family members, and – as a result of his placement with HR - is now employed within Occupational Health. Steven said: “Before the programme I felt deflated, demoralised and had few goals or aspirations. I felt like 12
”
“
although I had 20 years of experience and a degree, nobody would employ me again. This programme has given me back self-confidence and self-belief.”
The event was also an opportunity to hear from colleagues who employ the group members, who emphasised how crucial it is that candidates are able to add this extensive, hands-on experience on their CVs and can talk about it in interviews. Claire Fretwell, Associate Director of Learning and Development at Salford Royal, said: “I’m really proud of this programme, and of the widening participation team who deliver it, led by Allison Reader. We think of the placements as extended 10 week job interviews, which prove to be a successful way of recruiting the right person for the role. “We set a target of employing 50% of the candidates, but we’ve already exceeded that with two thirds employed and more are waiting to hear results of recent interviews. Not only do we hear from recruiting managers how good these candidates are, but we also know the huge effect that the opportunity to get high quality work experience has on everyone who comes through the doors.” The programme is part of Trust’s Pledge towards Salford’s 10% better Social Value Campaign, helping to improve the lives of people across the area. For more information contact Apprenticeships at Salford City College on 0161 631 5555.
SPRING 2018
“I’m more than an assessor, I’m a motivator.” Chris Williams, Business and IT Assessor for the Apprenticeship Team at Salford City College, talks challenges, achievements and of course, apprentices. Chris, who works with level two and three business and IT apprentices, has been commended for his work at Salford City College. At the end of last year Chris was awarded Staff Choice Award Winner for his department and was voted Trainer Assessor of the Year in 2016. This is what his colleagues had to say about him: “Chris is an amazing help to all members of the Apprenticeship Team, he is always happy to offer support and guidance on any IT/technical issues the assessors have, and goes above and beyond in his role. He balances this with a full case-load of apprentices and is always positive and cheerful - he is a real credit to the team.” The award-winner describes his day-to-day responsibilities as supporting apprentices with everything from completing their portfolio and finding their way in the world of work, to ensuring that they are getting all they can from their employer. He said: “We want to make sure our apprentices get the most out of their apprenticeship at all times. We work with employers and we ensure that they are treating our apprentices fairly.
Pictured: Principal Michael Sheehan awarding Trainer Assessor Chris Williams with the Apprenticeships & Work Based Learning Staff Choice Award
“Apprenticeships aren’t what they used to be, they have come a long way. It’s not the case that you’d hire an apprentice just to undertake menial jobs, they are there to learn and help businesses move forward. We work with both the apprentice and employer to ensure everyone is getting all they need from the apprenticeship – it’s a really important role.” But, like in many jobs, Chris faces challenges every day. He said: “The biggest challenges are dealing with some apprentices who are struggling to balance their studies with working life. Sometimes you have to be more than an assessor, you have to be a motivator. Plus, some do have those issues outside of the work place at home, more so the younger ones. “Some of those that I work with have just come out of school, they aren’t prepared for the world of work and it can be a shock, but that’s what we are
there for, to focus them and to advise them. We make sure they are happy, we encourage them and guide them when we can. If they need something from their employer we can be there to communicate with them on the apprentices behalf too. When asked if he finds his job rewarding he said: “Absolutely! Especially those apprentices who have found it hard in the beginning and have then gone on to really get into their job and do really well. It’s so rewarding when you get them through it and you know you’ve made a difference to them!” For more information on how Apprenticeships at Salford City College can help you through your apprenticeship, call 0161 631 5555.
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ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU FIND YOUR DREAM APPRENTICESHIP!
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SPRING 2018
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ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
APPRENTICESHIPS: MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY
Apprenticeship growth aligned to the needs of the local economy; that way everyone wins! In the 2007-08 academic year 225,000 individuals across the UK started an apprenticeship. In the 2016-17 academic year, just under 500,000 individuals across the UK started an apprenticeship. This significant growth, coupled with the Apprenticeship Reforms that have, and are still driving the sector forward, are truly placing apprenticeships at the heart of skills development across the UK. Nowhere is this more prominent then in the North West. In 2016-17, 43,080 different work places in the North West employed apprentices. This is the highest number of any region in the UK, and a whopping 5,870 more than its closest competitor the South East, who had 37,210 work places employing apprentices. In comparison, London only had 24,140 work places employing apprentices and the North East had 15,760*. This positive picture for the North West aligns to the growth in apprenticeship provision which Salford City College has experienced in recent years. Yet, it appears that the majority of employers in Greater Manchester are still uncertain as to their apprenticeship requirements, with only around 20% committing to investment in apprentices (GM Business Survey 2016). It is critical that this continues to rise as employers become more aware of the benefits of employing apprentices.
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The Salford Employment and Skills Strategy 2017-20 details the significant business growth Salford has experienced over the last decade, and indicates the substantial further investment expected over the next ten years. The requirement for increased levels of skills and knowledge amongst its working population mirrors this growth and investment. The strategy details the sectors in Salford with major growth opportunities, such as Business, Financial & Professional Services, Digital & Creative Industries, Logistics & Manufacturing, Health and Social Care, and Construction. The apprenticeship provision at Salford City College is intentionally aligned to the majority of these key sectors. It is critical that the apprenticeships offered by the college support the businesses in Salford with the skills they need in their staff to develop and grow their business. Similarly by offering apprenticeships in these key sectors, the individuals who benefit from them have the skills and knowledge to sustain employment in the sectors where opportunities for employment are strong.
*(Data source: Department for Education December 2017)
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ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
EMPLOYER CHRISTMAS LUNCH In December, Apprenticeships at Salford City College hosted their Employer Christmas Lunch. The event was an opportunity for many of the college’s partners to meet, network and celebrate another great year for apprenticeships. Guests were treated to a 3-course meal, wine and live music, all put on and served by students at the college’s official training restaurant, The Glass House. Head of Apprenticeships and Partnerships at the college, Debbie Ward, presented a speech, as did Roy Cavanagh MBE, from Seddon. Salford City College would like to thank all those who attended and hope to see everyone at the next event in May.
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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR
APPRENTICESHIP! CAREER HACKS FOR APPRENTICES As an apprentice you’ll be taught by the best in the business to help you excel in your chosen profession. Not only will you walk away with a qualification, but you’ll also complete your apprenticeship with plenty of industry experience, and, if you play your cards right, a whole lot more. Here’s how to get the most out of your apprenticeship:
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR CO-WORKERS AND MANAGERS
MAKE CONNECTIONS A big part of getting a job in any industry is getting your foot in the door. But, you don’t have that problem as you’ve already secured an apprenticeship in your chosen sector. You’ll be surrounded by people day in day out who work in the industry and may well have connections that could help you out in the future. So get to know your team and make an effort with everyone you come across whilst you’re there.
MAKE AN IMPRESSION
If you’ve been hired as an apprentice, it’s because your employer believes they have the know-how and the ability to train you up to sector standard and get you ready for the world of work. But, to get the most out of your new position you should be taking full advantage of all their knowledge.
So, you’ve already got your foot in the door, well who says your current employer won’t decide to hire you permanently should you impress them enough?
It’s likely many of your colleagues, and even your manager, are in job roles you aspire to be in yourself in the future. So why not utilise them while they are at your disposal. Find out how they got where they are today and get them to teach you as much as they can – after all, you are there to learn.
It’s the age old rule, but remember you’re an apprentice and you’re there to learn, you aren’t expected to know everything. Make sure you’re learning all you can by keeping those questions flowing.
BE OBSERVANT You’re going to be placed in the thick of it, so take it all in. Take advantage of the front row seat you have to a career in your chosen industry. See how things work, see what’s expected of you when you do have a permanent job. Take an interest in everything from office conduct to how colleagues manage their work loads, and pick up what you can.
BE PROACTIVE As an apprentice you’ll be trained up and tasked with various responsibilities as you would with any job. But, if you want to squeeze everything you can out of your apprenticeship, you’ll do that bit more to ensure your development from apprentice to professional. Ask for extra projects and additional training, or to shadow others in their roles.
DON’T BE SCARED TO ASK QUESTIONS
SET YOURSELF PERSONAL GOALS Whilst on your apprenticeship you’ll be given an abundance of support; by the college, by your employer and by your dedicated assessor. But, it doesn’t hurt to set yourself goals. Perhaps you want to aim to learn something new once every couple of weeks? Perhaps you want to aim to have a cup of coffee with a different member of your team each week to develop those connections? Whatever it is you want to get from your time as an apprentice, it’s up to you to make sure it happens.
ASK FOR CV AND INTERVIEW ADVICE It’s the perfect opportunity to ‘perfect’ your CV and interview techniques. Your manager or employer has probably been through their fair share in their time and will know exactly what to, and what not to do, so why not wrack their brain whilst you can.
Remember! Everyone started off somewhere, your managers, your co-workers, even the Chief Executive Officer. Whether they were an apprentice, a graduate, started on an internship or a work experience placement, they didn’t get where they are today overnight. So do your best and keep your goals in sight. 19
CAREERS IN
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
BECOME A HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE APPRENTICE …and take your first steps onto the career ladder. ‘The health and social care sector employs 157,400 people in Greater Manchester currently, with another 35,000 staff required in the next decade.’ (Source: New Economy). Requirements: • Caring in nature • Ability to empathise • Good interpersonal skills • Able to self-manage • Well organised • Good communication skills • Patient in nature • Flexibility - you may be required to work unsociable hours • Proactive - being able to remain calm and in control CAREERS IN HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE A CAREER IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Want to kick start a career in care? There are so many opportunities for those who want to help others and an apprenticeship can offer the perfect platform. Working in care can mean many things, but often jobs requires dedication, flexibility and a true desire to care for and help others. No day will be the same, and you’ll have to have the ability to take anything that is thrown at you. That said, a career in this sector can prove to be one of the most rewarding jobs around.
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Adult care worker
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Advocacy worker
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Residential care worker
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Healthcare support worker
Family support and outreach worker
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Social worker
CARE PATHWAYS: Health and social care covers more than just caring for people, it’s about helping people in an all manner of ways. Those who work in this extremely rewarding sector can do anything from nursing and caring for the sick and vulnerable to helping those in helpless situations get their voices heard. So many people need help in their lives, and being the person who gives it can be extremely fulfilling. Whether you are offering support and advice as a family support or social worker; whether you are improving the day to day lives of others as a care worker or whether you are helping secure the rights of vulnerable people by helping them make decisions about their own medical care as an advocacy worker, every day will bring a sense of achievement.
WANT TO BE AN APPRENTICE? CONTACT OUR APPRENTICESHIP TEAM ON 0161 631 5555 OR EMAIL APPRENTICESHIPS@SALFORDCC.AC.UK
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If that wasn’t enough, there is a huge amount of growth in the sector and widespread opportunity for progression and earning potential. And, the advantage of having an apprenticeship is you’ll receive both training and a qualification and hands on experience to give you that head start you’ll need.
WHICH SECTOR? We will work with you to find a suitable employer – earn while you learn!
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE HOSPITALITY & SERVICES PROFESSIONAL & FINANCIAL SERVICES INTERVIEW TIPS
CONSTRUCTION DIGITAL & CREATIVE EDUCATION Not found what you’re looking for? Call us! 0161 631 5555
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apprenticeships@ salfordcc.ac.uk
0161 631 5555
www.salfordcc.ac.uk