Apprenticeship Programme
Learner Handbook 2024-25
CAREER INFORMATION, ADVICE & GUIDANCE FOR LEARNERS
A warm welcome from The Colleges’ Partnership Chief
Executive Officer
Welcome to the start of your apprenticeship training programme with The Colleges’ Partnership.
You are taking the first steps towards achieving a highly regarded programme of technical training that will stand you in great stead for your current and future career.
Apprenticeships are at the heart of the UK Government drive to upskill the workforce, enabling business to grow and compete globally. Your employer has invested in your training - both on and off the job - to support your personal development and contribute to their business objectives.
I am sure that you will make the most of this opportunity, and I very much hope that you enjoy the experience.
The Colleges’ Partnership delivery team will work closely with you and your employer as you embark on this journey.
We are here to support you, so please don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything.
Best of luck and I look forward to hearing about your future success.
Tony Basham Chief Executive Officer The Colleges’ Partnership
What is an Apprenticeship Training Programme?
An apprenticeship programme combines practical training in a job with study.
The modern apprenticeship training programme is suitable for an individual at any point in their career, from entry level all the way up to senior management. An apprenticeship is a genuine job and under all circumstances you should be employed from day one. As an apprentice, you will:
Work alongside more experienced staff
Be given time for study related to your role (at least 20% of your contracted hours)
Earn a wage and get holiday pay
Gain job-specific skills
Each apprenticeship is underpinned by an employer-developed curriculum called an Apprenticeship Standard. Apprenticeship Standards look at the occupational profile linked to the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) that bring full competence in a particular occupation. They describe how an apprentice can demonstrate mastery of this occupation by the end of the apprenticeship.
The standards are proposed and designed by employers to equip apprentices with the KSBs they need to succeed in their occupation.
At the end of the apprenticeship standard delivery, you will need to complete an End Point Assessment which is assessed by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation. Please note that some standards also include qualifications and these must of course be completed and achieved before End Point Assessment.
Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths may also be required to achieve the full apprenticeship.
Off-the-job training
Off-the-job training is a term that refers to active new learning or directed new learning taking place within the duration of your working hours as part of your apprenticeship.
The off-the-job training helps develop the new knowledge, skills and behaviours required to meet the remit of the relevant apprenticeship standard.
This will also support the development of the additional transferable skills which allow you, the apprentice to manage new employment, new equipment, new challenges and to better adapt and problem solve as required.
An apprentice must spend at least 20% of their normal working hours over the planned duration of the apprenticeship practical period, on off-the-job training.
This means that the minimum requirement (for apprentices working 30 hours or more per week) is an average of 6 hours of off-the-job training per week (i.e. 20% of 30 hours) over the planned duration.
What can be included?
The Colleges’ Partnership will work with the apprentice and employer to ensure that off-the-job training delivers new skills that are directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard. Off-the-job training can include:
• The teaching of theory (e.g. lectures, role playing, simulation exercises, online learning and sector relevant training)
• Practical training (e.g. shadowing, mentoring, industry visits and participation in competitions)
• Learning support
• Time spent writing assignments
• Revision (where this is specifically required for achievement of the apprenticeship)
What must not be included?
The Colleges’ Partnership tutor/coach will monitor that only applicable activities are logged, as the following activities are not included as off-the-job training:
• Initial assessment and onboarding activities
• English and Maths training (where this is required, this must be delivered in addition to the minimum off-the-job training requirement)
• Training to acquire knowledge, skills and behaviours that are not required by the apprenticeship standard
• Progress reviews
• Examinations and other testing (e.g. on-programme assessments linked to a qualification, mock EPA testing)
• Training which takes place outside the apprentice’s normal working hours
If off-the-job training must, by exception, take place outside of these hours, the apprentice and employer must agree to being compensated for this arrangement (e.g. time off in lieu or an additional payment). The majority of the training must not be delivered in this way.
Training Plan
A Training Plan will be in place from the beginning of an apprenticeship, setting out the training content that you, the apprentice, will receive and which elements count towards the off-the-job training.
Functional Skills - English & Maths
English/Maths are essential to supporting longer-term career prospects. Therefore, all apprentices will be supported to gain these essential skills and secure qualifications.
If you have achieved English and Maths at GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent 4-9) then you are exempt from having to take any formal exams.
If you have not achieved English and Maths, we will embed and deliver English and Maths training to help you achieve Functional Skills
Level 2 certification. This means you will need to sit exams but please don’t worry, the exams are paper/computer based, and we will make sure you are fully prepared.
If you are on a Level 2 Apprenticeship Programme, you will need to pass your Level 1 Functional Skills in English and Maths to achieve the full apprenticeship and work towards and attempt a Level 2 exam after a period of training if time allows.
If you are on a Level 3 Apprenticeship Programme, you will need to pass your Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths to achieve the full apprenticeship.
The Delivery Plan
The delivery plan is designed to stretch and challenge apprentices and is developed and delivered with active involvement of your employer. Together, we use a range of effective on and off the job training methods to develop your capability and confidence in your work role. A motivating and supportive workplace is required, with coaching and mentoring support for the apprentice and continuous assessment of progress supported by The Colleges’ Partnership tutors/coaches.
End Point Assessment Gateway & Certification
Gateway
Gateway is a tri party meeting to confirm that you are ready to transition from on programme learning to End Point Assessment. The apprenticeship standard clearly explains what is required, including achievement of
the appropriate level of English and Maths, and other specified components of the apprenticeship, signed off by the employer, apprentice and tutor/coach.
End Point Assessment (EPA)
The criterion for the EPA is laid down in the apprenticeship standard assessment plan, this will be discussed with you during the on programme learning with a culmination of a mock assessment before Gateway to confirm competence. The EPA is conducted by an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) which meets Ofquals requirements for assessment and quality.
Certification on completion of the EPA
The EPAO will claim the certificate and send it to the employer.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a term used to describe the duties and responsibilities that those providing education and training must carry out to protect individuals from harm.
The objectives of The Colleges’ Partnership
safeguarding arrangements are to:
1. Provide a safe environment in which to learn and work
2. Take appropriate action to ensure that learners are kept safe at home and in training
3. Identify and support any young or vulnerable learners suffering, or likely to suffer any of the following:
• Significant harm
• Abuse which can take a number of forms such as physical, emotional, psychological, financial or sexual
• Discrimination
• Neglect
Given that The Colleges’ Partnership have so many learners based across the country, we take a very diligent and thorough approach to safeguarding policies and procedures and as such adhere to the following government issued documents:
• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• The Education Act 2002
• The Care Act 2004
• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021
• The Prevent Duty 2015
The Colleges’ Partnership is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all our learners. If you should have a safeguarding issue, please speak to your tutor.
If you feel you can’t speak to your tutor you can get in touch with our Designated Safeguarding Lead John Stirling by email at safeguarding@tcpartnership.ac.uk or by telephone on 07809 306212.
Prevent Duty
The Prevent Duty is the duty in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 on specified authorities, in the exercise of their functions, to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
The role of Prevent Duty in schools and colleges
The government’s official definition of Prevent Duty is the legal obligation of schools/colleges to provide “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.
Prevent has a helpline which allows members of the public to express concern about people who have been subject to and embracing of extremist opinions.
What to do if you have a concern
If a member of The Colleges’ Partnership staff has a concern about a particular learner they will follow The College’s Partnership safeguarding procedures, including discussing with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, and where deemed necessary, with children’s social care.
You can also contact your local police force or dial 101 (the non-emergency number). They can talk to you in confidence about your concerns and help you gain access to support and advice.
The Department for Education has dedicated a telephone helpline (020 7340 7264) to enable staff and governors to raise concerns relating to extremism directly. Concerns can also be raised by email to counter.extremism@education.gsi.gov.uk
Please note that the helpline is not intended for use in emergency situations, such as a child being at immediate risk of harm or a security incident, in which case the normal emergency procedures should be followed.
In addition to The Colleges’ Partnership staff completing safeguarding training, Prevent training is meant to alert tutors to the possibilities of “non-violent extremism”.
In Prevent priority areas, the local authority will have a Prevent lead who can also provide support.
Warning signs such as withdrawal from social circles, abnormal behaviour or changes in vocabulary are common amongst young people.
Many teachers are aware of these indicators already and are always on the lookout for signs of stress in their pupils. Current guidelines dictate that training providers must “actively promote” fundamental British values of democracy, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance towards those with different beliefs.
Prevent doesn’t work to create extra safeguarding measures for teachers. It is more about identifying that there are newer dangers that young people face and encouraging them to learn that these dangers must be combatted.
Further Guidance can be found here: If you need to contact us or have any questions then please contact The Colleges’ Partnership Designated Safeguarding Lead John Stirling by email at safeguarding@tcpartnership.ac.uk or by telephone on 07809 306212.
British Values
The Colleges’ Partnership is committed to serving its community. It recognises the multi-cultural, multifaith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom.
The Colleges’ Partnership also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the organisation are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
It follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. The Colleges’ Partnership is dedicated to preparing learners for their futures and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its learners. The Government emphasises that schools and colleges are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools and colleges. The government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.
The five British Values are:
1. Democracy
2. The rule of law
3. Individual liberty which means everyone deserves to be free, no matter what their differences of opinions are
4. Mutual respect and tolerance, which means treating others as you would like to be treated
5. Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
As part of your training programme British Values are embedded in the delivery plan and it is something that will be a common theme throughout. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our organisation’s British Values Ambassador, Marcella Goodge on marcella.goodge@tcpartnership.ac.uk
Education belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone equally. The Colleges’ Partnership is committed to eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, marital status, age, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or ability and to encourage equal opportunities for all.
Our policies and practices follow all current legislation including The Equality Act 2010 (legislation.gov.uk).
Our EDI policy can be accessed here Promoting Equality & Diversity in Vocational Training — The Colleges’ Partnership (tcpartnership.ac.uk)
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Career Information, Advice and Guidance
The Colleges’ Partnership is committed to the provision of an impartial Career Information, Advice and Guidance service to anyone wishing to access any of our training programmes and to those that are already in learning.
Our Purpose
The purpose of the Career Information Advice and Guidance Service is to support enquirers considering study with The Colleges’ Partnership and to support students in achieving their aspirations, including their study and career goals.
In the delivery of Career Information Advice and Guidance, we support enquirers and learners in making decisions about their study and career planning based on their individual needs, circumstances, interests, prior learning and career goals and aspirations.
We place an emphasis on opportunities for independent self-assessment and decision making by providing information and advice that is easy to access, clear, relevant, and up to date.
The Colleges’ Partnership’s goal is simply to deliver an outstanding learning experience.
The Colleges’ Partnership’s Aim
The service aims to deliver Career Information Advice and Guidance to enquirers and learners who are registered on, or considering registering for, an apprenticeship with The Colleges’ Partnership.
The Colleges’ Partnership’s Objectives
• Empower enquirers and learners to achieve their study and career goals and to develop independence in their decision making
• Ensure that the delivery of Career Information Advice and Guidance within The Colleges’ Partnership is responsive to changes and developments both internally and externally, including changes to our client and learner markets
• Support the improvement of learner completion and progression rates
• Work proactively and collaboratively internally to enhance the effective delivery of Career Information Advice and Guidance
• Identify and work in partnership with external organisations to inform and enhance our service to learners
CIAG takes place in your 1 – 1 reviews which happen approx. every 10-12 weeks.
We can discuss how apprenticeships now acquire UCAS points, and we can help you with further CPD (career professional development) by signposting you to options to help increase your chances of progression to further opportunities, promotion and higher accreditation.
Click here to see IfATE careers
OneFile is where you will access resources, submit your work, receive feedback from your tutor/coach and track your progress. It is also accessible by our Internal Quality Assurance Team.
At the start of your apprenticeship, you will receive log in details and your tutor/coach will show you how to use the system.
You can upload evidence electronically, including audio, photographs, text & videos with ease. You can rate your sessions with a smiley face!
Here is a link to a ‘How to use OneFile’ video - OneFile:
• Upload your work
• Receive feedback
• Access resources
• Track your progress
• Manage your training calendar
Covered in this webinar are:
• Logging in and changing the appearance
• Navigating around your account
• Viewing plans and tasks
• Accessing resources
• Messages
• Uploading evidence
OneFile: Learner Webinar
Reviews
Every 10-12 weeks your tutor/coach will conduct a progress review with yourself and your line manager.
The aim of your review is to ensure that you are progressing with your qualification, undertaking development activities and achieving the agreed objectives. The date and timings of the review will be agreed in advance by your tutor/coach and it is important that all parties attend.
Prior to a review you will need to ensure that you have completed your Learner Self-Assessment Review record, where you will reflect on developments that you have completed, targets you wish to meet in the future, and your awareness regarding core areas of learning, such as Health & Safety, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Safeguarding.
At each review meeting, you will:
• Review progress against KSBs of the standard or against milestone or target set
• Review learning activities that have been undertaken since the last review
• Plan support measures or further learning activities that can be undertaken to gain additional knowledge or skills
• Discuss and agree SMART (specific, measurable, agreeable, realistic and timebound) objectives for the following 10-12 weeks. Review and update your Individual Learning Plan.
• Discuss any areas of concern or barriers to success and how these can be overcome
• Discuss core learning areas of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Safeguarding and Health & Safety
Discounts for apprentices.
The discount card for UK apprentices with loads of discounts in-store and online, helping your hard-earned cash stretch a little further!
To help with this, you may need your Unique Learner Number (ULN) issued upon enrolment, and our UK Provider Reference Number (UKPRN) which is 10020932.
Click here to sign up
Click here to get help if you have difficulty verifying student status
Get 30% off adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.
If you’ re 18 or over, live in a London borough and in your first year of an apprenticeship, you can get discounted travel.
Click here to sign up
Fair Assessment
We are committed to achieving equality of opportunity at each stage of the assessment process.
We aim to ensure that the assessment requirements and methods used within our delivery plans are sufficiently flexible, to enable the widest range of learners to demonstrate competence fairly and reliably.
We do however need to ensure that the assessment arrangements we allow are fair, reliable and do not give learners an unfair advantage, either real or perceived.
Learners may have assessment requirements for several reasons, including:
• Being unable to complete standard practical and written tasks through temporary or permanent disability
• Being unable to complete standard written tasks through temporary or permanent disability learning needs
• Being unavailable through illness or injury to attend scheduled practical assessments
• Being unable to effectively demonstrate practical assessments through illness or injury
Apprenticeship qualifications normally require both demonstration of practical skills and some written work.
Some courses require learners to complete multiple-choice tests or written exam papers. If learners believe that there are reasons why they might find it difficult to show competence through the methods proposed, they should discuss what alternatives might be available with their tutor/coach.
Reasonable adjustments to accommodate assessment requirements must be approved prior to the assessment taking place. Further information is available in The Colleges’ Partnership’s Reasonable Adjustment Policy.
Apprentices have the right to appeal in accordance with The Colleges’ Partnership Appeal Policy, appeals should be submitted within ten working days of the notification of no adjustments being approved.
Appeals Procedure
If you are unhappy with an assessment decision, you have the right to appeal.
The appeals procedure has three stages. To make an appeal you must start with the first stage and only progress through the other stages if you are not satisfied with the out-come of each one in turn. The three stages are as follows:
Stage 1
Discuss your concern with your tutor/coach who will provide you with an explanation of their assessment decision. This should take place within 14 days of the assessment decision.
Stage 2
The IQA is informed within 48 hours of the appeal. The IQA reviews the assessment decisions and looks at all the evidence. The IQA will communicate the outcome of the review to both the apprentice and the tutor within 14 days of receipt of the appeal. If the apprentice or tutor are still dissatisfied the appeal moves to stage 3.
Stage 3
The Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance for The Colleges’ Partnership must be informed of an appeal within 48 hours of stage 2 outcome. The appeal is considered by the Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance or another senior manager. The Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance will confirm their decision to apprentice, tutor and IQA within 14 days of receiving the appeal. If the issue is still unresolved the appeal moves into the awarding organisation appeals procedure. Should you address your appeal to the Awarding Body and remain unhappy with the outcome you may then raise your appeal to the relevant qualification regulator. Either a representative of The Colleges’ Partnership or the awarding body will be able to offer you guidance on the appropriate qualification regulator in each instance and provide contact details.
Complaints Management Policy
We are committed to providing a high-quality service to all our learners. When something goes wrong, we need you to tell us about it. This will help us to improve our standards.
If you have a complaint then please contact:
Or:
John Stirling Director of Quality & Compliance
T: 01258 457072
E: john.stirling@tcpartnership.ac.uk
What will happen next?
We will send you a letter/email acknowledging receipt of your complaint within three days of receiving it, enclosing a copy of this procedure. We will then investigate your complaint. This will normally involve reviewing the nature of your involvement with the company and speaking to the member of staff involved as necessary.
The Colleges’ Partnership will then either:
Take the necessary steps internally to resolve the complaint and then write to you with a solution.
Invite you to a meeting to discuss and hopefully resolve your complaint. We will do this within 14 days of sending you the acknowledgement letter. Within 3 days of the meeting, we will write to you to confirm what took place and any solutions we have agreed with you. If you do not want a meeting or it is not possible, we will send you a detailed written reply to your complaint, including our suggestions for resolving the matter, within 21 days of sending you the acknowledgement letter.
At this stage, if you are still not satisfied, you should contact us again and we will arrange for the Executive Director or someone unconnected with the matter at the company to review the complaint. Alternatively, we may (at our discretion) seek mediation to review the decision. We will write to you within 14 days of receiving your request for a review, confirming our final position on your complaint and explaining our reasons. If we have to change any of the timescales above, we will let you know and explain the reason for the delay.
We will do everything that is reasonably practicable to ensure the health, safety and welfare of learners. One of our qualified Health & Safety Officers will conduct a Health & Safety Site Risk Assessment prior to the start of your apprenticeship which is part of our compliance. We will work with your employer to ensure that you are aware of all local arrangements relating to your health, safety and welfare, including the reporting of accidents, fire precautions and safety policies.
All learners must have due regard for Health & Safety regulations both for themselves and for other persons who may be affected by their actions.
You should ensure that you are aware of your employer’s Health & Safety Policy Statement and the arrangements that are in place for the organisation and management of Health & Safety.
Health & Safety
If you do have an accident at work, we would appreciate your co-operation with following the accident reporting procedure below.
All accidents must be recorded in your employer’s Accident/Incident Report Book and then reported to The Colleges’ Partnership Health & Safety lead Steve Rodd at steve.rodd@tcpartnership.ac.uk
Data Security & GDPR
The Colleges’ Partnership takes the processing, storage, protection, and disposal of data very seriously and takes all necessary steps to ensure the correct safeguarding and storage of all data.
The Company will comply with its obligations under the Data Protection Act 2018 and General Data Protection Regulation at all times.
For questions about The Colleges’ Partnership’s Data Protection Policy or requests for further information, please direct them to data.protection@tcpartnership.ac.uk where our Data Protection Officer will respond to you.
Online safety
At a time when most of us use the internet daily, it has become essential that we understand the consequences of the way we behave, the people we interact with and the type of content we post online.
It is important that you learn and understand about inappropriate and illegal online activity and the potential consequences of terror-related grooming, downloading, and sharing illegal material.
You will explore a range of online risks, including stalking and identify theft, and will examine why acceptable use policies are created and how they are used. You will also examine behavioural changes that result from inappropriate and illegal online activity.
Sources of advice regarding online safety:
UK Safer Internet Centre
E-safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe on the internet. Helpline: for those working with young people: 0344 381 4772 (lines open Monday to Friday 1Oam till 4pm) www.saferinternet.org .uk
Think U Know
Provides children and adults with information about staying safe online. www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Get Safe Online
Provides advice to adults, children and parents about protecting computers, phones and tablets in addition to the privacy protection on social networking sites. www.getsafeonline.org
Childnet
Provides online information to children and young people about smart surfing and keeping a private identity. www.childnet.com
Useful Support Contacts
Cruse Bereavement Care National Helpline ------
Victim Support ---------------------------------------
Relate -------------------------------------------------
National Debt Line -----------------------------------
Womens Aid Helpline (Domestic Violence) -------
Release Emergency Service
(Drugs related issues) -------------------------------
Turning Point (Drugs related issues) ----------------
Gingerbread (Support for lone parents) -----------
National Council for One Parent Families ---------
Gamblers Anonymous ------------------------------
Shelter (Homelessness) -----------------------------
London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard ------------
Samaritans -------------------------------------------
NHS Smoking Helpline ------------------------------
Alcoholics Anonymous ------------------------------
Learning Disability Helpline -------------------------
NSPCC FGM Helpline --------------------------------
Better Mental Health --------------------------------
Education Support Partnership
Family Lives ------------------------------------------
Young Minds -----------------------------------------
Drink Aware ---------------------------------------------
The National Rape Crisis Helpline ---------------------
Gambling Therapy -------------------------------------
Drugs ----------------------------------------------------
Narcotics anonymous ---------------------------------
Improving Life for Families Affected by Drugs and Alcohol --------------------------------------------------
Anxiety --------------------------------------------------
Families Anonymous------------------------------------
Alcohol Change ----------------------------------------
The Neuroblastoma Society ---------------------------
MacMillan Cancer Care -------------------------------
Cruse Bereavement Care -----------------------------
The Compassionate Friends ---------------------------
Anxiety UK (formerly National Phobics Society) -----
Anxiety Alliance ----------------------------------------
Childline ------------------------------------------------
Suicide Prevention -------------------------------------
Students Against Depression
B-eat (Beat Eating Disorders)
National
OvercomeDepression.co.uk -----------------------------
OCDUK ----------------------------------------------------
TOP UK (Triumph Over Phobia) --------------------------
Assist Trauma Care ---------------------------------------
Combat Stress --------------------------------------------
Online support for young people -----------------------
Suicide Prevention ---------------------------------------
The Breastfeeding Network -----------------------------
The National Childbirth Trust ----------------------------
Cry-sis ----------------------------------------------------
NSPCC ----------------------------------------------------
Rape Crisis ------------------------------------------------
The Survivors Trust ----------------------------------------
Kidscape - help with bullying ---------------------------
Survivors UK - Male Rape & Sexual Abuse--------------
NAPAC (National Association of People Abuse in Childhood) -----------------------------------------------
British Pregnancy Advisory Service ---------------------
Switchboard - LGBT --------------------------------------
Campaign Against Living Miserably
We’re really keen to stay connected with The Colleges’ Partnership Alumni. If you’re interested in keeping in touch and getting involved as an Ambassador for Apprenticeships, please reach out to your tutor/coach or contact:
Julia Mann
Business Development Manager (Education)
T: 07881 252549
E: julia.mann@tcpartnership.ac.uk
Craig Hanby
Business Development Manager (Digital)
T: 07483 410554
E: craig.hanby@tcpartnership.ac.uk
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