Apprentice Handbook 2025/26

York College & University Centre

New APPRENTICE Handbook 2025/2026 Inside this guide, you will find everything you need to know about York College life

APPRENTICE Details Name: APPRENTICE Number: EMPLOYER: Apprenticeship standard: Start Date: Time in College: York College Key Contact Name: Telephone: Email: Notes:

2

It is my pleasure to welcome you to York College & University Centre. I am delighted you have joined us for your apprenticeship.

We have a great range of apprenticeships available, working with some wonderful employers. We have a longstanding track record of delivering apprenticeships really well and I’m certain you will learn new things and develop new skills whilst you’re with us.

I’m sure your employer will support you to develop what you need to be successful in your career, but should you need anything please speak to our team in the Student and Apprentice Services team. They can help guide you directly or put you in touch with people who can.

The York College Brilliant Futures Pledge (covered on page 6 of this booklet) highlights the characteristics often needed to do extremely well at work.

We will give you the opportunities to develop your skills during your time with us.

01 Welcome to York College

Welcome

Our aim is that you’re ready to develop your career beyond the end of your apprenticeship. If you put the effort in and remain focused, there’s no reason why you cannot go on to do some wonderful things.

Joining us is the start of a wonderful journey that will see you develop and grow as an individual, excel in your studies, and get ready for whatever awaits you next. However, one thing is for sure, you will have every opportunity to thrive at the College - and I cannot wait to hear about some of the great things that you achieve whilst you are with us.

Ken Merry Principal and Chief Executive, York College & University Centre

3

Contents

Page

01 - Key Dates for Your Diary

5

02 - Preparing our Students, Apprentices and Community for Brilliant Futures

6

03 - Our Values

8

04 - Starting Your Apprenticeship and College

9

05 - Welcome to Your Campus…

14

06 - Keeping you Safe at College

16

07 - Support for Apprentices

19

08 - College Life

22

09 - Assessing, Reporting & Recording

26

10 - Useful Contacts

28

11 - Our Partnerships and Awards

29

Download the App ....keep up-to-date and on track!

Apple

Android

Student App 4

Apple

Android

Apprenticeship App

Academic calendar: AUTUMN TERM: 2nd September 2025 – 19th December 2025 Half Term: 27th October 2025 – 31st October 2025

SPRING TERM: 5th January 2026 – 27th March 2026 Half Term: 16th February 2026 – 20th February 2026

SUMMER TERM: 13th April 2026 – 26th June 2026 Half Term: 25th May 2026 – 29th May 2026

Key dates for your diary

01

Key dates for your diary

College Buildings Opening Hours (Term Time) Monday

07.00am – 9.00pm

Tuesday

07.00am – 9.00pm

Wednesday

07.00am – 9.00pm

Thursday

07.00am – 9.00pm

Friday

07.00am – 6.00pm

Saturday

08.30am – 4.00pm

Sunday

Closed

When not attending lessons during holidays, apprentices are expected to be in their workplace unless on authorised leave.

5

Preparing for brilliant Futures

02

6

Preparing our students, apprentices And community for brilliant futures As a new apprentice, we want you to know that it's a real privilege for us to be part of your learning journey. We don’t take that responsibility lightly.

That’s why we’ve created something called the Brilliant Futures Pledge, our commitment to helping you gain the essential skills that employers and universities are looking for.

Through this pledge, you’ll have the chance to build key skills that will Support your current ad future employment or for further study. We work closely with employers to make sure the skills you develop are not only useful but also officially recognised. These skills are part of an accreditation framework that can boost your CV, help with job applications, and support your university applications.

Many of the skills you’ll build here also align with the UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) key competencies, which means you’ll be developing knowledge, behaviours, and values that contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive world.

You’ll have opportunities to build these skills in lots of different ways: • Through your main course or apprenticeship • By taking part in extra-curricular activities across College

Communication Being able to relay messages and be persuasive about different points of view.

Collaboration and Teamwork Being able to work with other people, whether you are friends with them or not, to ensure the end goals of the group are achieved.

Resilience Being able to overcome challenges and not giving up when things get difficult.

Problem solving Being able to overcome tricky situations and finding solutions to challenges.

Dependability Being seen as someone who does what they say they are going to do and delivering on promises as expected.

Innovative and curious

02 Preparing for brilliant Futures

We pledge to provide students and apprentices with opportunities to develop the following skills:

Being able to think creatively when facing challenging situations and wanting to know more about how things operate or how what you are doing might make a difference.

Self awareness

Adaptable

Being able to understand where your own strengths and weaknesses are, and what you need to do to maximise or minimise them.

Being able to cope well with change and continue to be successful in new environments.

7

8

03

Our Values

Our Values

York College & University Centre is guided by our core values of Ambition, Care, Respect and Success. These values underpin everything we do to ensure that our staff enjoy working at the College and students receive the best possible educational experience.

AMBITION | CARE | RESPECT | SUCCESS They are as meaningful to staff as they are to students, apprentices and our community. We are proud to live by our values and welcome people across the College and our community to embrace them.

Documents to sign You’ll be asked to sign three documents: • Skills Scan: Confirms any prior learning or experience related to your apprenticeship • Apprenticeship Agreement: Details your apprenticeship standard, programme length, start date and planned end dates • Training Plan: Outlines what you’ll learn, when and sets milestones/targets These will be sent via email through “Signable.” Please read them carefully so you know your apprenticeship details. If anything is unclear, ask your key contact during workplace visits, they’re here to help.

your key contact You’ll be assigned a key contact to support you throughout your apprenticeship. They’ll provide feedback, set SMART targets and guide you for your End-Point Assessment (EPA).

Your key contact keeps your employer informed about your progress both at College and work.

They will visit you and your employer regularly to review your progress and milestones.

Off-the-job training (otjt) OTJT is learning new skills, knowledge and behaviours, both

in College and in the workplace, and is linked to your Apprenticeship Standard.

Each apprenticeship standard has its own minimum requirement for off-the-job training hours.

Your key contact will explain these requirements to you and your employer at the start of your apprenticeship. College attendance counts as OTJT and is uploaded automatically to your e-portfolio.

You’ll also need to upload evidence of workplace learning.

Check your Training Plan to see what you’ll learn during your apprenticeship.

Smart Assessor - E-Portfolio We use Smart Assessor to record all progress reviews and off-the-job training logs, so your progress can be tracked.

Once fully enrolled and you’ve received your welcome email, you’ll get access. You’ll be expected to upload evidence and log your workplace off-the-job training hours. We’ll show you how to use the system.

04 Starting your apprenticeship

Starting your apprenticeship

Progress Reviews Your first workplace review with your key contact and employer will be within 6 weeks of starting your apprenticeship, then every 8–10 weeks.

We’ll discuss your knowledge, skills, behaviours, College and workplace progress, attendance, health and safety, safeguarding, wellbeing, and off-the-job training hours to ensure you’re getting the right learning opportunities.

9

Starting College

04

Keeping us informed Let your key contact know immediately if your: • Name, address, email or phone number changes • Health, maternity/paternity or mental well-being affects your progress • Job changes or you lose your job If you lose your job, you have 12 weeks to find another employer.

We must approve your new employer before you start work, as checks are required.

Gateway Gateway happens at the end of your apprenticeship training when you’ve gained all the required knowledge, skills and behaviours. Your employer, tutor and key contact will agree you’re ready for the End-Point Assessment (EPA).

interviews, tests or portfolio reviews. You’ll be informed about the EPA process from the start of your apprenticeship.

Once you pass, Skills England will issue your apprenticeship certificate directly to your employer.

TraveLling to college You’ll find everything you need to know, including travel options, College bus pick-up points, and more on our Travel & Transport page on the College website.

This page also includes helpful information on: • Travelling by train, bike, or motorbike • Directions to the College • Parking and permit guidance

Using the College Bus?

A meeting with your employer and key contact will confirm you have all evidence and feel confident. Your evidence will then be submitted to the assessment organisation and an EPA date will be set.

If you plan to travel by College bus, make sure to: • Complete the College Bus Application Form (available on the Travel & Transport page) • Purchase your bus tickets before the start of term

Gateway can last up to three months to allow time for preparation and revision. Your key contact will support you throughout.

Got questions? Our Travel & Transport Team is happy to help - just email transport@yorkcollege.ac.uk

End-Point Assessment (EPA) The EPA is an independent, mandatory assessment after Gateway that tests your competence in your job. You must pass the EPA to complete your apprenticeship.

Assessment methods vary and may include professional discussions, 10

Buy your College bus ticket

Visit the Travel & Transport page

York College offers a variety of catering outlets, all serving delicious food to suit every taste and dietary need, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Throughout the year, special menus celebrate foods from around the world, giving you a chance to try something new.

Café 1827 Food Court (ground floor - Atrium - main Café) Enjoy fresh, seasonal, homemade dishes that help you make healthy choices.

Café 1827 Coffee Bar (ground floor - Atrium - main Café) Start your day with breakfast items like croissants, muffins and porridge with toppings. Also available are

sandwiches, homemade soups, fresh fruit, cold drinks, home-baked cakes, freshly ground coffee and hot chocolate. We proudly serve Yorkshire Tea from the Ethical Tea Partnership.

Café 1827 Express Foods (ground floor - Atrium - main Café) Breakfast options include wraps, sandwiches, baguettes and hash browns until 11am. Lunchtime brings chicken wraps, burgers, pizza, chips, mini meals and meal deals.

Café 1827 (second floor - within Lounge on 2) Located in the Lounge on 2, this café offers pasta, sandwiches, toasted paninis, homemade cakes and hot and cold drinks including freshly ground coffee.

04 Starting College

Where to go for lunch?

Shop (Atrium) Our shop in the Atrium stocks sandwiches, hot snacks, confectionery and drinks - perfect for when you’re on the go.

Vending Machines (located around the campus) Available throughout the day for drinks and snacks.

The Cookery Eats (Atrium) Our Hospitality students regularly prepare and serve food for sale during lunchtime outside The Cookery.

Bins are provided in all catering areas for waste and recycling.

If you prefer to bring your own food, there are plenty of spaces where you can sit and enjoy your lunch comfortably.

11

04

Pre-Apprenticeship checklist

Starting College

• Plan your journey to your workplace and College.

Get ready for the start of term...

• Download Microsoft Teams You’ll use this for communication, assignments and online learning.

• Download the York College App Stay up to date with key information, your timetable, news and more.

• Download the Apprenticeship App To help plan your workload, prepare for your EPA and to access support.

• Access your College email account Check you can log in. Important updates will also be sent here, so check it regularly.

• Check your timetable online Available from 48 hours before Tuesday 2nd September.

• Get your stationery and equipment ready Pens, notebooks, folders, and anything else you’ll need for your course.

• Order any PPE or branded uniform If required for your apprenticeship, make sure this is sorted in advance.

Apprentices will be told by their employer what PPE or uniform is required.

• Wear your lanyard and ID badge Keep it in a safe place and bring it every day to College. You must wear it at all times on campus for safeguarding purposes. It helps us keep everyone safe by identifying students, apprentices, staff and visitors.

12

Our Online Shop is used for paying for trips, visits and various other products.

Visit the Online Shop

Using Your College ID as a Cashless Card You can register your College ID card to use it as a cashless card.

This means you’ll be able to pay for printing and food on campus using your ID. Once registered, you can easily top-up your balance online.

2. Go to a printer - hold your ID card against the plastic area below the touchscreen. You might need to move it slightly to help the machine detect it.

3. Enter your College log in details when prompted. For example: Username: jo-smith Password: mypassword 4. Press OK or Enter - if registration is successful, the screen will confirm it.

5. If you’re not sure whether it worked, speak to the IT Team at the 2nd Floor Learning & Research Centre Help Desk.

04 Starting College

Online shop

Topping up your card Once your card is registered, you can top it up online here:

How to register your College ID card (at a York College printer) 1. Make sure you have your College username and password. You’ll need these to register your card.

13

Welcome to your campus

05

Welcome to your campus…

Learning & Research Centre Spanning the first and second floors, the Learning & Research Centre offers access to books, computers, quiet study spaces, and a wide range of digital resources including e-books, journals and magazines – everything you need to support your learning and research.

Take the 360 tour to familiarise yourself with the campus

Inspired Salon The Athletic Suite

The Inspired salons are located on the ground floor of the main College Atrium. Relax and enjoy our range of hair, beauty, make-up and holistic treatments. Our facilities include three beauty therapy treatment rooms, three media make-up studios and two hairdressing salons, as well as a fully functioning reception and shop.

Our Athletic Suite is made up of state-of-the-art resistance and cardio equipment, providing our students with the best training to develop their skills and confidence. Our Athletic Suite is free and open for our staff and students to use. All users of the Athletic Suite need to first book in an induction with our Sports team.

Visit the Athletic Suite or speak to our Sports staff to find out the opening times and book your induction.

&

CHANGING ROOM

CHANGING ROOM

­

­

­

­

­

­

Explore the College floor plan and locate your rooms for the first few days.

CHANGING ROOM

­ ­ CHANGING ROOM CHANGING ROOM

© BUSINESS MAPS LTD - WWW.BUSINESSMAPS.COM

14

07/2025

Our Art Gallery is located on the first floor overlooking the Atrium showcases a dynamic rotation of exhibitions featuring guest artists throughout the year, alongside the creative work of our own talented students.

Cube 360o Students from every corner of the campus are now benefitting from York College & University Centre’s trailblazing Cube 360 Immersive Room. Located on the second floor, this innovative space can propel inhabitants into infinite settings and scenarios by projecting 360-degree images or videos on to its four bare walls and floor.

Alan Ayckbourn Theatre The theatre is designed to be a flexible auditorium and is adapted for a wide variety of performance styles for theatre, dance and music events. It seats up to 200 people (dependent on performance layout) and has state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment.

The Cookery The Cookery is our on-site training restaurant, where students hone their culinary skills in a real-world setting. Open to the public, it offers a unique dining experience led by our aspiring chefs. For a more casual option, The Cookery Eats serves delicious student-made food at lunchtime, giving students additional opportunities to showcase their talents.

Learning Support & Quiet Spaces Located on the first floor in the Learning & Research Centre, this is a quiet zone where you can work, reflect or take time out when needed.

Welcome to your campus

05

Art Gallery

SEND & Well-being Space You’ll find this space behind the Welcome Desk in the Student Experience Hub. It’s designed for anyone who needs: • Time to regulate or calm down • A space to manage your mental health and well-being • A moment of peace away from busy areas

Oasis room The Oasis room is an available and accessible space in College for spiritual reflection and exploration for people of any religious persuasion or none, or for those who may just wish to think and reflect.

15

Keeping you safe at College

06

Keeping you safe at College Safeguarding Safeguarding means protecting yourself and others from harm, abuse and neglect. It's important to be aware of potential risks and to speak up if you’re ever worried, whether it's about your own safety or someone else’s.

• Provide training and awareness sessions for both staff and students • Help you recognise the signs of abuse, harm or risk • Offer ongoing support whenever you need it

Our Safeguarding Team are here to: • Support you and connect you with outside help if needed • Help keep students and apprentices safe both in and outside of College • Make quick and appropriate referrals to the right people or services • Work with students, apprentices and staff to create a safe environment • Ensure your voice is heard by attending relevant meetings

If you’re concerned about your own safety or someone else’s, you can: • Complete the online safeguarding form on the student intranet • Or email: safeguarding@yorkcollege.ac.uk

Wearing Your ID on Campus For the safety of everyone on-site, we ask all staff, students, apprentices and visitors to always wear their ID badge visibly while on campus. This helps us easily identify who is part of our College community and ensures a safe and secure environment for everyone.

Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, York College is committed to protecting all students and apprentices from harm and this includes the risk of radicalisation into terrorism. Just like other forms of abuse or exploitation, radicalisation is a serious risk that some young people may face.

That’s why it’s part of our overall safeguarding approach.

16

Extremism is when someone promotes beliefs based on violence, hatred or intolerance. It involves trying to: • Take away or destroy other people’s rights and freedoms • Undermine or replace the UK’s democratic system and rights • Encourage an environment where others can do these things.

What is Radicalisation?

Radicalisation is the process where someone begins to support or justify terrorism or extremist views. It can happen gradually and often through influence from others, online content or groups.

What is Terrorism?

Terrorism involves acts that cause serious harm to people or property, attempts to influence the government or scare the public, motivation by political, religious or ideological beliefs and disruption of systems or services (such as transport or digital infrastructure).

There’s no single sign that someone is being radicalised, but there may be behaviours or changes that raise concern.

The Prevent Duty All schools and colleges, including York College, have a legal responsibility under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to prevent people from becoming involved in terrorism.

This is known as the Prevent Duty.

If you ever feel unsafe, worried about someone else, or see or hear something concerning, please speak to a member of staff or contact our Safeguarding Team: safeguarding@yorkcollege.ac.uk Or report anonymously via the student intranet. Your safety and well-being are our top priority.

Bullying We have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying in any form. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported at College. If you experience or witness bullying, please speak to your Progress Coach, tutor or any member of College staff.

We’re here to listen and take action.

Smoking, Vaping, Drugs & Alcohol We have a zero-tolerance policy on smoking, vaping, drug and alcohol use within College. However, students and apprentices are permitted to smoke or vape in designated areas outside the building.

06 Keeping you safe at College

What is Extremism?

Throughout the year, we offer guest speakers, events and external support to help educate and raise awareness on these topics. If you need support with smoking, vaping, drugs, alcohol, or substance misuse, please contact the Safeguarding Team or speak with your Progress Coach.

Health & Safety Staff, students, apprentices, contractors and visitors are responsible for their own safety and that of others. Always act responsibly 17

Keeping you safe at College

06

and report any health and safety concerns immediately.

The College supports employers through health and safety checks to ensure your workplace is safe. Your key contact will discuss health and safety during progress reviews.

A health and safety induction will take place within your first 6 weeks with your Key Contact, employer and you. Your employer should also provide a workplace induction early on, so you understand the environment and expectations.

Always follow the health and safety policies of both York College and your employer.

Accident reporting All accidents and near-misses need to be reported. You can do this via your tutor, Key Contact or by speaking to someone at the Welcome Desk. If an accident or near-miss happens at work, please follow your employer’s reporting procedures.

First Aid & Emergencies If you need a First Aider, you can: Call 01904 770444 from a mobile, dial 444 from a College phone or go straight to the Welcome Desk in the Atrium. Alternatively, if you are with a tutor or someone else, they can do this on your behalf.

Important: Dial 444 from a College phone in the event of an intruder or emergency.

Fire Procedures The fire alarm is tested every Wednesday at 8:30am. If you hear 18

the alarm at any other time, follow these steps: 1. Stay calm, do not panic or run 2. Do not use the lifts, they will be out of action 3. Follow the green emergency exit signs to leave the building 4. Go to the nearest assembly point outside and wait there 5. Do not re-enter the building until you're told it's safe to do so

Run, Hide, Tell - Lockdown (In the rare event of a threat) If there's ever a firearms or weapons incident on-site, follow this guidance: • Run – if there’s a safe route, get away quickly • Hide – if you can’t run, find somewhere safe, stay quiet and out of sight • Tell – when it’s safe, call the emergency services and give them as much information as possible This advice is to help keep you safe in extremely rare emergency situations.

If you hear our lockdown announcement, this is your sign to run and hide until the lockdown announcement ends.

Security & Valuables CCTV is in operation across campus for everyone’s safety. Please avoid bringing valuables into College and keep your belongings with you.

Your safety is our priority, don’t hesitate to speak to a member of staff if you ever feel unsafe or need help.

You will find a wide range of support for students and apprentices on our student intranet. Below will give you an overview of what we have available.

Careers Service Need careers advice or guidance?

The Careers Service is here to help all students and apprentices plan for the future, explore opportunities in education, employment and training, and make informed decisions. Our service is free, confidential and tailored to your individual journey. You can book an appointment with a Careers Adviser or access support via email at careers@yorkcollege.ac.uk.

E-guidance is available to both current and prospective students.

Functional Skills If you don’t have a GCSE grade 4/C or above in Maths and/or English, you must study Functional Skills alongside your apprenticeship.

Sessions run during block weeks, and your employer will be notified of your College attendance dates. Your key contact will remind you when to attend. Progress in Functional Skills will be reviewed regularly.

Attendance is mandatory and passing Maths and English is required to enter Gateway.

York College’s Commitment: • Employers will get advance notice of your Functional Skills sessions • You’ll receive timely feedback and support • Exam results may take up to 42 working days • Resits are available after further study if needed

Support for Apprentices

07

Support for Apprentices

Apprentice Expectations: • Sessions have a maximum of 12 apprentices • Inform your key contact immediately if you’re sick • Attend all scheduled sessions; missed sessions without a valid reason may lead to removal from the course • Be punctual, engaged and prepared with a notepad and pens

Financial Support We understand that as an apprentice, you might sometimes face financial difficulties or unexpected hardship.

You’re not alone - the best thing you can do is talk to someone. Our friendly Wellbeing and Funding teams are here to listen, offer advice, and help you find the support you need.

19

Support for Apprentices

07

Learning & Research Centre The Learning & Research team based in the Learning & Research Centre, play a huge part in your experience at the College. The team is here to help the whole College community access a wide range of electronic and print based learning resources.

They liaise with both students and staff to ensure that they find relevant and up-to-date material to enhance your studies and ensure you are expanding your knowledge outside of the classroom. They also provide advice and guidance on research, study skills and referencing. They work closely with your Progress Coaches and the curriculum teams to ensure you are accessing the right information for your course and personal progress.

IT Help desk Located on the second floor of the Learning & Research Centre, our IT Help Desk is available throughout the day to assist you with any

20

IT-related issues or queries. Whether you need help with log-ins, software, or devices, the friendly IT Team is here to support you.

Learning Support At York College, we’re committed to supporting all students, including those with learning difficulties and/ or disabilities (SEN). Whether or not you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), we can offer: • Specialist staff support • Equipment and tailored resources • Reasonable adjustments, based on your individual needs You should have already flagged any Learning Support requirements on your application form, but if you haven’t yet done this, please do let us know.

It’s helpful to inform your employer about any learning difficulties or support neds too, so they can offer the right assistance at work.

What is well-being?

Well-being is about how you feel and how things are going in your life. When your well-being is good, you might feel positive, healthy, comfortable, have a sense of purpose, and feel financially stable or generally okay.

If you’re feeling sad, stressed, or finding it difficult to focus on your studies, your well-being might be out of balance and it could be time to seek support or make some changes.

If you’re struggling, the Well-being Team offer confidential support.

The well-being services are non-judgemental and focused on listening to you and helping you find the right support.

How do we support your well-being?

The Well-Being Team are available on-site every day. You can talk to us about any mental health, well-being or welfare issues you might be experiencing. You can find out more about the well-being support available in College and details of external support services that you might find useful.

Your course tutor or Progress Coach are your first points of contact if something is troubling you or affecting your ability to learn and concentrate. They work closely with our Well-being Service and can help you access support whenever you need it.

Be sure to visit the well-being section of our website or student intranet, where you’ll find plenty of advice and resources designed especially for students and apprentices.

Support for Apprentices

07

Well-being

To access support just complete a short online form and a member of the team will contact you. We will assess your need and provide follow up support as necessary.

You can also email us at: wellbeing@yorkcollege.ac.uk

Spectrum Life Download Spectrum Life, a digitally powered health and well-bring service that will support you 24/7. To register for the service download the app from Google Play or the Appstore, add your student email address, create a password and add the unique code: York.

21

College Life

08

College Life Dress Code While there is no College-wide uniform, some courses may require specific PPE. Students should wear appropriate clothing that does not display offensive language or references to substances or activities prohibited by the student behaviour agreement.

perks As a new apprentice, you’ll enjoy access to a variety of perks designed to make College life for students more affordable and fun.

22

One of the most popular is the TOTUM card - the official student discount card endorsed by the National Union of Students (NUS).

With TOTUM, you can save on everything from fashion and food to tech and travel, including big-name brands like ASOS, Co-op and Amazon.

You’ll also benefit from: • Discounted public transport passes • Free access to software like Microsoft Office 365 • Exclusive invitations to events, giveaways and more These perks help you save money and make the most of your college experience.

ENRICH Clubs – Dominoes, Football, Crochet, Chess and more. Plenty of opportunities to make friends and have fun.

ENRICH Events – Events and Activities throughout the year (previous events include; climbing wall, external speakers and a visit from some farm animals!)

08 College Life

ENRICH Online – access our online platform for support with your Driving Theory Test, learning to cook or vital life saving First Aid skills.

Get Involved with Enrichment Activities Getting involved in enrichment activities is a fantastic way to make the most of your time at York College. Whether you join a club or society, compete in competitions, listen to guest speakers or explore new hobbies, enrichment helps you develop valuable skills, boost your confidence and make new friends.

These experiences don’t just enhance your CV, they also help you stand out to future employers and universities. Most importantly, enrichment is about discovering your passions and having fun beyond the classroom.

Our ENRICH activities run daily from mid-October throughout the week, designed. You have the freedom to choose which sessions you want to attend and even lead.

23

08 College Life

@

Your Voice and The Student Union

Student Union Leadership Team:

At York College we believe it’s essential that students and apprentices have a voice and are truly heard.

• President • Vice President

Our Student Union works to bring the student body and the College together, promoting well-being and satisfaction through student advocacy and positive change.

The Student Union is open to all students, and it’s important to us to have a diverse group representing all ages and courses.

There are also other opportunities to have your voice heard by becoming a Course Rep or Student Champion. Details of these posts will be given once term begins.

24

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Team: • Diversity Officer • Gender Equality Officer • LGBTQIA+ Officer • Disabilities Officer

ENRICH Team: • Health and Well-being Officer • Sustainability Officer • Fundraising and Community Officer • Activities and Events Officer

Surveys:

Curriculum Forums:

• Conducted each term: Induction, in-year and end of year • Independent surveys run ad-hoc throughout the year • Open to all

• Held termly across all curriculum areas • Led by the Curriculum and Standards Manager with Student Voice Team support • Inclusive of all learner groups

CHampions Lunch:

Student Union:

• Termly meetings with student representatives • Formed from advocates in each curriculum area

• Provides updates to Governors • Represents the collective student and apprentice voice at the highest level

College Life

08

Types of Student Voice:

Interested in learning more about the Student Union, or wanting to join?

Visit our website to discover more.

25

Assessing, Reporting & Recording

09

Student Behaviour Management Policy Our Behaviour Management Policy sets out the standards of behaviour expected from all students during their time at College. It helps create a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where everyone can learn and thrive. The policy covers key areas such as respect for staff and fellow students, attending classes on time, using College facilities appropriately and following health and safety rules. By following the student Behaviour Management Policy, you show commitment to your learning and help maintain a positive and supportive College community. It’s there to guide you, protect your rights and ensure everyone is treated fairly.

Scan here for our policies and procedures.

Assessing, Reporting & Recording Absence & Attendance If you're unwell or unable to attend College, you must inform us by reporting your absence on the Student App.

26

Unreported absences will be followed up by your Progress Coach.

Regular attendance is essential for your success.

Exam information For apprentices who are sitting Englisg and/or maths exams, you will find useful information about the exams in the Student Exams Handbook: Scan here for the website version.

Scan here for the student intranet version.

Exam Access Arrangements If you previously had exam access arrangements at school (25% extra time, reader etc) please communicate with Learning Support and your tutor to have an assessment of need for your current courses.

Results & Certificates All the results and post results details can be found on the Exam Handbooks at the relevant time.

Post result information is not available until the national results days.

09 GAIN REAL SKILLS DO REAL WORK LEVEL UP YOUR CAREER SEE YOU SOON!

27

10

Useful Contacts

Useful Contacts

If you have questions or issues with your apprenticeship or anything else at College, your key contact is there to help or speak to your Tutor.

Additionally, we have a dedicated team of advisers who offer confidential advice and support on a wide range of topics, including:

HSW@yorkcollege.ac.uk

Compliments & Official Complaints qi-admin@yorkcollege.ac.uk

Apprenticeships

National Minimum Wage Information

apprenticeships@yorkcollege.ac.uk 01904 770368

www.acas.org.uk/nationalminimum-wage-entitlement

Travel

Support for Employers and Employees on Employment Rights and Responsibilities

transport@yorkcollege.ac.uk

Careers careers@yorkcollege.ac.uk

Financial assistance funding@yorkcollege.ac.uk

Emotional and practical support wellbeing@yorkcollege.ac.uk

Safeguarding safeguarding@yorkcollege.ac.uk

IT Help Desk ithelpdesk@yorkcollege.ac.uk

Learning Support learningsupport@yorkcollege.ac.uk

Admissions/general queries info@yorkcollege.ac.uk

28

Health and Safety

www.acas.org.uk Whatever you need help with, just ask, we’re here for you.

11 Our partnerships and awards

Our partnerships and awards

29

AMBITION | CARE | RESPECT | SUCCESS

www.yorkcollege.ac.uk | info@yorkcollege.ac.uk | 01904 770770

MKT3040/0825