Apprenticeship Journey Booklet

Apprenticeships at Yeovil College
Yeovil College is currently training nearly 1000 apprentices around the UK, working with more than 500 different
companies. They range from small and medium sized businesses to large household names and international
companies.
Below is a list of some of our most popular Apprenticeships. For more information on these courses or anything
else in this booklet, please visit www.yeovil.ac.uk or call our professional team on 01935 845392.
Business
• Accounting
• Management
• Customer Service
• Business & Administration
Construction
• Electrotechnical
• Security Systems
• Plumbing & Heating
• Construction Specialist
• Plant Operations
• Construction Building
(including Carpentry)
Creative Industries
• Creative & Digital Media
• Improving Operational Performance
(PMO – Creative)
• Print & Printed Packaging (including
Machine, Digital, Finish and Carton)
Engineering
• Improving Operational Performance
(PMO – Engineering)
• Improving Operational Performance
(PEO – Engineering)
• Engineering Manufacture
(Operator and Semi-Skilled)
• Engineering Manufacture Craft
& Technician
• Composite Engineering
Hair & Beauty
• Beauty Therapy
• Hairdressing
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Health Care & Early Years
• Supporting Teaching & Learning in
Schools
• Health & Social Care
• Children & Young People’s Workforce
• Health Clinical Healthcare Support
• Health Healthcare Support Services
• Health Perioperative Support
• Health (Assistance Practitioner)
Hospitality
• Professional Cookery
• Hospitality Services Multiskills
• Food & Beverage Service
• Housekeeping
• Hospitality Supervision & Leadership
IT
• IT, Software, Web & Telecoms
Professional
Motor Vehicle
• Vehicle Maintenance & Repair
GET IN. GO FAR
Yeovil
College
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Yeovil College’s Guide to Apprenticeships!
What does an Apprenticeship include?
Welcome to Yeovil College’s guide to Apprenticeships. We hope you find the
information in this booklet useful, but if you have any further questions, please
contact our friendly Apprenticeships team:
Apprenticeships usually include:
Tel: 01935 845392
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @YC_Apprentices
College
A nationally recognised vocational qualification
A technical certificate, such as a BTEC or City & Guilds qualification
Other professional qualifications needed for your particular job role
Functional Skills qualifications, including English, Maths and ICT, if
required
What is an Apprenticeships?
How many hours will I work?
An Apprenticeship is a real job with training. They give you the opportunity to
work for an actual business or organisation, earn a salary and gain nationally
and internationally recognised qualifications, useful workplace skills and
valuable experience.
Apprentices should work at least 30 hours per week and an Apprenticeship
takes between one and five years, depending upon your age, existing skills,
the level of the Apprenticeship you want to do and the sector. Please speak
with our Apprenticeships team for more information.
The training is specifically tailored to ensure you develop the skills the
employer wants, giving apprentices a real advantage in the workplace. This
means that apprentices not only have better long term salary prospects, but
they also have excellent progression opportunities, whether looking to study
further or climb the ranks within the workplace.
In a small number of circumstances you may complete an Apprenticeship in
fewer hours, but there must be a valid reason and you must be employed for
at least 16 hours per week.
What are the benefits of an Apprenticeship?
There are three types of Apprenticeship you can apply for depending on your
current skills and qualifications:
There are many benefits, including:
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Earning a salary whilst you learn
Training in the skills employers want
Excellent progression opportunities, whether looking to study further or
promotion in the workplace
Better long term salary prospects (those with an Advanced Apprenticeship
earn on average £100,000 more over the course of their career)
Learning at a pace suited to the individual with the support of a mentor
Can I do an Apprenticeship?
If you live in England, are over 16 and not in full-time education, you can apply
for an Apprenticeship. If you are already in employment and would like to do
an Apprenticeship, please see page 7.
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Yeovil
What types of Apprenticeships are there?
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Intermediate (Level 2, the same level as GCSEs)
Advanced (Level 3, the same level as some vocational courses and A
Levels )
Higher (Level 4 or above, undergraduate level)
Yeovil College is proud to offer a range of Apprenticeships at all these levels.
Visit http://www.yeovil.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships/ for a full list of subjects
available.
How realistic are Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are designed with the help of employers, so
they offer a structured programme that gives you the skills to
do your job well, making you an attractive employee.
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Where will I train?
As an employee, you will be in the workplace
for most of your time, as most training takes
place ‘on the job’. For most apprentices, the
rest of your training will take place at Yeovil
College, either on day release or block release
from work. We offer modern and professional
specialist training areas, including workshops,
salons, kitchens, restaurant, garage, nursery
and more.
Yeovil College provides Apprenticeships to
organisations across the UK. Rather than visit
the College, some apprentices use e-learning
or are taught in the workplace.
You will use e-portfolios and a variety of new technologies to help you learn in
the most fun and efficient way.
How much will I be paid?
You will be paid at least the national minimum Apprenticeship wage,
which is set by the Government.
Visit https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates for the most
up-to-date information. Many employers pay their apprentices significantly
more, however. The average Apprenticeship wage is £200 per week.
For more about financial help with travel and other benefits,
please see page 8.
Will I have a mentor?
Do I need a job or placement to apply
for an Apprenticeship?
Yeovil
College
No, but you do need to be employed with a contract before you
can start your training. If you already have a job and would like
to start an Apprenticeship, please see page 7.
How do I find a placement?
You can find out about placements on:
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www.yeovil.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships - The Apprenticeships page
of the Yeovil College website. Click on ‘Latest Apprenticeship Vacancies’
on the right hand side of the page to go to a list of Yeovil Collegesupported opportunities on the National Apprenticeship Service website.
www.apprenticeships.org.uk – The National Apprenticeship Service
website advertises up to 25,000 vacancies across England at any one
time. See page 9 for more about using this website.
In addition, you can use search engines, look out for Apprenticeship adverts in
the recruitment section of your local paper or follow us on Twitter,
@YC_Apprentices!
Also think about using your contacts. Do you or your parents know anyone
who works in the area you are interested in? If you have done work
experience or have a part-time job in your preferred industry, would they
consider employing you as an apprentice?
If you find someone who is keen to take you on, ask them to call our
Apprenticeships team on 01935 845392 or email [email protected] for
advice on what to do next.
Yes. Staff at Yeovil College will work with you and your employer to make
sure you are progressing towards all your qualifications, monitoring targets
and completing checks to make sure that your employer is supporting you.
What are the entry requirements for Apprenticeships?
You need to be over 16 and meet the specific entry requirements of your
preferred Apprenticeship. For example, depending on your sector or job, you
may need particular Maths and English GCSE grades. For details of specific
entry requirements, please visit www.yeovil.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships/.
You will also need to be committed, motivated, enthusiastic, reliable and have
a ‘can-do’ attitude.
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APPRENTICESHIP
RECRUITMENT EVENT
SEE YEOVIL.AC.UK FOR THE LATEST EVENT
INFORMATION AND VACANCIES
5
Already employed?
Complete a Yeovil College application form. Application forms are
available from:
Congratulations! If you have already found a job or placement,
you may be able to convert it in to an Apprenticeship.
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Firstly, speak with your employer and check that they are happy to
discuss the idea of you becoming an apprentice.
Your Careers Teacher
Careers offices in Somerset and Dorset
Our Mudford Road Reception
Our website, www.yeovil.ac.uk.
Click on ‘How to Apply’ at the top of the page.
What happens next?
Once we receive your application form:
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We let you know that we have received your application and contact you
with any queries.
Next, you will be invited to an interview. Most interviews take place between
5 pm and 7.30 pm at the main College campus in Yeovil or at the North
Dorset Technical College. In some cases, interviews may take place during
the day at your school (if applicable). Interviews begin in October for
courses starting the following year.
At the interview, you will meet a member of staff who will talk to you about
your strengths and career ambitions and make sure the choice will get you
where you want to be. Your prior experience and knowledge will be taken
into account.
As part of the interview process, your English and maths skills may be
assessed, depending on your predicted or actual GCSE grades. This
assessment will help us make sure you are on the right level of course for
you and let us know whether there are any additional support services we
can give you. Additional learning support can be provided at College and in
the workplace through various programmes and e-learning.
After your interview, you will be offered a place at Yeovil College. This may
be conditional, which means you have to achieve specific exam results or
demonstrate certain skills before starting the course.
Next, you need to find a placement, unless you have one already.
Yeovil College will help you in any way it can.
Just before you start your training, you will be invited to an Orientation Day and
an Enrolment Day. You will be sent more information about these events after
your interview.
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Yeovil
How to I apply?
College
Your employer will need to provide a suitable working environment for your
Apprenticeship training, to carry our workplace training and support you
throughout your Apprenticeship. There is plenty of help and support available
for employers, including grants. Yeovil College can provide more details.
Next, contact our Apprenticeships team on 01935 845392 or via
[email protected]. One of our experienced Training Co-ordinators will
arrange to visit you and your employer to provide more information about the
training, talk through all your options and explain how Yeovil College supports
both Apprentices and their organisations.
Not ready for an Apprenticeship?
If you are not quite ready for an Apprenticeship or a job, a Traineeship will help
unlock your potential.
Traineeships
Traineeships prepare young people aged 16 to 24 (or 25 for young people
with Learning Difficulty Assessments) for their future careers by helping them
become ‘work ready’. The programme aims to help you develop the skills and
experience you need to apply for an Apprenticeship or other job with training.
Traineeships include:
• Work preparation training which ensures you are ready and have
confidence to take the first step in your career, such as an Apprenticeship.
• Maths and English support to help give you the skills needed for the
workplace.
• Meaningful work experience which provides insight and experience of the
world of work.
Each programme lasts between six weeks and six months and are tailored
to your individual career needs. Traineeships are a stepping stone to future
success and increase your opportunities in the job market.
To find out more, please call Yeovil College on 01935 845392 or
visit www.gov.uk/find-traineeship
7
Other Benefits & Support
There are a number of different
schemes available to support you
financially while you are looking for
an Apprenticeship and when you
have found one.
Travel
Jobcentre Plus provides assistance
for the unemployed towards travel
costs to interviews and for the first
three months of their Apprenticeship.
Contact your local Jobcentre for more
information.
In some local authority areas you
may be entitled to a travel discount,
such as the apprentice Oyster
photocard in London. Check to see if
there are similar schemes available in
your local area.
If you are aged between 16-25 and
are a regular rail user, you can look
into the 16-25 discount rail card at
www.16-25railcard.co.uk
Apprentices are entitled to an NUS
card through the National Union of
Students. For just £11 (correct at time
of print) you get discounts at many of
your favourite high street and online
retailers.
Visit www.apprenticeextra.co.uk for
more details.
How to use www.apprenticeships.gov.uk
Yeovil
There are up to 25,000 Apprenticeship vacancies and
Traineeship opportunities on the apprenticeships.gov.uk website
right now. It’s free to register and once you have set up your
account you can receive alerts to tell you about new vacancies
that might interest you.
College
1. REGISTER
Go to apprenticeships.gov.uk Click on ‘How to Apply’ and ‘Apply Now’ and
register your details under ‘New user?’
2. LOGGING IN
Make sure your user name is relevant and your password is something that
you can remember. Your password must be between 8 and 20 characters long
and include a combination of letters, numbers and special characters such as
% or {
3. ACCOUNT ACTIVATION
When you register for the first time you will receive a confirmation email
through your registered email address. You must activate your account
by clicking on the link in the confirmation email. Keep the username and
password you used to set up the account in a safe place.
4. SEARCHING
You can search for your ideal job by keyword (job role, occupation type, or
Apprenticeship level) and/or by location, to suit your criteria. You can also
search for Traineeship opportunities.
Support
Your employer will also be there to support you once your Apprenticeship
begins. It is in your employer’s interest to help you succeed and many have
formal structures to help you get the most out of your Apprenticeship.
To find all the opportunities available via Yeovil College,
visit www.yeovil.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships. Click on ‘Latest
Apprenticeship Vacancies’ on the right hand side of the page to go to a list of
Yeovil College-supported opportunities on the National Apprenticeship Service
website.
Yeovil College will also be there to help you. Ask us about the help and
support that we can provide.
5. FOUND A POSITION?
There is a network of support to help you before and during your
Apprenticeship. The National Careers Service provides information about
learning and work, with a helpline giving professional advice on making the
right choices.
Visit www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk for a webchat with an
adviser or call 0800 100 900 free from a landline.
A8
Once you’ve found the position you want, applying is easy. The application
form is simple, secure and reusable, so you can view the status of your
applications and manage them online. You can have up to ten live vacancies
at any one time.
If you are successful with any of your applications and you accept the
Apprenticeship or Traineeship offer, remember to withdraw your
remaining live applications
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Top Tips
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Make sure your email address is a professional one – it will
be seen by potential employers.
Not received your activation email? Remember to check
your spam folder.
Make sure your email address and mobile number are
correct and up-to-date in ‘My Profile’.
First impressions count – use the spell check and ask
someone to proof read your application. It cannot be
changed or edited once submitted.
Yeovil
College
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How to write a good CV
What do I put in my CV?
You should tailor the information in your CV to the main points of the job
advertisement. Get as much information about the job and the company as
you can. The main sources of information about a job normally come from:
• A job advertisement.
• A job description/personnel specification.
• Someone you know already within the company.
• Company website and other internet searches.
• Contacting the company to find out more information on the position.
What to include in your CV?
The following are the basic headings that you will need to cover and the order
in which they should appear on your CV:
• Contact details.
• Personal statement.
• Education and training.
• Work experience/history.
• Achievements.
• Interest and extra-curricular activities.
Useful hints when putting together your CV:
When starting a CV, it is important to make sure that all details are clearly and
concisely laid out. An employer does not want to have to search through all
sorts of jumble to get to the information they need!
• Put your name at the top of the page –
this should be in bigger font than the rest to make you stand out.
• Use the above headings to ensure that you cover all information an
employer is looking for. These headings should be in bold
so it is easily readable.
• Keep your information relevant to the job that you are applying for –
use bullet points to lay out information clearly.
• Ensure that you use a sensible font such as Times New Roman or
Arial, using a size 12 font.
• Where possible your CV should be no more than 2 pages –
you do not want a potential employer to get bored!
• Don’t use coloured paper or pictures. These may not copy/scan well.
• Always check your CV for spelling a grammar when you have finished.
• Save a copy on a memory stick so you can email,
print or update as required.
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Yeovil
Improving your CV/Application
There are a variety of ways you can describe yourself
and your strengths. Try using the following:
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‘I am….’
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Skilled at…
Very good at….
A skillful….
Talented at…..
Competent in….
Qualified to….
Extremely good at….
Familiar with….
Excellent at…..
Able to….
Employers are looking for various qualities and characteristics in a potential
employee. Use the following list of words to help you when describing
yourself, whether in an application or at iwnterview:
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Able
Diverse
Keen
Accurate
Drive
Knowledgeable
Adaptable
Dynamic
Leadership skills
Alert
Educated
Loyal
Ambitious
Effective
Mature
Analytical
Efficient
Methodical
Articulate
Energetic
Objective
Assertive
Enjoy a challenge
Organised
Astute
Enthusiastic
Patient
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Bright
Fast learner
Persistent
Capable
Fast worker
Polite
Calm
Flexible
Positive
Confident
Focused
Practical
Committed
Friendly
Proactive
Common sense
Gifted
Punctual
Competent
Good communicator
Rational
Computer literate
Hardworking
Reliable
Consistent
Helpful
Resourceful
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Cooperative
Highly motivated
Responsible
Cope under pressure
Honest
Supportive
Creative
Imaginative
Tactful
Decisive
Impressive
Team player
Dedicated
Interpersonal skills
Tenacious
Dependable
Independent
Thorough
Desire to succeed
Innovative
Trustworthy
Determined
Initiative
Versatile
Diplomatic
Intelligent
Willing
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Hobbies and interests
If you are struggling to think of hobbies or interests to include in your CV/
application, use this list for inspiration.
Think about including hobbies and interests that are relevant to the job and
include working with others:
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Animals/Farms/Zoos
Archery
Art/Painting/DrawingModels
Astrology
Basketball
Bicycling
Bird watching
Board games/Card games
Boating/Water-skiingPuzzles
Bowling
Camping/Hiking/PicnicsRugby
Cars/Mechanics/RacingRunning
Chess
Climbing/Walking
Computers
Cooking/Baking
Crafts
Cricket
Dancing/Gymnastics
Dog walking
Duke of Edinburgh AwardTravel
Films/Cinema
Fishing
Football
Gardening
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Golf
Gym/Keep fit
Horse-riding
Jogging
Motorcycles
Music/Concerts
Photography
Playing a musical instrument
Pool/Video games
Reading
Roller-blading
Science/Electronics
Sewing/Needlework
Skateboarding
Space/Aviation
Sudoko
Swimming/Diving
Tennis/Ping-Pong
Theatre/Musicals
Walking
Website design
Woodworking
Wrestling
Yoga
APPRENTICESHIP
RECRUITMENT EVENT
Yeovil
College
Responses to Apprenticeship application questions
The table below shows examples of good and not so good responses.
Use these examples to help you when filling out the application form
Question
Good
Poor
What are your strengths?
(e.g. team working,
organising etc.)
“I feel that I have very
good communication
skills. As a keen team
member of a local football
team, it is crucial that we
communicate constantly
when on the pitch to
ensure that everyone
can work together to win
the game. I have been
praised by the team
captain for the way that I
communicate effectively
on the pitch, saying that I
am calm, motivational and
fair.”
“I am currently studying
at college. Punctual
organised professional
appearance and problem
solving”
What personal skills would
you like to improve?
(e.g. time management,
questioning skills)
“I would like to improve my
knowledge of the latest
cutting and colouring
techniques being used
with the fashion industry
and how these could be
adapted to suit high street
fashion trends.”
“I would like to improve my
time management”
Is there anything we
can do to support your
interview?
“No, thank you.”
“Nope”
What is wrong with this
response?
□□ Misuse of capital
letters
□□ Spelling mistakes
□□ Punctuation
What would an employer
think of this response?
□□ Poor attention to detail
□□ Unlikely to turn up on
time
What do you think?
□□ Rude/unprofessional
□□ Not how you would
talk to an employer
SEE YEOVIL.AC.UK FOR THE LATEST EVENT
INFORMATION AND VACANCIES
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Interview checklist
Body language:
Congratulations! An invitation to an interview means that the employer
believes you have the potential to do the job. The interview is your opportunity
to convince the employer that you are the right person for them. Use the
following tips from the National Apprenticeship Service to help you prepare
and make sure that your performance gets you the job:
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Prior to submitting an application:
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Ensure your voicemail message on your mobile phone is appropriate
Make sure your email address is sensible and not embarrassing
Spell and grammar check your CV, ensure it is up to date
Check your social media settings – many employers will search social
media sites such as Facebook and Twitter for pictures and posts that may
indicate you are not someone they want to employ
want this job?”
Prepare examples of when you have used skills relevant to the job
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Appearance:
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heard)
Be on time
Refer to the job advert/job description when answering questions
Speak clearly, using proper grammar
Avoid slang, swear words and suggestive language
Answer questions clearly and concisely
Focus on your strengths
Avoid interrupting the interviewer
Attitude:
□□ Work out how to get to the interview and how long the journey will take
□□ Prepare answers to some typical interview questions e.g. “why do you
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□□ Take a copy of your CV and a pad and pen to take notes if necessary
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organisation
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Responsiveness:
employer does
□□ Research the organisation and job you’re applying for and know what the
Take a bath or shower prior to the interview
Wear clean and ironed clothing
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear – formal shoes, not trainers
Polish/clean your shoes
Wear conservative makeup, accessories and jewellery (including nail
varnish)
Brush your teeth
Wear subtle perfume/aftershave
Cover tattoos with long sleeves
Remove facial piercings (one set of small earrings is fine)
Remove chewing gum prior to interview
College
Smile
Be attentive, nod or take notes
Make eye contact but avoid staring
Avoid negative behaviour (yawning, crossing your arms,
checking your watch, looking at your feet etc.)
Be composed (no fidgeting, playing with hair, tapping your feet)
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Prior to interview:
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Yeovil
Be positive and enthusiastic
Be attentive and professional
Be knowledgeable about the company
Use the interviewer’s name
Closing the interview:
□□ Ask any questions about the organisation/job that you prepared prior to
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the interview
Stand and shake hands
Thank the interviewer for his/her time
Emphasise your interest in the job
Ask when a decision will be made
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EXAMPLE
COVER
LETTER
Example covering letter № 1 Yeovil
EXAMPLE CV
Example CV My Address Anytown Somerset ZX8 9PE 15th June 2014 Mr R Taylor Tailored to You London Road Anytown Somerset ZX9 9PT Dear Mr Taylor With reference to your advertisement for the post of Apprentice Retail Assistant in the Somerset County News on 14th June, please find enclosed a copy of my Curriculum Vitae in support of my application for the post. I have just completed a Lifeskills programme and Anytown College of further Education. On this course I undertook work placements within the retail industry. I am now looking for a position where I can use the skills I have gained. These include customer care and stock control. I would be keen to work towards gaining a NVQ 2 qualification in retail. My hobbies are reading science fiction books and playing football. I believe I possess the necessary skills and experience you require. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application with you in more detail I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Sam Boon
Kyle Jackman College
Stephanie Simpson 25 West Crescent Anywhere Somerset ZX5 1AA (00123) 111222 A hard working and highly motivated school leaver with a friendly and outgoing personality. Reliable and conscientious, able to work as part of a team and on own initiative, this has been demonstrated both through work experience at a local newsagents and a holiday job at a supermarket. Education: 2007-­2014 Preston School Examinations: GCSE SUBJECT GRADE DATE Art & Design A* 2014 English Language B 2014 French B 2014 History B 2014 Maths C 2014 Double Science C/C 2014 Work Experience: July 2014 Retail Assistant, Safehands Responsibilities: Customer care Handling cash Stock rotation January – June 2014 Saturday Job, Safehands Checkout Operator June 2013 School work Experience, Newshound Newsagents Responsibilities: Sorting deliveries, customer Service designing Window displays Interests and hobbies Swimming for Anywhere Swimming Club, listening to music, reading horror books, assistant editor of the school magazine, patrol leader in the Guides. References: Mr J Brown Mrs B Smith Headteacher Manager Preston School Safehands Oak Road 2 the Grove Anywhere Anywhere ZX9 3EF ZX8 3JJ 7
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