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Apprenticeships refer to on-the-job training leading to nationally recognised qualifications developed by industry. The National Apprenticeship Service supports, funds and co-ordinates the delivery of Apprenticeships throughout England.

The length of an Apprenticeship varies depending on the prior skills levels of the Apprentice, the qualification being obtained and industry sector. Generally, it will take between 366 days as a minimum and 2 years to complete.

Employment must be for at least 30 hours per week, except in the minority of circumstances where the learner cannot complete the full 30 hours. In these cases employment must be for more than 16 hours per week.

As of 1st April 2024, the current national minimum wage rate for an Apprenticeship is £6.40 per hour but many employers choose to pay more.

Apprenticeships help businesses to grow.

96% of employers that take on an Apprentice report benefits to their business.

72% of businesses report improved productivity as a result of employing an Apprentice.

Other benefits reported by around two-thirds of employers include improved products or services, new ideas being introduced to the organisation, better morale among staff and more staff staying with the organisation.

Apprenticeships develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.

Businesses that offer Apprenticeships think that they help with their long-term development. According to the British Chambers of Commerce, businesses usually employ an Apprentice to improve the skills available within their organisation. Apprentices are supported by quality training from local training organisations.

Apprenticeships improve productivity while reducing costs.

Apprenticeships are boosting productivity by helping businesses to expand the skills available in the organisation. The average person completing an Apprenticeship increases productivity by £214 a week. These gains include increased profits, lower prices and better products.

KT&A offer bespoke and tailored support to recruit your Apprentice that takes into account your requirements by:

• Advertising your vacancies
• Validating potential candidates and creating a shortlist
• Arranging interviews

Apprenticeship funding for employers will depend on the size of the company's pay bill:

1. Levy Payers - Large businesses who pay wages in excess of £3 million pays per annum

2. Non-Levy Payers - Small Medium Enterprises whose wage bills are less than £3 million per annum.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is all about acquiring knowledge, understanding and skills in the workplace and can be undertaken if the learner is employed or has access to and undertakes the required aspects of work. This on-job learning can be supplemented by off-job learning which can be gained from attending training sessions at a centre or at the work place (away from your work), using a variety of reference materials or accessing KT&A's resources. We employ a flexible and individual approach to off-job training opportunities, so these can be discussed and agreed with the Tutor/Assessor.

QCF qualifications are made up of units. A unit consists of assessment criteria which is related to, knowledge and understanding that must be shown. These show that people can undertake certain work-related tasks or activities to nationally agreed standards.

They recognise competence rather than academic ability, are work-based and can be achieved at the learner's own pace, within the funding period.

A learner achieves a qualification by demonstrating to a Tutor/Assessor that they are competent in undertaking certain work-based tasks or activities and has the relevant knowledge and understanding that reflect their job role to pre-determined national standards. Most qualifications require the candidate to actually carry out the particular tasks or activities whilst being observed by an assessor.

Teaching and learning activities will be offered and can take place in the workplace on a 1-1 basis or with a group, as relevant. Assessment of practice will be undertaken in the workplace, with full support from the learner's supervisor and/or mentor. Distance learning opportunities will also be offered to promote independent learning.

Attendance at one of KT&A's training centres for some off-job training or to receive additional support may be required. The Tutor/Assessor will discuss and agree these arrangements, as relevant with you or the supervisor/mentor.

A Tutor/Assessor will make contact with the learner every two weeks at a minimum. This will include emails, telephone calls and through virtual learning methods. Face to face contact will be undertaken for direct observations, as required and to conduct the learner progress reviews.

Learners will be funded for a pre-set length of time, depending on their previous experience and qualifications. Progress and achievement can often be made sooner than the pre-set length of time, if learner's work closely with their employer and Tutor/Assessor to engage in the required work aspects and undergo assessment to meet the agreed action plans.