Apprentice scheme is cost effective
GTMA and Isis Training jointly developed an Apprenticeship Scheme to provide a cost effective and efficient process for recruiting and training engineering apprentices.
The “Apprenticeship” framework is a level 2 qualification delivered over a 12 month eriod with these elements:
- PEO (performing engineering operations) – these six units cover basic engineering kills i.e. fitting, turning, milling, electronics etc. Units can be biased towards mechanical, electronic, or maintenance disciplines and will be delivered by a local provider/college over two days a week for one year.
- Technical Certificate – a City & Guilds or Btec qualification, dependent on eventual job role and selected course. Again delivered by a local provider/college, this time for one day a week for a year.
- Functional Skills – Units completed are dependent on GCSE qualifications; exemptions are available in certain subjects for Grades C and above. Units will be delivered by the local provider/college.
- ERR (Employment Responsibilities and Rights) – Topics covered include health and safety, rights and responsibilities, procedures and documentation. A SEMTA workbook and assignments are completed by the learner in the workplace supported by the Training Officer.
- Work-based training – The remainder of the week (2 days) are at the company working to a Training Plan, jointly developed by the employer and Isis. This gives the learner the skills and experience needed to be successful in their eventual role. A log book of tasks records training and skills achieved.
- Progression to level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship – successful completion of the level 2 Apprenticeship will allow the apprentice to progress to a level 3 Advanced pprenticeship. This three year programme sees the learner attending college to study a Btec National Certificate or equivalent, for 1 day a week over the first two years.
The remainder of the qualification is delivered in-company following an in-depth Company Training Plan and the completion of an NVQ, selected to match the apprentice’s eventual role. Both the plan and NVQ require the completion of log books as a permanent record of the work completed. Very high standards are needed for both.
Each learner has an internal mentor as a main point of contact and Isis will provide a similar induction programme for each mentor. A Training Officer will also visit the learner very 6-8 weeks, both at college and in the workplace, and will also work with the employer to develop an in-company Training Plan for the apprentice. This is crucial to make sure work place skills/experience complement the technical and PEO units.
Whilst government funding is available, it is insufficient to cover the initial level 2 Apprenticeship, level 3 technical certificate and scheme monitoring costs. There is herefore an annual employer charge of about £750 (costs can vary according to the provider/college and selected courses).
