of our learners would recommend us
of our learners have passed their EPA with a Merit or Distinction
of employers would recommend us
of traineeship learners have developed their careers as a result of the programme
Your apprenticeship questions answered
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions from employers
Why should I take on an apprentice?
Apprentices can bring fresh new ideas to your business allowing them to grow and thrive. You gain skilled qualified staff in a cost-effective way. They can motivate your workforce more and overall enhance your business performance while addressing skills shortages in your business.
What are my responsibilities as an employer to my apprentice?
There must be a genuine job available with a contract of employment long enough for an apprentice to complete their apprenticeship. You must pay an apprentice’s wages and the role must help them gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to achieve the apprenticeship with support.
You will need to have:
- an apprenticeship agreement in place with their apprentice for the duration of the apprenticeship
- a commitment statement signed by the apprentice, yourself as the employer and us as the training provider
- for employers who pay the apprenticeship levy and use the apprenticeship service; you will need to have a contract for services in place which we can support with
- an apprenticeship in place for at least one year
- the apprentice on the correct wage for their age, for the time they are in work, in off-the-job training and doing further study
What are your delivery models for apprenticeships?
Once you have registered an apprentice with us, you will be given access to our e-portfolio system called Smart Assessor. Smart Assessor will contain all the resources you need to support and view the progress of your learners.
Apprentices’ will also be supported by a dedicated Assessor and Essential Skills Tutors who will deliver their apprenticeships via monthly workshops, workplace visits and remote learning sessions.
You will also have a dedicated account manager who can support you with any questions you have about your employees progress and progression.
Would my apprentices have to go to college?
No, with our apprenticeships there is no formal need to attend college. All training is done in-house in your business via your apprentices dedicated assigned assessor.
How does the apprentice learn?
Apprentices do most of their learning at work and benefit from regular contact with their dedicated assigned assessor. There is coursework to be completed while on the course, which is to be submitted online, however, the knowledge to complete this is provided while learning inside your business.
What are the level equivalents for apprenticeships?
An intermediate (level 2) apprenticeship = 5 GCSE passes
An Advanced (level 3) apprenticeship = 2 A level passes
A higher (level 4 & 5) apprenticeship = Foundation degree and above
How much do I have to pay an apprentice?
Apprentices must be paid at least the national minimum wage for apprentices if they are aged 19 and under or aged 19 and over and in their first year of an apprenticeship.
Apprentices are often paid higher amounts as their skills develop and we encourage employers to do so
What is the apprenticeship levy?
The apprenticeship levy is a Government initiative which requires all employers in the UK, with a pay bill of over £3 million a year to make an investment into apprenticeships. You can find more details on the levy here.
What is end point assessment?
End point assessment (EPA) is the last step that an apprentice has to go through in order to complete their apprenticeship. This assessment allows the apprentice to demonstrate that they have developed all of the competencies (skills), knowledge and behaviours outlined in the Standard to prove they’re able to do the job they’ve been trained to do while on the apprenticeship programme.
Can my existing staff start an apprenticeship?
Of course! Placing your existing staff on an apprenticeship is a great way of upskilling your employees and uncovering your future managers. It can be a great way of motivating and rewarding your staff by committing to their continued personal development within your business.
Are apprentices entitled to maternity leave?
Of course! Like all employees, apprentices are entitled to Statutory Maternity Leave of 52 weeks with Statutory Maternity Pay for up to 39 weeks.
How long does an apprenticeship take?
The length of an apprenticeship can vary depending on prior skills and qualifications you hold as well as what level of apprenticeship you’re undertaking! on average, most of our apprenticeships take between 12 – 18 months to complete.
What is a QCF?
QCF stands for The Qualifications and Credit Framework. Qualifications that use the QCF rules are made up of units and provide flexible ways to get a qualification. Each unit has a credit value which tells you how many credits are awarded when a unit is completed with one credit usually taking you 10 hours of learning. With a mixture of mandatory and optional units, you can build a QCF qualification to suit your individual needs in a particular course, as long as you meet the minimum credit threshold to pass the qualification.
What is an NVQ?
NVQs are competency-based qualifications meaning they offer proof that you can do a job. NVQs are available in lots of different jobs, from administration to animal care. The qualifications go up to a level 5 so you can start at a level suitable for you and work your way up. National Vocational Qualifications are recognised throughout the UK and are achieved by recording what you do at work.
Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it, hear what some of our learners and employers have to say about us.
“As a result of my apprenticeships, I am doing more than I ever thought I would be capable of; including accounts, wages, staff hiring and management, as well as ensuring that the children are well looked after.”
“I got promoted to assistant service manager. It gave me a stepping stone to better myself and I am very proud to have obtained a managerial role by the age of 26. In just under 2 years I have achieved so much.”
“I can’t thank Aspiration Training enough because the quality of apprentices that have come through the door is 100% better than we’ve ever had before.”
“Aspiration Training has really helped improve my life, both at work and at home. My confidence has grown, and I feel more able to cope with anything work and life sends my way.”
