Information for employers
Apprenticeship Training for your business – It’s FREE
Apprenticeships are a great way to develop and grow your business by giving your employees valuable qualifications and practical skills they need to enhance performance in the workplace.
At Coleg Gwent we work with you to tailor an Apprenticeship training programme to meet your business needs, providing free high quality industry recognised training.
If your business is in Wales, whatever your size or sector – you can take advantage of an Apprenticeship Programme.
We have some exciting new courses for our Apprenticeship training programme in construction, engineering and health and social care.
With lots of places available for September now is the opportunity to learn more about how an Apprenticeship can work in your business.
If you have an employee in mind they can apply online now or if you need to find a suitable apprentice – we can help.
To learn more about our Apprenticeships email apprenticeships@coleggwent.ac.uk or call 01495 333355.
Why take on an apprentice?• 80% of employers who employ apprentices agree they make their workplace more productive
• 88% of employers who employ apprentices believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce
• 83% of employers who employ apprentices rely on their Apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future
• One in five employers are hiring more apprentices to help them through the tough economic climate
• 81% of consumers favour using a company which takes on apprentices
• Apprentices bring a significant return on investment and often go on to senior management roles. Many also take on higher level training
What are the benefits for your business?• Free training directly relevant to your organisation
• High quality training to industry-recognised standards
• Skills specific to your industry
• Skills to cope with new technology and new markets
• A way of tackling skills shortages
• Staff retention
• Increased staff confidence and morale
• A more responsive, motivated workforce
What will an Apprenticeship involve?At Coleg Gwent we offer two levels of Apprenticeship; Foundation Apprenticeship (equivalent to five GCSEs, grade A-C) and Apprenticeship (equivalent to two A Level passes). Both involve:
• Employing the apprentice for at least 16 hours per week, giving them a contact of employment and paying in-line with national minimum wage requirements
• Fully supporting the apprentice in all aspects of their Learning Programme
• Through mutual agreement, allowing Coleg Gwent staff to undertake visits to your business in order to assess and discuss progress with the Apprentice
• Allowing the apprentice time off to attend college for the duration of the programme
• Observing all relevant health and safety regulations
• Assisting Coleg Gwent staff in the assessment of the apprentice by giving feedback on their progress, attitude and development within their job roles.
What types of companies can offer Apprenticeships?Coleg Gwent currently works with a huge range of organisations to offer Apprenticeships at Foundation and Apprenticeship levels – from small private companies through to large multinational organisations. There are no restrictions on the size of the employer and there is no limit on how many Apprentices you can employ.
What will it cost the company?Funding for your apprentice’s training and assessments comes from the Welsh Government and in some cases, the European Social Fund.
Like any employee you will need to pay your apprentices for their normal working hours plus any training that is part of the apprenticeship programme i.e. Day release and/or block release programmes, for the latest information and guidance on rates of pay visit www.direct.gov.uk or contact the Pay & Work Rights helpline on 0800 9172368.
What types of Apprenticeships are on offer?At Coleg Gwent we offer Apprenticeships in:
- Automotive engineering - light and heavy vehicle
- Automotive engineering - vehicle body repair and vehicle body paint
- Bricklaying
- Carpentry
- Construction
- Electrical engineering
- Electrical installation
- Health and social care
- Mechanical engineering
- Plastering
- Plumbing
- Welding
What health & safety checks will need to be undertaken?Before an apprentice can start their programme, we’ll need to carry out the necessary health & safety checks in accordance with the Welsh Government Code of Practice. This means that the College will need to evaluate your company’s management of health, safety and welfare, to ensure learning/work is undertaken in an acceptable environment with risks managed.
In practical terms this means that the College will need to see evidence of the documentation listed below, as well as undertaking a short site visit:
• Adequate Employers Liability Compulsory Insurance and Public Liability Insurance
• Health & safety policy• Motor vehicle insurance details if applicable
• Fire precautions
• First aid provision
• Risk assessments including fire and COSHH (where there are more than five employees)
• Evidence of any relevant maintenance records (such as PAT testing, lighting equipment service records etc.) where applicable
Subsequently, the college will monitor health & safety to test the implementation of the employer’s health and safety management system throughout the Apprenticeship programme.
How do I find an apprentice?If you’d like to take on an apprentice but don’t currently have anyone already employed in mind, we have a list of current learners who are looking for an employer to support them in an Apprenticeship. Contact us for more information on 01495 333 355 or apprenticeships@coleggwent.ac.uk
What support does an employer get? We can provide you with help in recruiting apprentices; we’ll give you guidance throughout the Apprenticeship programme and a progress review every two months.
How do we apply? 1. Complete an application form
ONLINE: Using the link on the course info page
PHONE: Call 01495 333 355 for an application form
E-MAIL: apprenticeships@coleggwent.ac.uk
IN PERSON: At any of our five campuses
Or if you are looking for an apprentice contact us on 01495 333 355 or apprenticeships@coleggwent.ac.uk
2. Course advice & guidance
Your employee will be invited into college where we’ll give them advice and guidance on the chosen apprenticeship route. The session will be after 4pm to fit around work commitments.
3. Three-way Agreement & range of work
One of our Work Based Learning Assessors will arrange a visit with you to discuss the necessary range of work that is required for your employee to achieve the Apprenticeship programme and to sign a Three-way Agreement.
4. Health & Safety
One of our Health & Safety Co-ordinators will be in touch to arrange a visit to do the necessary health & safety checks.
5. Enrol
Your employee will need to come in and enrol once they’ve accepted their place on the course, the company has signed the Three-way Agreement/range of work and the company has passed the health & safety checks. We’ll make sure that both your employee and you know the date and time in advance.
6. Evidence Documents for enrolment
- National Insurance plastic card or HMRC letter or Full Passport
- Highest Qualification Certificate
- Latest payslip or contract of employment or correspondence from employer
- Driving licence (full or provisional) or birth certificate
- Proof of home address
If you are unsure of the documents you need to bring please contact us on 01495 333355 or apprenticeships@coleggwent.ac.uk
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