North East Scotland College : BECOMING AN APPRENTICE - WHAT DOES
THAT MEAN?
A
Modern Apprenticeship (MA) offers you the opportunity to gain an
industry-recognised qualification through a combination of college
and work-based training. This allows you to work, earn and learn at
the same time.
You
must be employed to enrol on an MA programme. Many employers recruit
for Modern Apprenticeship roles and others offer existing employees
the opportunity to undertake this training. This is a chance to
achieve an industry-recognised qualification that will vastly improve
your career prospects without having to study full-time.
An
apprenticeship is an investment – both for you and your
employer. The rewards are enormous on both sides. As you develop and
strengthen your skillset, you are likely to grow in confidence,
contributing more to your job role and bringing new ideas into the
workplace.
An
MA qualification will help you progress within your chosen field of
work, and could also create opportunities for advanced college or
university entry.
You
must be over 16 and employed to be an MA and both you and your
employer must be in agreement on the type of apprenticeship path you
wish to take. Entry requirements vary according to the specific
apprenticeship you choose. We have limited places in some
sectors for those aged 20 or over.
Here
are some of the questions North East Scotland College (NESCol) are
frequently asked.
HOW IS MY TRAINING DELIVERED?
Your training will be provided over an agreed term, this typically ranges from two to four years. You will attend college initially on a day release (one day per week) or block release period (several weeks at a time) while also working towards a training plan at work. As your apprenticeship progresses, you will find that the time you spend at college reduces and your training becomes solely work based.
IS THERE ANY SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO ME?
Yes. For the duration of your apprenticeship, you will be allocated an assessor from the college. The assessor will meet with you every three months to discuss progress, witness assessments and review your training portfolio.
WHO PAYS?
Your employer and Skills Development Scotland (SDS) will meet the cost of Modern Apprenticeship employee training, so there’s no cost to you to learn new skills.
The only investment you need make is in terms of time – the effort that you put in will bring enormous rewards, in the form of improved self-confidence, competence, efficiency and motivation.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AS AN MA?
You will be expected to carry out the required training and assessments whilst performing your day to day role for your employer.
I DON’T CURRENTLY HAVE A JOB – CAN I APPLY FOR AN MA?
You need to be in employment to enrol in a Modern Apprenticeship. However, there are employers who are looking to recruit individuals into a job role and then on to a Modern Apprenticeship programme.
WILL I NEED QUALIFICATIONS TO GET IN?
Not necessarily. While some industries want apprentices who already have qualifications up to a certain level, other employers don’t ask for any formal qualifications at all. As core skills are required for all Modern Apprenticeships, an existing core skills profile may be asked for on application.
HOW DO I APPLY?
We still have Modern Apprenticeship places available so if you’re already in a job, and you’re interested in starting an MA, you should speak to your employer to discuss which options may be open to you.
For more information or to request a copy of our Modern Apprenticeship booklet, contact MAteam@nescol.ac.uk or call 01346 586110.
