Questions and Answers

Questions for Learners

Q Who are Milltech?

Milltech originally commenced business in 1983 to manage the training of mechanical apprentices. This has gradually expanded to include business administration, customer service and team leading qualifications. Milltech occupies centrally located premises in Victoria House, Toward Road in Sunderland which are easily accessible by bus, metro and car. Milltech employs 24 members of staff and delivers training programmes to over 200 learners. Our funding is accessed through our contracts with the Skills Funding Agency, Skills Council and City of Sunderland and our achievements have been confirmed by Ofsted, the Institute of Motor Industry, Investors in People and EDI and OCR awarding bodies. We are proud to be a locally owned and managed organisation with well established links to local employers and schools together with an intimate knowledge of the recruitment and training needs of the area.

Q What are Apprenticeships?

An Apprenticeship is a structured training programme, specific to your needs, enabling you to gain knowledge and experience leading to a successful career. It is a mixture of on and off-the-job training enabling you to gain qualifications relevant to your chosen occupation. Apprenticeships are available for all 16 –18 year olds and are the ideal opportunity for you to gain valuable experience and earn a wage. Apprentices can work for a maximum of 40 hours per week (this could include Saturday’s) and will be entitled to the same holidays as other employees at the business. Employers are responsible for wage and other employment costs - the minimum wage for an apprentice is £2.60 per hour for full time hours. Training Officers/Assessors visit you in the workplace on a regular basis to meet with you and your employer to monitor progress and to arrange and carry out NVQ assessments. Programme structures will vary. Some apprentices will attend the training centre weekly or fortnightly for off-the-job training. Others will be given additional self study materials to prepare them to undertake the qualifications that make up the apprenticeship framework. Attendance at training (or the completion of self study materials) is a compulsory part of the apprenticeship scheme.

Q Why would you want to be an Apprentice?

Because you will: - Get a real job and follow your chosen career - Achieve recognised qualifications - Earn a wage - Learn industry specific skills which employers really want - Have the opportunity to learn completely new skills or study further in your chosen occupational area - Receive the full support of Milltech training staff

Q How soon will I be able to start an Apprenticeship?

Once accepted onto the Milltech programme we will begin to circulate your CV to prospective employers so it is very important to include the most relevant details of your qualifications and experience in your CV. Milltech will then arrange interviews with employers normally on their premises and when you have received a job offer you will be able to commence your apprenticeship programme.

Q What happens after I have completed an apprenticeship?

You could continue in your position with your employer in normal employment and even gain promotion. You may be able to progress to a higher level of NVQ or progress to higher education courses at college or university at degree level.

Q What will happen after I have sent in my application form?

Once we have received your completed application form you will be invited along to undertake some assessment tests in literacy and numeracy. The training staff will use the results of your test to decide if Milltech can offer you a place on an apprenticeship programme. Alternatively some applicants may be offered a place on the Foundation Learning programme. You will also be asked to let us know if you have any other additional support needs, for example if you have a health problem or disability that could have an effect on your learning programme, or if there are any personal issues that could affect your learning. If you tell us about any support needs you may have, we can plan for any additional help or support you will need right from the start. The results of your literacy and numeracy tests and any other support needs will not be used to prevent you from joining an apprenticeship programme. We can offer additional literacy and numeracy tuition to some learners while they are following an apprenticeship programme. However, some applicants need more help and support than Milltech can give and will be referred to Connexions or another provider who can offer them the support that they need.

Q What will happen after I have completed the assessment tests?

You will receive a letter within a few days to either invite you to an interview, which is the next stage of the recruitment process, or to inform you that your test results indicate that Milltech will not be able to recruit you on to an apprenticeship programme at the time. Interviews will take place with a member of the recruitment team and a member of the training team from your chosen occupational area.

Q How long does an Apprenticeship last?

The length of time taken to complete the apprenticeship will vary between one and three years depending on the occupational area or the programme you are taking, the requirements of your employer, your own individual input and the range of experience you will get. You will be told your planned end date on your induction day and will be reminded throughout your course by your Training Officer. On average Business & Administration and Customer Service Apprenticeships take up to 12 months to complete and Motor Vehicle up to 24 months. Milltech offer apprenticeships at Level 2 and Level 3. Level 2 is equivalent to four GCSE’s at grades A –C and is the normal initial qualification. Once achieved some learners can go on to a Level 3 qualification which is equivalent to two A Levels.

Q What is the Apprenticeship Framework?

All apprentices complete a Framework, set by the industry at the appropriate level for that occupational area, and will consist of: - A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 2 or level 3 - A Technical Certificate (theory or underpinning knowledge) - Key Skills (or Functional Skills)* - Learning about Health and Safety and Equal Opportunities is also a compulsory part of your learning programme. Exemptions from key skills may be available for those with relevant GCSEs that have been achieved in the last 5 years

Q Which Apprenticeship programmes do Milltech offer?

Milltech offers apprenticeship programmes in: - Business & Administration - Customer Service - Light Vehicle Technician - Heavy Vehicle Technician - Vehicle Paint and Body Operations - Vehicle Parts - Team Leading/Management - Information Advice and Guidance

Q What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements may vary according to employer requirements and the occupational area being followed, but all applicants should be keen and interested in working in the job role and enjoy learning in and out of the workplace. All applicants will need to satisfactorily complete an assessment of their basic skills (with results at Level 1 or above) and preferably have passed GCSE’s in Maths and English at grades C or above.

Q How can I apply to join an Apprenticeship programme with Milltech?

Telephone us on 0191 5100414 and ask for an application form or you can call in and pick one up. Connexions in Fawcett Street, Sunderland also have copies of our application forms.

Questions for Employers

Q What are apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are work based training programmes for anyone of 16 or over. They are government funded in collaboration with the Skills Funding Agency and Local Government. Apprenticeship Frameworks are designed by the relevant industry Sector Skills Council.

Q Are Apprenticeships just the Youth Training Scheme under a new title?

No. As Apprenticeships are funded by public money, providers are subject to regular inspections and quality assurance checks. Training Providers are inspected by OFSTED who are also responsible for school and college inspection.

Q What is the length of the Apprenticeship?

This will vary between one and three years depending on the occupational area, the level of support in the workplace and the learner’s commitment.

Q Where are Apprentices trained?

Mostly ‘on the job’ at your site or office, but it will be necessary to agree time away from the workplace in order to enhance their skills. This time is negotiated at the beginning of the programme. It may involve either one day per week or per fortnight in order to fit in with operational demands in the workplace. What are the benefits to the employer? • The course content of apprenticeships is developed by the relevant Sector Skills Councils. Therefore the training and qualifications will be relevant to your industry. • 88% of employers who employ Apprentices believe that Apprenticeships lead to more motivated and satisfied workers. • 80% of employers who employ Apprentices agree that they make their workplace more productive. • Employers only pay the salary of 16-18 year old Apprentices which is a minimum of £95 per week. The government funds their training. • One in five employers are training more Apprentices to help them through the tough economic climate. (Source: National Apprenticeship Service)

Q Where do NVQs fit into this?

An NVQ forms part of the Apprenticeship framework, alongside Key Skills, Functional Skills and normally a Technical Certificate. An NVQ consists of both mandatory and optional units, allowing learners a choice that will complement their job role.

Q What are employer’s commitments?

There are standard terms and conditions to control the employment of the Apprentice. You will need to give them a contract of employment, an induction into the job role and company structured on-the-job training. The more support and encouragement you give, the more you will get out of the Apprentice and the programme. Our employer handbook gives full details of your obligations. The Milltech assessor will visit the Apprentice at their place of business on a regular basis to ensure that the work they are doing can be used as evidence towards their qualification. Any work or modules that cannot be carried out at work can be done at Milltech. You will be kept involved in the learner’s progress as part of the formal review between the Apprentice and the Assessor which takes place every 11 weeks.

Q What help will Milltech give me?

Milltech staff will be available to answer questions and offer guidance; if you need to discuss any aspects of the programme, we are happy to schedule additional visits. The Training Officer is central in making things run smoothly. We provide a comprehensive range of services throughout the programme from start to finish which include: - Advertising to recruit the learner (if necessary) - Learner skills analysis & assessment - Induction and registration with the awarding body - Guidance with their portfolio - Development of an individual Training Plan - Assessment visits, off the job training and a regular review of progress - Verification of their portfolio and certification from the awarding body - Advice on further learning on completion of the programme.

Q Are there Apprenticeships for any job?

Yes, there are apprenticeships in most vocational areas although Milltech specialise in Business & Administration, Customer Service, Team Leading and Management and Motor Vehicle.

Q Do Apprentices receive additional training to develop other skills - numeracy, literacy for instance?

These skills are developed within the Key and Functional Skills part of the apprenticeship and form an important part of the overall programme. Milltech staff can also offer additional training to help improve upon their Literacy and Numeracy skills. It needn’t stop there We are finding increasingly that Apprentices are asking how to continue their learning, either by taking the Advanced Apprenticeship or by completing an additional framework at the same level. The advantage to the employer is even more loyalty and enthusiasm in the workplace.

Q What’s the catch?

It’s natural to assume that if something has little or no cost it has no value. However, since we are part government funded, our services are provided free to the employer. Our staff will be happy to discuss the Apprenticeship Programme in more detail at your request.