Apprentices

An Apprenticeship is a structured training programme, specific to the needs of the learner, enabling them to gain knowledge and experience leading to a successful qualification. It is a mixture of on and off-the-job training enabling to gain qualifications relevant to their chosen occupation.

Apprenticeships are available and are the ideal opportunity to gain valuable experience. Apprentices can work for a maximum of 40 hours per week and will be entitled to the same holidays as other employees at the business. Employers are responsible for wage and other employment costs – the national minimum wage for an apprentice is £3.90 per hour which applies to 16-18 year old Apprentices and those aged over 19 in the first year of their Apprenticeship. After this the national minimum wage will apply.

Training Officers/Assessors visit the learner in the workplace on a regular basis to meet with them and their employer to monitor progress and to carry out training 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 and need to achieve the minimum requirement for 20% of the paid time in off the job training.

Once we have received your completed application form you will be invited along to our preview event to see if Milltech can offer you a place on an apprenticeship programme. Alternatively some applicants may be offered a place on the Traineeship Learning programme. This is designed to prepare you for future opportunities. 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. We offer additional literacy and numeracy tuition to support learners if necessary while they are following an apprenticeship programme.

You will receive a letter within 7 days of your appointment to let you know if you have been provisionally accepted onto the programme or to inform you that you have not been successful.

Once accepted onto the programme Milltech 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.

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 at Level 2 or Level 3 – A Technical Certificate (theory or underpinning knowledge) – Functional Skills. Learning about Health and Safety and Equal Opportunities and the PREVENT programme is also a compulsory part of your learning programme. Exemptions from Functional Skills may be available for those with relevant GCSEs that have been achieved in the last 5 years

You could continue in your position with your employer in normal employment and work to achieve progression through the company. You may be able to progress to a higher level or progress to higher education courses at college or university at degree level.

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..

The length of time taken to complete the apprenticeship will vary between one and two 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 work towards this throughout your course. The range will be from a minimum of 12 months up to around 24 months although there is no maximum.

Entry requirements may vary depending on the employer 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.

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 – Sales and Telesales – Learning Standards and Development – Employment Related Services.

Telephone us on 0191 5100414 and ask for an application form or you can call in and pick one up. You can also apply online using the form below.