I have discussed in some details horror stories about apprenticeship experiences.
The apprentice enrolled on the wrong apprenticeship because the training provider did not offer the correct apprenticeship, the employer told that he could take on an apprentice, even though there was no support for the potential apprentice.
But there are some really great experiences with apprentices gaining a wonderful experience of gaining knowledge and practical experience, leading to a recognised qualification that enables them to grow their career.
If you were advising a parent about apprenticeships what would you suggest they look for?
So what do you think the parent and prospective apprentice should be looking for?
My thoughts are:
Does the provider deliver the apprenticeship that interests you?
How long have they been delivering that apprenticeship?
What is the eligibility criteria to be able to sign up for that apprenticeship?
If the apprentice is not employed , how will the training provider find an employer, what eligibility criteria does the employer have to meet before being accepted as an apprentice employer?
Has the employer supported an apprentice before ( this is not a deal breaker) What sort of support will be given to the employer and apprentice? This is a deal breaker.
Does the employer and training provider have a planned training programme?
What are the responsibilities of the apprentice, eg. study days, length of time with the employer?
What are the responsibilities of the employer?
These are a few of my recommendations , but there are many more
What are your top five recommendations?
I am sure your training provision can show just how careful you are about matching the learner with the ‘right fit’ apprenticeship and employer
Make sure you can evidence this
Andrea Jackson BA (Hons) Director Nu-Gnu Ltd