Preston College Apprenticeship Employer Welcome Guide 2026

EMPLOYER APPRENTICESHIPS WELCOME GUIDE

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Accountability Take responsibility for the way your decisions and actions impact yourself and others. Attitude Positive behaviour and a strong work ethic are the foundations of a successful future.

Aspiration Aim high! We’ll support your progression and career goals, so you can reach your full potential. Attendance Excellent attendance is vital to your progress and demonstrates your commitment.

Achievement Be proud of your progress and celebrate your achievements and qualifications.

Five As of Ambition

CONTENTS

I am delighted that you have chosen to take advantage of the many benefits that the apprenticeship model can offer to both you, as an employer, and your staff. I am particularly pleased that you have decided to work with Preston College to develop your workforce, and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship. Our staff at the College have the skills and knowledge that will enable our apprentices to flourish. This booklet will hopefully give you all the information you need, but if you do have any questions, our teams will be more than happy to help. Thank you for placing your trust in us.

Welcome............................................... 4

Six Week Apprentice Induction......5

Preston College App.........................6

Off-the-job Training...........................7

Digital Apprenticeship Service.......8

SEND Information..............................9

Employer Mentor Guidance...........10

Safeguarding & Prevent...................12

Safeguarding Team...........................13

Apprenticeship Assessment..........14

Progression.........................................15

What We Offer...................................16

Get Involved.......................................17

Industry Placements.........................18

The Apprenticeship Team...............19

LINZI MONKS Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement

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WELCOME

As an employer who is actively investing in the future of your workforce, you are giving your new apprentice the best possible opportunity to train, earn and learn within their chosen industry. This will help them gain the relevant technical skills, knowledge and behaviours which will benefit your business, whilst helping them pursue their career. If this is your first time appointing an apprentice, we understand that it can feel a little daunting. But please don’t worry. As your training provider, our team at Preston College will make it our mission to support you and ensure both your organisation and your apprentice will benefit from the outstanding technical training and mentoring. Your designated Business Development Lead will have helped you up to this point, and will continue to be one of your main points of contact. They will also be with you through to the completion of the apprenticeship and will always be on hand to help should you need them. Once the apprenticeship starts, a work-based-tutor will be assigned to your apprentice and will be your apprentice's main point of contact throughout the delivery of the apprenticeship programme. Your apprentice will have regular milestone reviews and these will involve their work-based-tutor observing and providing guidance whilst they are in their normal workplace setting. If you have any other queries outside of the delivery and teaching of the course, please contact your Business Development Lead. It is important to note that both you and your apprentice will be sent regular information and updates from the College and we will ensure that you are updated with any important changes, news and progression opportunities. Everything you need to know to start your apprentice with confidence is within this booklet. I would encourage you to read through this booklet carefully and if you have any questions, please contact our team.

I’d like to wish you all the very best in what is and will be the beginning of a very successful journey for you, your organisation and your apprentice.

DANIEL CRUMBLEHULME Employer Engagement Manager

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SIX WEEK APPRENTICE INDUCTION As your apprentice begins their apprenticeship journey, they will go through a six- week induction period. This phase is designed to help them smoothly transition into work life, meet their Work-Based Tutors, understand expectations, and become familiar with the College campus, especially if attending on a day-release basis. To support their adjustment and ensure a successful start to their career, we provide key resources and guidance to help them thrive. During this time we will encourage your apprentice to:

GET TO KNOW THE CAMPUS If their apprenticeship requires them to attend college they could: • Grab a coffee in Starbucks • Have fun in the Chill Zone • Take time out to study in our newly refurbished Learning Zone • Share best practice from those within other organisations

MEET PEOPLE • Work-Based Tutors • Other Apprentices • Their work mentor and work colleagues

FIND THEIR WAY • Familiarise themselves with our two carparks and nearest bus stops • Enjoy a campus tour • Pick up a map • Visit their classrooms

WHEN ON CAMPUS • Always wear their membership card • Be prepared: Bring a pen and paper and their kit if necessary • Mobile phones are allowed, but they must follow tutor instructions for usage during their lessons • Designated smoking and vaping shelters will be shown to them and are located on the College map • There are a lot of staff around, if they need any help just ask!

RECEIVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION • Get their timetable*

• Induction presentation/ Work-Based Tutor meeting • Classroom and workplace expectations

*if applicable

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PRESTON COLLEGE APP

We encourage our apprentices to download the Preston College App. This will give them instant access to college news, timetable (if applicable), course updates and much more. They will receive updates on college enrichment activities, online groups they can join and plenty of other opportunities to make their time at the College even more rewarding and enjoyable.

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OFF-THE-JOB TRAINING

You will be aware that as part of an apprenticeship, apprentices are required to undertake off-the-job training. The off-the-job training provides the time for your apprentice to focus and develop the required skills, knowledge and behaviours in order to achieve their apprenticeship, giving them a well-rounded skill set for the role they are training for. Off-the-job training is monitored and will have to be evidenced in order for the apprentice to go through Gateway and reach their Apprenticeship Assessment (p14). Typically off-the-job training hours work out at 6 hours a week.

Examples of off-the-job training (This must be done within the working hours.)

• College classes/online sessions • Research • Role-play • Simulation • Online learning – podcasts, webinars • Manufacturer training/in-house CPD events • Practical training

• Shadowing • Mentoring • Industry visits • Participations in competitions • Learning support • Time spent writing assignment or completing work towards knowledge, skills and behaviours • Reflections

Recording off-the-job training

• It must be recorded on the off- the-job tracker - accessed by the College app or on the College internal Promonitor system • Apprentices must describe the task and note the knowledge, skills and behaviours they have developed. • It must never be uploaded in bulk entries • It must be entered using the date

it occurred, not the date they are recording it • It must be realistic in time spent • It should show progress and development over time • Apprentices are required to record their off-the-job training at least once a week when not in the classroom, except when they are on annual leave.

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As per UK Government requirements, all employers must set up and manage their own Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) Account. This account allows you to access funding for your apprentice, and conduct recruitment for any future apprenticeship positions you may need. We offer a complimentary DAS Management Service exclusively for our employer partners. Your dedicated Business Development Lead will guide you through every stage of your journey, ensuring you have the support you need. Furthermore, by providing Preston College with permissions on your account, we can add apprentices and support further recruitment with apprenticeship vacancies. Once an apprentice has been added to your DAS Account, please approve your apprentice’s details at your earliest convenience and ensure that you have signed the most up-to-date apprenticeship agreement. This will ensure that you receive your incentive payments where applicable, and prevent any delays. If you require any support with this, please contact your Business Development Lead who will be able to assist you. DIGITAL APPRENTICESHIP SERVICE

Your DAS Account enables you to: • Access apprenticeship funding (including transferable funds) • Manage and add apprentices to your account • Find apprenticeships • Identify and manage training providers • Recruit additional apprentices through the vacancy page • Feedback by completing a survey on ‘My Training Providers’

DID YOU KNOW? You can transfer any unused levy funds to help other organisations recruit apprentices. For more information on how to do this, please contact our team.

Your feedback is invaluable and will help us continuously improve our services.

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SEND INFORMATION

Apprentices with Special Education Needs or Disability (SEND) If an apprentice discloses a SEND need on their application form, during interview or their tutor identifies it, a member of the Learning Support team will complete a SEND assessment interview with the apprentice. This encourages the apprentice to discuss previous support they may have received in school, and allow us to explore where their difficulties lie. The College can then work on any reasonable adjustments to promote independence and the achievement of positive outcomes.

If you would like further information or have any concerns about your apprentice/s please contact Kirsty Braithwaite, Support Co-ordinator for Apprentices on 01772 225915 / 07795527454 or email kbraithwaite@preston.ac.uk

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EMPLOYER MENTOR GUIDANCE

Your organisation will be required to nominate a mentor for your apprentice. This may be you, or it may be someone in your team who you feel would be a positive mentor and guide for your new recruit. It will be someone who is experienced in their role and has the knowledge to be able to assist the new apprentice to become fully integrated into your organisation. The mentor will help the new employee quickly absorb the businesses cultural and social norms. They can serve as a sounding board as the new apprentice is inducted into the company and will help them quickly come up to speed to become a valuable contributor in your organisation.

The mentor can help the new employee grow in their current position and become ready for new jobs and career opportunities.

MENTORING EMPLOYEES

Build an authentic connection Greet employees warmly and personally. Remember that the person with the most power and authority is responsible for making others feel comfortable, so always be kind and warm with your employees. Ask open-ended questions such as, “How is it going?” or “How was your weekend?” so that the conversation can begin with a more casual and natural tone. If the apprentice makes a particularly sensitive or important point, show and indicate interest. Humility and humour under the right circumstance are useful qualities to lay the ground for authentic connections.

Recognise their strengths It is the mentor’s job to help the apprentice reach their full potential. To accomplish this, it is best that you help them understand and build upon their strengths. A good leader will pay attention to what people do outside of work to see what their talents are. As you get to know your apprentice, pay attention to what they do for fun and in their spare time to see how this aligns with their roles in the workplace.

THE THREE Cs OF MENTORSHIP

• Connection: nurtured through shared experiences, genuine interest, and mutual respect • Communication: open and honest dialogue - sharing your insights, experiences, and even past mistakes

• Collaboration: combining your strengths and perspectives to achieve the apprentice's goals

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Earn their trust By earning the trust of your apprentice, it gives them the confidence needed to share their goals and concerns. Building a trusting relationship takes time and patience. There are daily behaviours that will help earn the trust of your apprentice, including; • Give credit to your apprentice for their accomplishments • Model the behaviour that you’d expect from your apprentice • Act as a support with assignments where applicable, or when the apprentice may ask for help • Be transparent and approachable regarding tough decisions and feedback Identify and pursue their goals As a mentor, do not be afraid to encourage your apprentice to aim high with “stretch goals”. Stretch goals are ambitions that can only be reached by taking big leaps. Speak with your apprentice about where they see themselves in their careers in five and ten years. You should the work with your apprentices and the College to define a path to help reach their goals with measurable milestones. This will help to ensure that the apprentice does not get overwhelmed or lose any confidence.

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SAFEGUARDING & PREVENT

All Further Education providers have a duty to safeguard their students, which includes apprentices. Prevent is about safeguarding our students to keep them both safe and within the law. The Prevent Duty is not about preventing students from having political and religious views and concerns, but about supporting them to use those concerns or act on them in non-extremist ways. What is Safeguarding? Safeguarding is the protection of a person's health, wellbeing, and human rights, and the prevention of abuse, neglect, and harm. It is a collective responsibility to safeguard children, young people, and adults. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as: protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes. What is the Prevent Duty? The Prevent Duty is a part of the UK's counter-terrorism strategy that aims to stop people from becoming or supporting terrorists. Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a duty on certain bodies, listed in Schedule 3 of the Act, to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. These statutory bodies include: Education, Health, Social Care and Police. What are the employer’s responsibilities? As an employer who has appointed an apprentice, you have a responsibility to: • Alert Preston College to any concerns regarding your apprentice to allow us to explore what the causes might be • Provide opportunities for employees to discuss their own concerns about extremism, events in the news and about British values • Be alert to any changes in your apprentice’s behaviour, that in your professional opinion gives you cause for concern • To help protect your apprentice(s) from the associated with radicalisation and extremism we have included a link with training activity which we encourage you and your apprentice to carry out together. Please visit: www.elearning.prevent.homeoffice.gov.uk Reporting safeguarding or prevent concerns involving an apprentice If you have a concern, would like more information or have any questions, please contact our Safeguarding Team via safeguarding@preston.ac.uk or by telephoning Student Services on 01772 225656 , asking for the Duty Safeguarding Officer .

You will find more details about the Prevent Duty in our Safeguarding and Prevent policy, available on our website at www.preston.ac.uk

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SAFEGUARDING TEAM

Tina Southworth Designated Safeguarding Lead Office LZ003 Tel 01772 225658 Mobile 07919 628 570 Email tsouthworth@preston.ac.uk

Sarah Nixon Safeguarding & Prevent Officer Office MB002 Tel 01772 225505 Mobile 07795 527 468 Email sarahnixon@preston.ac.uk

Gemma Moon Safeguarding & Prevent Officer Office MB002 Tel 01772 225141 Mobile 07549 035 577 Email gmoon@preston.ac.uk

Kat Fawcett Office SE115 Tel 01772 225328 Email kfawcett@preston.ac.uk

Kate Morris Office MB214 Tel 01772 225503 Email kmorris@preston.ac.uk

David Elliott Office LZB02 Tel 01772 225774 Email delliott@preston.ac.uk

Debbie Ireland Office SE003 Tel 01772 225600 Email direland@preston.ac.uk

Dan Crumblehulme Office AH017 Tel 01772 225743 Email dcrumblehulme@preston.ac.uk

Kirsty Braithwaite Office SE115 Tel 01772 225915 Email kbraithwaite@preston.ac.uk

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APPRENTICESHIP ASSESSMENT

As your apprentice progresses through their apprenticeship, they will eventually reach the final stage known as the Apprenticeship Assessment. The Apprenticeship Assessment is a crucial component of the apprenticeship journey, as it serves as an independent assessment to confirm that the apprentice has acquired the necessary skills, knowledge, and behaviours required for their specific role. This assessment is conducted by an impartial, registered Apprenticeship Assessment Organisation (AAO) and ensures that the apprentice meets the standards set out by the industry. In the lead-up to the Apprenticeship Assessment, your apprentice will undergo a period of preparation, often referred to as the "Gateway" phase. During this time, they will work closely with with Preston College and you to ensure the apprentice has met all the requirements of their apprenticeship standard, including any mandatory qualifications, on-the-job and off-the-job experience, and portfolio of evidence. Once you, as the employer, along with us, agree that your apprentice is ready, they will enter the Gateway and prepare for their Apprenticeship Assessment. The assessment itself may include a combination of practical tasks, a written exam, a professional discussion, and a review of their portfolio, depending on the specific apprenticeship standard. Successful completion of the Apprenticeship Assessment will result in your apprentice achieving their apprenticeship qualification, signifying their competence in their chosen field. As an employer, your support and involvement throughout this process are essential in helping your apprentice reach this significant milestone.

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PROGRESSION

After completing an apprenticeship, apprentices have numerous opportunities to advance within their workplace. Many companies offer structured progression paths, allowing apprentices to transition into full-time roles that align with their newly acquired skills. This can include promotions to more advanced positions, taking on greater responsibilities, or moving into specialised areas of the business. Additionally, apprentices may be eligible for further training or certifications that can enhance their expertise and open doors to leadership roles or niche fields within their industry. The benefits of progressing after an apprenticeship are significant. Not only does it lead to increased earning potential, but it also provides greater job security and the chance to build a long-term career with the organisation. Many employers value the commitment and practical experience that apprentices bring, often offering them continued mentorship and development opportunities. Furthermore, completing an apprenticeship gives individuals a competitive edge in the job market, as they have both the education and hands-on experience that are highly sought after by employers. For more information about progression opportunities, please contact our team.

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WHAT WE OFFER

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES • Autocare Technician L2 • Light Goods Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician L3 • Heavy Goods Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician L3

BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING • Building Service Engineering Foundation • Plumbing & Domestic Heating • Electrical Installation Maintenance • Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Point Installation and Maintenance Unit

L2 L3 L3

BUSINESS SCHOOL • Accounts Assistant • Assistant Accountant • Professional Accounting

• Solar PV Installation and Maintenance Unit

L2 L3 L4 L2 L3 L2 L3 L4 L2 L3 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L3 L3

DENTAL AND PHARMACY • Dental Nurse • Pharmacy Services Assistant

• Business Administration Assistant

L3 L2 L3

• Business Administrator

• Customer Service Practitioner • Customer Service Specialist • Associate Project Manager CONSTRUCTION AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT • Bricklaying

• Pharmacy Technician

ENGINEERING • Engineering Operative • Welding (Mechanised) Unit

L2 • Engineering Maintenance Technician L3 • Engineering Fitter L3 • Fabrication and Welding L2 • Metal Fabricator L3 • Engineering Manufacturing Technician L4

• Craft Bricklayer

• Plastering

• Wall and Floor Tiling • Painting and Decorating

• Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative

HAIR AND BEAUTY • Hair Professional

• Groundworker

• Advanced and Creative Hair Professional

• Property Maintenance Operative

L3 L2 L3

• Roof Slater and Tiler

• Beauty Therapist

• Site Carpentry • Bench Joinery

• Wellbeing and Holistic Therapist

• Craft Site Carpentry • Craft Bench Joinery

SCIENCE • Laboratory Technician WAREHOUSING • Supply Chain Operative

• Construction Site Supervisor L4 • Civil Engineering Senior Technician* L4

L2 L3

KEY L2 = Level 2 L3 = Level 3 L4 = Level 4

• Warehouse Operations Supervisor

*starting 2027

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GET INVOLVED

At Preston College, we believe that strong partnerships with employers are key to the success of our apprenticeship programmes. Throughout the year, we offer numerous opportunities for you to get involved and make a meaningful impact on both current and future apprentices. From participating in our Apprenticeship Open Events, where you can showcase your business and connect with potential apprentices, to guest speaking where you can share your industry insights and experiences, your involvement is invaluable. We also offer marketing opportunities to highlight your company's commitment to developing talent through apprenticeships. By getting involved, you not only enhance the learning experience for our apprentices but also strengthen your company’s presence within the community. We are also keen to encourage invaluable stakeholder input through our Sector Advisory Groups. The groups will be developed at sector level and will enable employers, key stakeholders and college staff to meet and discuss current and future skills needs, whilst ensuring that the College curriculum is both relevant and impactful in supporting workforce development and a thriving local economy. If you're interested in participating in any of these events or opportunities, please reach out to our Employer Engagement Manager, Daniel Crumblehulme; dcrumblehulme@preston.ac.uk, who will be happy to assist you in finding the right fit for your business. We look forward to working with you to create enriching experiences for our apprentices and celebrate the successes of our collaborative efforts.

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INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS

At Preston College, we are all about promoting progression and helping our students take the next steps in their careers. For those who are ready, we work closely with employers to find them suitable industry placements for them to experience experience real work place environments. Many employers find these placements helpful when considering apprentices, often offering apprenticeships to students after a successful placement. If you feel that you would be able to help support a student through work experience, please contact our Industry Placement Team Coordinator, Ikram, on 01772 225553 or email isaiyed@preston.ac.uk

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THE APPRENTICESHIP TEAM

Our Apprenticeship Team will be crucial contacts throughout your apprenticeship journey, serving as a consistent support from start to finish. They will play a key role in helping you navigate your apprenticeship, providing guidance on your professional development, and ensuring that you are well-aligned with your career goals. From the initial stages of the apprenticeship to its completion, they are there to offer advice, address any concerns, and help you make the most of the apprenticeship experience.

Linzi Monks Director of Apprenticeships & Employer Engagement

Daniel Crumblehulme Employer Engagement Manager

Kirstie Lawlor Engineering & Automotive Technologies Work 01772 225742 Mobile 07971512591 Email klawlor@preston.ac.uk

Work 01772 225261 Mobile 07795527462 Email lmonks@preston.ac.uk

Work 01772 225743 Mobile 07971511537 Email dcrumblehulme@preston.ac.uk

Sam Evans Construction & The Built Environment Work 01772 225744 Mobile 07800543842 Email sevans1@preston.ac.uk

Amanda Morey Construction & The Built Environment / Business & Professional Services Work 01772 225702 Mobile 07783809082 Email amorey@preston.ac.uk

Becky Lavin Business & Professional Services / Hair & Beauty Work 01772 225772 Mobile 07979700608 Email blavin@preston.ac.uk

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Preston College St Vincent’s Road Preston PR2 8UR

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