Preston College Apprenticeships Employer Pack 2024

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

EMPLOYER PACK APPRENTICESHIPS

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Attitude Positive behaviour and a strong work ethic are the foundations of a successful future.

Attendance Excellent attendance is vital to your progress and demonstrates your commitment.

Aspiration Aim high! We’ll support your progression and career goals, so you can reach your full potential.

Accountability Take responsibility for the way your decisions and actions impact yourself and others.

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

Five As of Ambition

CONTENTS

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

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.

Six Week Apprentice Induction . ... 5

Employer Portal . . . . . . . . .......... 6

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

Off-the-job training . . . . . . . ........ 7

Digital Apprenticeship Service Account . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 8

SEND information . . . . . . . ......... 9

Employer Mentor Guidance . . .... 10

Thank you for placing your trust in us.

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

End Point Assessment . . . . . ..... 14

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

What we offer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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

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

The Apprenticeship Team . . . .... 19

SIMON NIXON Principal and Chief Executive

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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 Leader 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 Leader. 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 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:

FIND YOUR WAY • Familiarise yourself with our two carparks and nearest bus stops • Enjoy a campus tour • Pick up a map • Visit your classrooms

GET TO KNOW THE CAMPUS If your apprenticeship requires you to attend college why not: • Grab a coffee in our new 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 • Tutors • Other apprentices • Work mentor and colleagues

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

RECEIVE IMPORTANT

INFORMATION • Get your timetable*

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

*if applicable

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EMPLOYER PORTAL

We are working on giving employers access to a new Employer Portal. This will provide you with information such as your apprentice's attendance levels, enrolment, targets and comments made by staff. You will receive information on how to access this system as soon as this is live.

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 End Point 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 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.

• It must never be uploaded in bulk entries

• It must be entered using the date it occurred, not the date they are recording it

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DIGITAL APPRENTICESHIP SERVICE

As per ESFA 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 Leader 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 Leader who will be able to assist you.

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 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’

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.

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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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. 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.

Preston College offers a Level 4 Learning & Skills Mentor apprenticeship for those looking to upskill in their role as mentor. For more information, please contact 01772 225768 or email employerenquiry@preston.ac.uk

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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 work-based learner 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 Email tsouthworth@preston.ac.uk

Sarah Nixon Safeguarding & Prevent Officer Office MB002 Tel 01772 225505 Email snixon1@preston.ac.uk

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

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

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

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

Dan Crumblehulme Office HW303 Tel 01772 225743 Email dcrumblehulme@preston.ac.uk

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

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

Annette Upton Office SE115 Tel 01772 225018 Email aupton@preston.ac.uk

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END POINT ASSESSMENT

As your apprentice progresses through their apprenticeship, they will eventually reach the final stage known as the End Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA 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 End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) and ensures that the apprentice meets the standards set out by the industry.

In the lead-up to the EPA, 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 EPA. 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 EPA 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

BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING • Plumbing & Domestic Heating • Electrical Installation Maintenance DENTAL AND PHARMACY • Dental Nurse • Pharmacy Services Assistant

L3 L3

• Light Goods Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician • Heavy Goods Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician

L3 L2 L3

BUSINESS SCHOOL • Accounts Assistant • Assistant Accountant

L2 L3

• Pharmacy Technician

• Professional Accounting or Taxation Technician

ENGINEERING • Engineering Operative • Fabrication and Welding

L4 L3 L2 L3 L3 L4 L4 L5

L2 L2 L3 L3

• Business Administrator

• Customer Service Practitioner • Customer Service Specialist

• Engineering Fitter • Metal Fabricator

• Team Leader

• Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician L3 • Engineering Manufacturing Technician L4 • Electrical and Electronic Engineering L4

• Learning & Skills Mentor • Associate Project Manager

• Operations/Departmental Manager

CONSTRUCTION AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT • Bricklaying L2 • Craft Bricklayer L3 • Plastering L2 • Wall and Floor Tiling L2 • Painting and Decorating L2 • Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative L2 • Groundworker L2 • Property Maintenance Operative L2 • Roof Slater and Tiler L2 • Site Carpentry L2 • Bench Joinery L2 • Craft Site Carpentry L3 • Craft Bench Joinery L3 • Construction Civil Engineering Technician L3 • Construction Site Supervisor L4 • Civil Engineering Senior Technician L4 • Construction Quantity Surveying Technician L4

HAIR AND BEAUTY • Hair Professional • Advanced and Creative Hair Professional

L3 L2 L3 L3

• Beauty Therapist

• Advanced Beauty Therapist • Wellbeing and Holistic Therapist

SCIENCE • Laboratory Technician

WAREHOUSING • Supply Chain Operative

L2 L3

• Warehouse Operations Supervisor

KEY L2 = Level 2 L3 = Level 3

L4 = Level 4 L5 = Level 5

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

Daniel Crumblehulme Employer Engagement Manager

Work 01772 225743 Mobile 07971 511537 Email dcrumblehulme@preston.ac.uk

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

Kirstie Lawlor Business Development Leader Engineering, Automotive Technologies and Science Work 01772 225742 Mobile 07971512591 Email klawlor@preston.ac.uk

Amanda Morey Business Development Leader Construction & The Built Environment / Pharmacy and Dental Work 01772 225702 Mobile 07783809082 Email amorey@preston.ac.uk

Becky Lavin Business Development Leader 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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