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FAQs
What is the benefit to me, the employer, of training my staff?
what's the cost of the training to me?
How do I know your Apprentice will be right for my business?
If I take on a short-term placement will I be required to employ that person full-time?
I need some training for my staff but It's not listed here?
Work-based learning is practical route to a qualification, where individuals gain new skills and demonstrate their proficiency within their job role through training, assessments and observations in the work place.
Apprenticeships enable employers to increase the skills and ability of their workforce through a structured and practical learning route.
An Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised qualification for 16-24 year-olds which comprises an NVQ, a Technical Certificate and Key Skills in areas such as communication, application of number and problem solving.
NVQs are work-based qualifications which demonstrate an individual's ability, skills and competence to undertake their job effectively. They are assessed through a portfolio of work built up by the trainee, in addition to observation and testing in the workplace, during which trainees demonstrate evidence of the required skills.
Train to Gain is a government initiative that provides funding for Level 2 NVQs and can support funding for progression to Level 3 NVQs. Your local centre will be able to advise you on whether you can access this funding through YMCA Training.
Skills for Life is a government initiative which aims to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of people aged 16 and over.
What is the benefit to me, the employer, of training my staff?
Whatever training course you select for employees, you'll receive a multitude of benefits. Your workers will develop their skills to become more motivated, more productive and to increase the quality of their work. you're likely to see an increase in staff retention and your business' profitability.
what's the cost of the training to me?
- If you take on an Apprentice, government guidelines require that they should be paid a minimum of ?80 per week. Plus, don't forget you'll be saving on recruitment costs!
- If you would like to train existing staff members through NVQs or with Skills for Life, you will be required to fund this training. Your local centre can advise on the cost
- Some funding for NVQs is available through the Train to Gain initiative. Your centre can advise you on whether you can access this support
- Short-term placements are absolutely free
- The cost of any bespoke training for your business will be assessed by your centre
How do I know your Apprentice will be right for my business?
We have a thorough assessment and induction procedure, which means that we will identify and short-list candidates that we believe will be suitable for your business. you'll interview them too so you can also assess their suitability. In some cases, we also arrange for Apprentices to have a two week trial period at the company so further assessment of how the young person will fit in with the business can be made.
A thorough induction process assesses their skills and prepares them for the workplace.
If I take on a short-term placement will I be required to employ that person full-time?
No commitment is required from you to offer the trainee full-time employment. However, if you have a permanent vacancy arise It's highly likely that you'll want to interview them, as they will understand you business and the job role and will most likely already be working to the required standard.
I need some training for my staff but It's not listed here?
If you have specific training needs for your business, we can work with you to meet them. We offered tailored, flexible courses which can be designed to meet the particular need of a business. Contact your local centre to discuss what you are looking for and how we could help.
