What is work-based learning?
What is an Apprenticeship?
What is an NVQ?
What is a Technical Certificate?
Why should I bother doing an Apprenticeship or
an NVQ?
How much will I get paid?
Where will I do my training?
How often will I see my YMCA Training
adviser?
How long does it take to finish a
course?
What qualifications do I get?
What qualifications do I need to
apply?
Will I get a job?
How can I find out what YMCA Training offers
in my area?
Why doesn't my local centre offer the course
I want to do?
How do I apply?
How much will it cost me?
Why would my employer support this?
If I want my employer to support an NVQ, how
can I get them involved?
Work-based learning is a way to get a qualification and learn
new skills while working in full-time employment and earning money.
It's a practical way of learning, so you gain new skills and a
better understanding of the work by actually doing it. There may be
some study sessions at your YMCA Training centre too, which you'll
be able to relate to the practical activities you've done in the
workplace.
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An Apprenticeship is a practical work-based learning course,
where you work towards a qualification during employment. An
Apprenticeship includes a nationally-recognised
qualification and the completion of some Functional
Skills.
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An NVQ is a nationally recognised qualification open to learners
of any age, that shows that you have the skills and knowledge to do
your job effectively. As with an Apprenticeship, it is a practical
course, so you work towards the qualification while in your job.
You will build up a portfolio of work to prove that you have the
necessary skills for your job.
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A Technical Certificate is included in some Apprenticeships and
is often gained through off the job training. It will help you get
to grips with the skills and knowledge needed for your job.
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Because you'll get better at your job, you'll learn new skills
and once you're qualified you'll be more likely to get a pay rise
or promotion.
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During an Apprenticeship you'll either be employed full-time or
will be on a placement with an employer. If you're employed full
time you'll be paid at least £95 per week.
During an NVQ you will continue to earn the same wages you were
paid before.
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This varies depending on the course you are doing. All courses
mainly take place in the workplace, but you may also spend some
time training in your local centre with your training adviser to
support your practical work. This could involve training for one
day a week, one day a fortnight or one week a month in your centre.
You can find out the exact details by contacting your local centre about the
course you are interested in.
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In addition to any time you spend in the YMCA Training centre,
you will also see your training adviser when they visit you in the
workplace. If you're doing an Apprenticeship or Advanced
Apprenticeship, you'll be visited every four to six weeks.
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This depends on you, as courses are flexible so that you can
take the time you need to achieve the different elements. Most
people take between 12-14 months to complete an Apprenticeship and
around 18 months to finish the Advanced Apprenticeship.
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Most Apprenticeships include:
- A nationally recognised qualification, e.g. a National
Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
- Functional Skills qualification, showing that you are skilled
in one or more of the following areas relevant to your job:
- English
- Mathematics
- Information Technology
- A Technical Certificate (included in most Apprenticeships),
achieved off-the job to help you get to grips with the skills and
knowledge needed for your role
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Have a look at the course outline for details about what is
needed for the particular course you're interested in. Many
Apprenticeships and NVQs do not require you to have any
qualifications already. You'll need to show that you have a
reasonable level of literacy and numeracy.
You'll also need to show that you are committed to the training,
have a real interest in the course and that you will be able to
gain the skills and knowledge required to complete it. You'll have
an initial assessment so that your training adviser can check that
the course is right for you.
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If you're not already in employment, YMCA Training will help you
to find a job or placement where you can train to get your
Apprenticeship. Many employers then offer apprentices a full-time,
permanent job either during or after they've completed their
placement. If your employer does not offer you a job, you will be
well placed to get another one now that you have your new
qualification.
If you would like to do an NVQ you will need to have a job
already and get the support of your employer.
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Visit the Contact us page and give
your local centre a call, or click here
to send an email.