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FAQs
What is a Technical Certificate?
Why should I bother doing an Apprenticeship or an NVQ?
How often will I see my YMCA Training Adviser?
How long does it take to finish a course?
What qualifications do I need to apply?
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?
Why would my employer support this?
If I want my employer to support an NVQ, how can I get them involved?
What is work-based learning?
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.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship is a practical work-based learning course, where you work towards a qualification during employment. An Apprenticeship includes an NVQ, a Technical Certificate and the completion of some Key Skills.
What is an NVQ?
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.
What is a Technical Certificate?
A Technical Certificate is included in most 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.
Why should I bother doing an Apprenticeship or an NVQ?
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.
How much will I get paid?
During an Apprenticeship you'll either be employed full-time or will be on a placement with an employer. If you're employed you'll be paid at least £80 per week. If you're on a placement you could be entitled to the Educational Maintenance Allowance.
During an NVQ you will continue to earn the same wages you were paid before.
Where will I do my training?
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.
How often will I see my YMCA Training Adviser?
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.
How long does it take to finish a course?
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.
What qualifications do I get?
Your Apprenticeship will include:
- A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
- Key Skills qualification, showing that you are skilled in one or more of the following areas relevant to your job:
- Communication
- Application of Number
- 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
What qualifications do I need to apply?
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.
Will I get a job?
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.
How can I find out what YMCA Training offers in my area?
Visit the Contact us page and give your local centre a call, send them an email or drop in and visit them. They will be able to advise you on the courses they provide and what could be right for you.
Why doesn't my local centre offer the course I want to do?
Contact your local centre to find out exactly what they offer. If the course you would like to do isn't running, the centre can register your interest. If they get enough demand they may be able to start providing it. Your local centre can also suggest alternative courses which are likely to be of interest to you.
How do I apply?
Contact your local centre if you want to find out more about an Apprenticeship, or apply. Once you've decided an Apprenticeship is right for you, Training Advisers at your centre can enrol you on the course.
If you want to do an NVQ, then you will need to get the support of your employer, as they will be required to pay for it. Speak to your manager to let them know you're interested. You could also point them in the direction of your local centre, where they will be able to discuss the NVQ courses with a Training Adviser.
How much will it cost me?
You won't have to pay anything to do an Apprenticeship with YMCA Training, so there's nothing standing in your way of signing up!
NVQs provided by YMCA Training are paid for by employers, so it won't cost you anything but your employer needs to agree to fund the training.
Why would my employer support this?
Apprenticeships and NVQs improve individuals and businesses. If you're better at your job it means you'll be able to work faster, get involved with more complex projects and will be producing better quality work, so your employer will benefit too. Everyone's a winner!
If I want my employer to support an NVQ, how can I get them involved?
Speak to your manager about the NVQ and tell them you're interested. Encourage them to visit the YMCA Training website and contact your local training centre. Advisers there will be able to explain to them what's involved, what's in it for them and how they will need to support you while you're training with us.
