Modern Apprenticeships

For Employees....

Why a Modern Apprenticeship?
With a Modern Apprenticeship you can train on the job, get qualified, get paid and get a career - all in one go!

You'll be working out in the real world, getting hands on experience and learning at the same time. What's more, you'll be gaining skills and qualifications that are recognised by employers everywhere, so a Modern Apprenticeship is a great first step on to the career ladder.

In just a few years' time, it's estimated there will be over 9 million jobs for junior managers and technicians, so as a Modern Apprentice you could be exactly the type of skilled employee business and industry will need.

Who are Modern Apprenticeships for?
Modern Apprenticeships are for young people mainly, aged 16 to 18, with the ability to gain skills and qualifications by working and studying. They're for young women and young men. They're for young people with disabilities as well as the able-bodied. They're for young people from all ethnic groups.

Which Modern Apprenticeship Can I Take?
Modern Apprenticeships are available in over 80 different sectors of industry and commerce. So whether you'd like to look after animals or work in a bank, learn to repair trucks or write for a newspaper, there's bound to be a Modern Apprenticeship to suit you.

And now modern Apprenticeships are becoming available at two levels:

• Foundation Modern Apprenticeships (these used to be called National Traineeships)
  
• Advanced Modern Apprenticeships.
  

How Do Modern Apprenticeships Work?
This varies from sector to sector, but basically you get a job with an employer who's offering a Modern Apprenticeship. You start real work with them and they'll help you get the qualifications you need. So the deal is - you get the training, wages and qualifications you need now. Business and industry get the trained employees they need for the future.

What Qualifications will a Modern Apprenticeship Get Me?
The Foundation Modern Apprenticeship leads to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 2 and the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship to NVQ level 3. NVQs are important qualifications . They show that you can do a job to the high standards employers require, which is why employers value them so highly.

You'll also be trained in Key Skills, such as team working, communication, IT, and problem solving - in fact everything you need to become a success in the workplace.

That's another great thing about Modern Apprenticeships, you can go at your own pace. Usually a Modern Apprenticeships lasts about three years, but it can be a bit shorter or longer.

You can Progress from a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (formerly known as National Traineeships) to an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship and from there you can go on learning and gaining higher qualifications right the way to university and beyond...

For Employers....

Building a Successful Workforce
The need for a highly skilled workforce has never been greater. By 2006 it is estimated that there will be over 9 million jobs at junior management, technician and craft level. Employers everywhere are recognising that Modern Apprenticeships can provide the ideal route to gaining the flexible, motivated and well-qualified employees their businesses need to compete, today and in the future.

Modern Apprenticeships now offer work-based training at two levels:

• Foundation Modern Apprenticeships (FMAs, formerly National Traineeships), leading to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2;
  
• Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (AMAs), leading to NVQ Level 3.

Benefiting Your Business
Modern Apprenticeships are a direct response to the challenge employers face in achieving quality, flexibility and consistency in the training of young people entering the workforce.

Quality
By taking on a Modern Apprenticeship you will be recruiting a young person who has made a positive and informed decision about their future career. The sector frameworks ensure that relevant vocational skills are covered in the training, helping you to build the skilled and effective workforce you need to help your business grow.

Flexibility
UK employers large and small have been involved through their National Training Organisations in the development of the Modern Apprenticeship frameworks. Because the training is designed by employers for employers, it is closely geared to the needs of each industry sector but flexible enough to be tailored to the specific requirements of different organisations.

Consistency
Every apprentice will gain nationally recognised qualifications based on vocational skills at NVQ levels 2 and 3, together with key skills. These are the broader work skills such as the use of IT, and ability to communicate effectively in the work place, which are needed by every employer.

How to Recruit a Modern Apprentice
The step-by-step checklist outlines the main stages involved in selecting and recruiting your Modern Apprentice.

Identify your business needs
Decide what skills you need now and in the future and look at any vacancies you have. Consult your LSC or NTO to find out how the Modern Apprenticeship framework will meet these needs.

Select your apprentice
School leavers who wish to enter a career in your business sector can be contacted via organisations such as LSCs, the Careers Service and local training providers. These may also be able to provide help and support in interviewing candidates. Alternatively, you may opt to promote your organisation direct to potential recruits in schools, or advertise in the local or national press.

Up the training plan
You can work with your LSC and training provider to decide exactly what form the training will take to deliver the requirements of the training framework and to meet any particular needs your business may have. You will also need to decide where the training will take place and to what extent you will use external providers.

Design support systems
Work with your LSC and training provider to decide how much support you will need. Whether you have direct contact with your LSC or use your training provider as an intermediary, both will help you set up the appropriate level of support for your business.

The following companies offer Modern Apprenticeships -

JHP Business Centre
Medina House
330 Midsummer Boulevard
Central Milton Keynes
MK9 2AE

Tel - 01908 691712
Fax - 01908 691547

Intec Business Colleges
Regency Court
226 Upper Fifth Street
Central Milton Keynes
MK9 2HR

Tel - 01908 690440
Fax - 01908 663920

Milton Keynes College
Chaffron Way Centre
Woughton Campus West
Leadenhall
Milton Keynes
MK6 5LP

Tel - 01908 684444
Fax - 01908 684399
www.mkcollege.ac.uk

Milton Keynes Manpower Forum
Old Market Hall
Creed Street
Wolverton
Milton Keynes
MK12 5LY

Tel - 01908 223223
Fax - 01908 227755

Milton Keynes Education and Training Home Page

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