Riverside Training, Hereford and Somerset: What Does An Apprenticeship Involve?

What Does an Apprenticeship Involve?

The apprenticeship combines an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification), Key Skills and a Technical Certificate (also known as a VRQ – Vocationally Related Qualification).

Each component of the apprenticeship is a qualification in its own right and is recognised nationally in all industries.

Induction workshop

There is an initial 3 hour induction workshop to tell you about the qualification, assessment methods, health and safety, equality and diversity and employee rights and responsibilities. The workshop is normally held at Riverside Training but can be delivered in the workplace.

NVQ

For the NVQ, 5 main assessment methods are used:

observation
professional discussion
witness testimony
questioning
case history.

These mainly take place within the workplace. Some work may be set to complete for the next assessor visit but this is kept to a minimum and is discussed and agreed individually.

Assessors will visit you at least once every 4 weeks for between 1.5 and 2 hours. You will have contact details for their assessor so support will be given, if needed, in between visits.

Key and Functional Skills

Key Skills and Functional Skills address the personal development of an individual to meet basic skills of literacy, numeracy and information technology. They are considered by employers to be an essential part of occupational competence. They are delivered with the NVQ but are separately certificated.

There is a test for both Communication (English) and Application of Number (Maths). They are held at Riverside Training although we do have an option to deliver them in your workplace if needs be.

You may be exempt from these tests depending on GCSE/A Level results for Maths and English and whether or not you have taken these academic qualifications within the last 5 years. Each case is considered individually.

Technical Certificate (VRQ)

In addition to your NVQ and Key Skills, there are some nationally recognised qualifications that are required for working in particular industries such as Foundation Food Hygiene, First Aid and/or specific industry certificates. These, along with other related knowledge will form your technical certificate which completes your framework achievement.

The Technical Certificate is an integral part of the Apprenticeship framework. This qualification covers the knowledge and understanding needed by those carrying out their job. It is designed to complement the NVQ and is therefore appropriate for all of those working towards their apprenticeship.

Eligibility for Apprenticeships – NVQ/KS/TC – Levels 2 & 3

The learner must:

be aged 16 – 64
not be at college or any other funded course
be employed working 30 hours or more.
must be an EU resident