Home > Ways to Train
Thursday 24th Jul 2008 |
Learner FAQ
How long are the courses?
Construction courses:
- The Foundation Construction Award (FCA) course spans over 12 weeks;
- The Intermediate Construction Award (ICA) course can span over 15-26 weeks or even longer under other funding.
- If you are aged under 18, the apprenticeship programme spans over 17 months, and if aged over 18 it is 14 months. You must be aged 16-24 to be accepted on to a JLT apprenticeship programme.
Electrical Courses:
- Electrical Installation PEO Level 1 and City and Guilds Level 2 (Technical Certificate) courses run for 15 weeks.
What qualifications can I achieve?
You can achieve the following qualifications with JLT:
- Foundation Construction Award (FCA)
- Intermediate Construction Award (ICA)
- National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
What do the courses involve?
JLT courses involve practical activities/knowledge and understanding/classroom activities and portfolio building – gathering evidence of your work: i.e. personal statements and witness testimonies.
Where will I do my training?
JLT have 2 training centres in London, we will try to place you at the centre that is convenient for you to travel to, but some courses may only run from say the Edmonton centre. At your initial interview, please discuss with your course advisor.
Is there additional financial support available?
Financial support is available for eligible learners such as the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). Please contact your local centre to discuss your situation/background and if you are eligible for support we will help you apply for it. In the meantime for more information on EMA visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema. For learners aged 19 or over – you may be eligible to apply for the Adult Learning Grant – for more information on ALG visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/. Oyster cards give London students aged 16-18 free travel on Buses and trains. Students aged 18 or over can get up to 30% off travel with a student oyster card. Visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/faresandtickets/1063.aspx for information on how to apply.
Will I get help finding a job?
Assisted job search is offered on our apprenticeship programmes through our Client Services Team. Once you are a registered JLT learner, JLT training staff are there to help you with job applications, CVs, interview tips etc – Just talk to us, we will help you the best we can.
What are the progression routes?
You can train with JLT and progress from foundation level FCA to the ICA and then on to the more advanced NVQ2, which is equivalent to A’ Levels – please take a look at our progression route charts for building trades and electrical installation
Are these qualifications recognised by employers?
Yes all qualifications are recognised by the employer. You will be qualified in your chosen trade and you could be one step closer to a career in construction.
Am I eligible for an Apprenticeship?
There are no set entry requirements for Apprenticeships. You just need to be living in England and not taking part in full-time education.
What happens in the application process?
There are two ways to apply for an Apprenticeship. You can approach an employer who takes on apprentices and see if they are willing to give you a job. You can also apply direct to John Laing Training. The selection process is just like any other job application process. You could be put through interviews and even asked to take tests to see if you're the right person. This process can be carried out by both the learning provider and employer, so you need to be prepared to sell yourself and convince others that an Apprenticeship is for you. After all, there's no such thing as an automatic place; employers can refuse to take you on if they don't think you're right for the job.
Are there different types of Apprenticeship?
Yes, there are different types of Apprenticeship available. Which Apprenticeship is right for you will depend on your experience and the opportunities in your area. However, all Apprenticeships include the following basic elements:
- An appropriate National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at either Level 2 or Level 3;
- Key Skills qualifications, e.g. working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology;
- A technical certificate such as a BTEC or City & Guilds (included in most cases); and
- Other qualifications or requirements as specified by the particular occupation. Apprenticeships can also be a stepping-stone to university.
How long does an Apprenticeship take?
There is no set time to complete an Apprenticeship as they vary widely in content and size. The length of time taken will depend on the ability of the individual apprentice and the employer's requirements. An Apprenticeship will usually take anything from 12 to 24 months. Some might take less, but some Apprenticeships can take up to five years, so a large degree of commitment on your part is necessary to see it through.
How do Apprenticeships work?
Your employer pays your wages and gives you on-the-job training which allows you to achieve National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). You'll also spend time with a learning provider, gaining key skills that'll be useful in the job market - like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology. In addition, you'll study for a technical certificate, which will give you further knowledge and understanding of your job. The amount of time you'll spend studying varies; it can be anything from 100 to 1,000 hours over the course of your Apprenticeship, depending on your chosen profession.
What do I get paid?
As an apprentice you must be paid at least £80 per week as this is a condition for employers offering apprenticeships. You may well be paid more than this and the amount will depend upon the sector you work in, your age and where you are in the apprenticeship.
You can expect that your wages will rise through your apprenticeship in line with your value to the company. A lot will depend on you and how you progress. What we do know is that achieving an apprenticeship is worth al lot. The University of Sheffield carried out research among apprentices who had finished to assess the value of an apprenticeship over their career. They calculated the value to the individual of an advanced apprenticeship at an average of £105,000 and an apprenticeship of £73,001. These figures compare favourably with those of a degree.
What sort of person is accepted on an Apprenticeship?
Applicants need to be:
- Serious
- Committed
- Able to show that you have fully researched the area of work you want to do, and you're the right person for the job
- Aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you
- Prepared for further study
- Realistic about the amount of work you may have to do
- Happy to work as both part of a team and an individual.
- Able to use your own initiative
Apprenticeships can be demanding, but very rewarding. It's not just a question of seeing what is out there and then selecting a career path. It helps if you are focused enough to know what you want to do before you apply.
If you're the right person for an Apprenticeship, being an apprentice can help you achieve your goals. It's a great opportunity, but may not be suitable for everyone. Do you have what it takes to be an apprentice?
Do I get holidays?
Like many other employees, you will receive at least 20 days holiday per year (and bank holidays). Your individual entitlement will be detailed in your terms of employment or training agreement. Just like any other job, your employer will have rules about how far in advance holidays need to be booked, and times that holidays cannot be taken.
What qualifications do I get when I've finished my Apprenticeship?
You'll get a package of qualifications when you finish your Apprenticeship - a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), a technical certificate such as a BTEC National Diploma or a City & Guilds Progression Award, and Key Skills qualifications. Apprenticeships lead to either an NVQ Level 2 or an NVQ Level 3.
How do NVQs relate to other qualifications?
There are five levels of NVQ:
- Level 1 = 5 GCSEs at grades D-G
- Level 2 = 5 GCSEs at grades A-C
- Level 3 = 2 A levels/1 vocational A level
- Level 4/5 = HNC, HND and degree level
How will my business will benefit from Apprenticeships?
Improved productivity - Apprenticeships equip young people with the skills and knowledge to do the job better. And because they are motivated they work harder and more effectively for your business.
Motivated people - Apprentices are motivated people who are keen to learn. By offering Apprenticeships you will find it easier to recruit and retain the right people for your organisation.
Relevant training - Apprenticeships are designed by businesses in your sector to meet the needs of your business. This means the training is always relevant and it is tailored to the needs of your sector by people who genuinely understand what you do.
Avoid skills shortages - Apprenticeships allow you to invest in your business's future. By taking on an apprentice you can acquire specialist skills for your business that allow you to keep abreast of new technology.
Who is eligible for an Apprenticeship?
All staff – whether they are new recruits or existing staff – are eligible to enrol on an Apprenticeship. The Learning and Skills Council is currently developing funding arrangements for those aged over 25 and more details will be available soon.
Who pays the training costs?
John Laing Training will receive financial assistance from the Learning and Skills Council towards the cost of an apprentice's training only. Most apprentices are employed by business and paid a salary that reflects their skills, experience, age and ability. A few apprentices will be on work placement with a business and get paid an education maintenance allowance, if they are eligible.
Can any of my existing staff apply for an Apprenticeship?
Yes, existing staff would be eligible to begin an Apprenticeship.
Do all industries subscribe to Apprenticeships?
There are over 200 Apprenticeships in approximately 80 different sectors and industries. This means there is ample opportunity to work and train in most careers. But Apprenticeships are not appropriate for all industries.
Is an Apprenticeship a recognised qualification?
Completion of an Apprenticeship is recognised by the awarding of a completion certificate.
How are Apprenticeships developed and who sets the course content?
Apprenticeships are designed by business for business. Sector Skills Councils composed of business representatives from the relevant sector or industry decide on the course content within their own sector. And because they genuinely understand your business, the training will be relevant.
What is the Learning and Skills Council's involvement with Apprenticeships?
The Learning and Skills Council manages Apprenticeships as a national programme through its network of training providers. Are Apprenticeships a replacement for A levels? Apprenticeships are not a replacement for A levels. They are intended to be an alternative option for those who are keen to get into the workplace and earn a wage while gaining experience and qualifications.