Apprenticeships in the Care Sector Good for Business Rebecca Earl Employer Services Manager

“Learning through practise alongside and under the guidance of an expert practitioner is the most effective way, to transmit professional experience and skills from one generation to the next” Dr Nyahn ‘rediscovering Apprenticeships’ Springer 2009 What are Apprenticeships for ?

Apprentices in the Care Sector 21 separate qualifications available within the Health Care Apprenticeship ranging from Care Assistants to maternity or radiotherapy support. Completion of the Advanced Apprenticeship will stand apprentices in good stead for progression onto Higher Education in subjects like nursing or midwifery and operating department practitioner roles in the care sector or management roles in Care homes. In 2009/10 there were 17,900 Health and Social Care Apprentices Employers with Apprenticeship programmes include: Allied Health Care Ltd, Barchester Health Care Ltd, Bupa Care Homes (cfh care) Ltd, Care Uk Ltd, Craegmoor, Housing 21, Nestor Primecare Services Ltd, NHS Blood and Transplant, Voyage Group Ltd The Government contributes towards funding year old Apprenticeships receive 100% subsidised training and the support (though at a decreased level) continues for those over 18.

The value of Apprenticeships 81% of consumers favour companies that employ apprentices 80% of those who employ apprentices agree that they make the workplace more productive. 88% of employers who employ apprentices believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce. 83% of employers who employ apprentices rely on their Apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers that they need for the future 81% of apprentice employers say they make their businesses more productive

5 Apprenticeships in England Funding from Government for Training costs = 100% age Training costs = 50% age 19+* The apprentice’s wages are paid by their employer Each apprentice must have an employer and be paid. About 130,000 workplaces in England have apprentices Each apprentice must have a registered training provider (which can also be their employer) There are 1,100 providers in England Government funded apprentices must study one of 200 Apprenticeship ‘qualification framework’ areas. Frameworks are currently at levels 2, 3, or 4 * Up to a maximum of 50%

6 The National Apprenticeship Service Founded in April 2009 to offer support to all parties Helps create new Apprenticeship markets Provides support to employers interested in starting Apprenticeship programmes (30,000 since its inception) Informs individuals, stakeholders and partners about Apprenticeships Develops new internet based tools and guides apprenticeships.org.ukapprenticeships.org.uk Oversees the growth of the Apprenticeship programme and monitors quality

Recruitment Support The National Apprenticeship Service supports you every step of the way Call or fill in our online enquiry form 1 Our Apprenticeship representative will call to discuss your specific needs 2 We will help you identify a suitable training provider 3 You confirm the number of current employees and new recruits you want to start an Apprenticeship 4 Start the recruitment process. Vacancies are advertised on the Apprenticeship website, where suitable applicants can apply 5 You choose your ideal candidates and then your apprentices start

Apprenticeship vacancies The National Apprenticeship Service supports employers every step of the way. “Apprenticeship vacancies is a fantastic idea. As well as providing a free recruitment service for employers, it is very straightforward to use. It gives people the opportunity to search and apply for local, regional and national vacancies. On top of that it gives employers a vast database of interested candidates to tap into.” Paul Livingston, Guardian Marine Testing

Myth Busting “Apprenticeships are only for young people” There is no upper age limit for apprentices. “Apprenticeships are only for new members of staff” Whilst apprenticeship are a great way of recruiting new staff, existing members of staff can also train as an apprentice. “Those aged under 18 can’t work in the care sector” Young people aged under 16 and 17 can work in the care sector Young people aged working towards an apprenticeship can provide personal care

Myth Busting Cont’d “Apprentices will need a lot of off site training” Apprenticeships are a mixture of on and off site training, but the majority of training will take place in the work place. Training providers will advise you on the best delivery model for your business that is flexible and meets the needs of the employer and the apprentice. “Apprenticeships are only for Care Assistants” There are a number of pathways with in the Health and Social Care frameworks suit different job roles in the care sector, as well as other frameworks that will be suitable for other staff working in the sector.

Health and Social Care Apprenticeship Framework Apprenticeship (level 2) Competence based element Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care Underpinning knowledge Certificate in Preparing to work in Adult Social Care (L2) Or Certificate in Working in the Health Sector (L2) Functional/Key Skills Application of Number and Communication OR Mathematics and English

Health and Social Care Apprenticeship Framework Advanced Apprenticeship (level 3) Competence based element Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care Underpinning knowledge Certificate in Preparing to work in Adult Social Care (L3) Or Certificate in Working in the Health Sector (L3) Functional/Key Skills Application of Number and Communication OR Mathematics and English

Other Apprenticeship Frameworks by Job Roles Administrative Support Business Administration, Accountancy/Payroll, IT User, Marketing and Communications Catering Assistants/ Cooks Food and Drink Service, Professional Cookery, Food Preparation and Cooking Housekeeper Housekeeping, Cleaning and Support services Grounds person Amenity Horticulture Management Team leading and Management

Eligibility Apprenticeships are open to all age ranges, however if you want to attract any government subsidy then you will need to meet eligibility criteria: Must be employed with a contract of employment It can be a new recruit or an existing member of your staff; Funding subsidy is attached to two age ranges Graduates are not eligible Minimum of 30 hours (will consider part time if they can complete the framework in the hours worked)

How much does it Cost? Apprenticeship wages The minimum wage for an apprentice is £2.50 per hour This is a minimum and most apprentices receive more than this the average pay for an apprentice is £170 per week Recommend a pay structure that increases as the apprentice progresses reflecting their growing experience and contribution to the business If the apprentice is aged 19 or over that must be paid the National Minimum wage after completing the first year of their apprenticeship Training costs Training for year olds is fully funded Training for 19+ apprentice is co-funded and there will be an expected employer contribution which is set be the training provider

Contact Rebecca Earl Employer Services Manager – Yorkshire and the Humber Tel: