Employers FAQs

• What can Babcock do for your business?
• What is an apprenticeship?
• What is a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)?
• What is involved with an Apprenticeship / NVQ programme?
• What are the benefits to your business?
• How does a learner start? How do they progress on the programme?
• What commitment can your business expect from Babcock?
• What commitment is required of you and your business?
• What happens next?
• What types of qualifications are available?
• What support is available?
• What will it cost?
• What happens with our existing in-house training programmes?
• How will the programmes fit the need of the business?

• What can Babcock do for your business?

  Improve the performance of your business - with an apprenticeship your staff will have the skills and knowledge to do the job better. Motivate your staff - recruiting and retaining able young people is easier if you offer apprenticeships. Young people who are keen to learn will be motivated by their training and will connect their learning and development with your business. Provide relevant training specific to your business - apprenticeships are specifically designed by businesses in your sector for organisations like yours: apprentices will be learning the relevant skills to help enhance your business performance within your business sector. Invest in your businesses future - by training your young staff via apprenticeships you can ensure that you have the specialist skills you require for your business now and into the future.

• What is an apprenticeship?

  It is a work-based training programme for 16-24 year olds (funding may differ locally) that helps your employee to work and learn at the same time. As well as teaching a trade, it teaches the skills and regulatory awareness needed by your employee to aid your business. Apprenticeships are designed to develop individuals to improve their knowledge, understanding and competence in a specific occupational area. They allow training to be tailored to suit business and individual needs through a range of components.

• What is a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)?

  It is a work-based qualification that gives your employee the chance to learn a trade, and be paid at the same time. An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) allows learning in a real working environment. NVQs are available at different levels to suit individual needs, requirements and roles. An NVQ can form part of an apprenticeship.

• What is involved with an Apprenticeship / NVQ programme?

  Two routes are available 'Apprenticeship' and 'Advanced Apprenticeship' - each featuring the vital components to develop individuals. The four components are: 1. NVQ: this is chosen to suit the individual and will be specific to their job role, responsibilities and career progression, either at Level 2 or 3 respectively. 2. Key Skills: are a government initiative to raise skill levels in up to six areas (depending on the route chosen). Portfolio and multiple-choice tests are completed to ensure that both performance and knowledge standards are met at the necessary level. The learner will cover standards through project work associated with your business to the ultimate benefit for both parties. 3. Essential Knowledge: during the initial stages focus is on Employment Rights and Responsibilities (ERR) to cover legislation and statutory information affecting learners, career progression and Equal Opportunities. (Some frameworks, such as Active Leisure, do not do ERR but have a specially designed Technical Certificate instead.) 4. Technical Certificates: these are not applicable to all Babcock courses, but are chosen appropriately for the qualification and career progression. This training enhances knowledge and competence in the chosen field and ability is proven through certification from the appropriate industry body.

• What are the benefits to your business?

  A cost effective way of gaining qualified staff Improved client and customer satisfaction Trained and competent employees who can contribute to your success Hassle free Babcock managed programmes Motivated and qualified workforce Aids the recruitment process Helps you maintain your competitive edge

• How does a learner start? How do they progress on the programme?

  Babcock offers a comprehensive training programme featuring the following stages to ensure that training is worthwhile. Learners complete a Comprehensive Induction to include initial assessment and Basic Skills Assessments to evaluate individual needs and recognise support required. All relevant documentation is fully completed with the learner and key contact to authorise and access funding. Managed training starts with a Structured Learning Plan to identify timescales and expected achievement dates for each component delivered in the apprenticeship. This pathway allows early achievement of certain components to encourage and motivate individuals. An Employer Induction will also be completed in the workplace. Through agreed reviews training and support will be delivered by our Vocational Learning Advisors who are qualified, trained and occupationally competent. Assessments are carried out with minimal disturbance to the workplace: each visit will involve completion of an assessment review and a work planning session for the next visit. If applicable to the framework, Technical Certificate test dates will be planned in advance. Key Skills tests are multiple-choice to accompany the portfolio and a maximum of three Key Skill test areas will be covered. All certificates for the learners' apprenticeship will be presented to them by their Vocational Learning Advisors. Where possible we will co-operate with the key contact to organise an Achievement Presentation to qualified employees.

• What commitment can your business expect from Babcock?

  We will: Plan training to achieve an apprenticeship within 6-12 months and an Advanced Apprenticeship within 12-24 months. (Timelines vary for Automotive and Engineering subjects.) Communicate with you at every stage Retain high standards for individuals' training and development Organise the learner's individual training plan, monitor progress and achievements Supply structured training and personal support throughout

• What commitment is required of you and your business?

  Meet legal requirements of health and safety, equal opportunities and working time directive Appoint a key contact for the learner Make sure enough time and resources are available for the learners Actively promote the value of apprenticeships within organisation

• What happens next?

  We visit a potential candidate and employer We explain what their apprenticeship will involve After a comprehensive induction and with the support of the employer we will then sign the learner onto a programme An individual learning plan is agreed within a structured pathway The learner receives regular visits from their Vocational Learning Advisor who will help them along the pathway to their qualification The Vocational Learning Advisor will keep the employer informed at all stages

• What types of qualifications are available?

  We have various courses available within the Active Leisure, Automotive, Business Administration, Call Centre, Care, Cleaning, Customer Service, Engineering, Hospitality, Management, Retail and Warehousing sectors. (Funding may differ locally, so please contact Babcock for further details.)

• What support is available?

  There will be a Vocational Learning Advisor assigned to your employee and he / she is readily available to assist with any enquiries via site visits, telephone and email. Your employee will also have the additional support of an Internal Verifier when required.

• What will it cost?

  We access funding on your behalf via the government. Funding may differ locally, so where applicable, we are also happy to discuss alternative funding or commercial options.

• What happens with our existing in-house training programmes?

  We can map your own internal training programmes into our apprenticeship programmes to ensure that work is not duplicated.

• How will the programmes fit the need of the business?

  We will adapt the programme to meet your business requirement, maximising employee learning.