What is an Apprenticeship?

The Apprenticeship scheme is a government funded initiative designed to allow people to be trained and to learn a skill in a workplace environment in a sector of their choosing. Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining qualifications and workplace experience. As an employee, you can earn as you learn and you gain practical skills from the workplace.

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What makes a YHATA Apprenticeship different?

The Yorkshire and Humber Apprentice Training Agency takes the pain out of employing apprentices. YHATA’s service handles all financial elements of the apprentice, allowing the employer and apprentice to focus on the work based learning that makes this type of provision, while handing the apprentice the skills and experience that are essential in a modern day work environment.

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What is the benefit of taking on a YHATA Apprentice?

• Reduced HR workload thanks to our Recruitment and HR service
• Quality, motivated and cost effective staff, leading to enhanced profitability for your business
• Knowledge of your business and bottom line with links to government incentives and funding
• A safety net to return and exchange the apprentice if things aren't working out
• A business to business relationship, including an appointed YHATA specialist
• A simple, integrated and cost effective service

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How long does a YHATA Apprenticeship last?

The average apprenticeship takes between 8 months to a year, however this can vary considerably depending on the job and the sector that is hiring. The amount of time it takes the apprentice to reach competence is also a key factor e.g. a Business Administration apprenticeship may take 6 months whereas an Engineering apprenticeship can take 2 years.

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What are the impacts of taking on an apprentice?

Employers are encouraged to be involved from the outset. At the beginning of the apprenticeship, employers will be heavily involved in terms of apprentice support, but this will lessen after the few months as the apprentice is embedded and the educational element fits into a routine.

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What are the financial benefits of taking on an apprentice?

Taking on a young adult as an apprentice enables organisations to ensure that you can continue to build employee skills without initially directly employing new staff during the economic down turn. This can include higher productivity, quality of work, staff retention and employee.

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What do I need to do to employ an apprentice?

The employer will need to designate an appointed supervisor or line manager. The apprentice will require all elements of training and induction training as like any new member of staff. The employer will also need to comply with Health and Safety standards, along with an Equal Opportunities policy.

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What training does an employer give an apprentice?

Much of the training that is given to an apprentice is incorporated in the normal working day and revolves around the apprentices job description. The NVQ element of the apprenticeship is met through competency discussions with the apprentice, collation of work related evidence and observations of the apprentice in the work based environment.

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How are apprentices chosen and selected?

YHATA will draw down a short list of apprentices as specified and based on the requirement of the employer. The employer will then interview the candidates and select the apprentice(s), notify YHATA of the outcome and we will make an offer to the candidate.

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How are apprentices supervised?

The apprentice benefits from three areas of support. The employer will nominate a line manager or supervisor to support the apprentice in day to day work duties. YHATA’s Mentoring and Support Officer will also maintain contact with the apprentice to ensure that the apprenticeship is running smoothly. The educational provider will also supply an Assessor who will meet with the apprentice every four to six weeks, depending on the apprenticeship framework.

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What happens if I find the apprentice unsuitable?

The agreement that the employer enters into with YHATA stipulates that the employer can return an apprentice after two weeks notice if they find the apprentice unsuitable.

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How do I promote an apprentice vacancy in Yorkshire & Humber region?

YHATA is keen to learn more about your business and recruitment needs. We are happy to meet with you at your premises to discuss how our services could meet your requirements.

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What educational level are YHATA Apprenticeships equivalent to?

Most Apprenticeships fall into one of two categories:

• Level 2 'Apprenticeships'
• Level 3 'Advanced Apprenticeships'

Academic equivalents:

• Level 2 = NVQ Level 2, 5 GCSEs at grades A-C
• Level 3 = NVQ Level 3, 2 A levels/1 vocational A level

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What is the training element of a YHATA Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship consists of 3 separate vocational strands which focus on the apprentice's chosen sector. The NVQ element of the apprenticeship is met through competency discussions with the apprentice, collation of work related evidence and observations of the apprentice in the work based environment. The Technical certificate is the underpinning knowledge element of the framework, while Key Skills are essential skills that are required by an apprentice to assist them in their everyday working lives such as Application of Number, Improving own Learning & Performance.

Key skills are essential skills that learners need to support them in their job including; Communication, Application of Number, Information and Communications technology; Working with Others; Improving own Learning & Performance and Problem Solving.

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