Step 6: Starting the Apprenticeship

STEP 6.

Starting the Apprenticeship

At the beginning of the Apprenticeship, the apprentice will be inducted on to the programme. At this induction the apprentice will be made aware of all of the support available to them. These include:

STUDENT CENTRE

The Student Centre is where apprentices can access information, advice and guidance on a range of non-academic matters. They are located at each of our campuses and details of the support they provide is presented to apprentices at their induction session.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE STUDENTS’ UNION ADVICE CENTRE

From societies and sports to volunteering, training and workshops, Bucks Students’ Union offers a lot for our apprentices. The Students’ Union is run by students and provides a friendly advice service and representation scheme to ensure that apprentices’ views are heard.

MULTI-FAITH CHAPLAINCY

At Buckinghamshire New University, we celebrate diversity. The multi-faith chaplaincy offers a confidential listening ear to all. The apprentices do not need to have a faith to use this service.

Apprentices will find hospitality, sanctuaries (quiet spaces for reflection or prayer), and contact with local faith communities and signposting to other University services.

THE DISABILITY SERVICE

The disability service offers specialist one-to-one support and access to extra time in exams. They also offer clarification and confidential advice on disclosing a disability to the teaching team.

For confidential advice, information and guidance about all disabilities including specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, Asperger’s syndrome, mental health difficulties and other longterm medical conditions.

THE COUNSELLING SERVICE

Making the journey through higher education can be demanding and challenging. The counselling service provides a supportive, non-judgmental and confidential space in which apprentices can seek help from a professional counsellor.

THE GATEWAY GYM

The Gateway Gym is based at the High Wycombe Campus. It has everything apprentices need to achieve health and fitness goals during their time studying with over 75 stations with the very latest exercise machines. Discounts are also available to members of personal training, small group training and sports bookings.

SPORTS & WELLBEING CLINIC

Our Sports & Wellbeing Clinic offers a range of health and wellbeing treatments covering: treatment and rehabilitation of injuries, sports and remedial massage appointments; injury prevention and assessments.

Our experienced team of highly qualified therapists are trained in treating a wide range of sports injuries and health conditions. Discounts are available for apprentices.

LIBRARY SERVICES

Our Library Services provide access to a wide range of facilities and information resources in support of teaching, learning, scholarship and research. We have extensive learning resources at the High Wycombe Campus and a dedicated nursing library at our Uxbridge Campus.

Friendly and professional employees are available at each campus to provide help and advice to support apprentices’ information and study needs. The Library’s opening hours are extensive, including late evenings and weekends, offering access to book, journal and DVD collections but also to, computing, printing, photocopying and scanning facilities and study spaces.

LEARNING DEVELOPMENT UNIT

The Learning Development Unit (LDU) is the learning and academic development advice centre for all apprentices at the University. We work with all apprentices who are keen to develop their academic abilities and improve their grades, whatever their course, year, or ability level. We also provide a number of pre-sessional courses and activities for new apprentices who wish to refresh or develop their academic skills before they begin their studies.

A lot of our work is on a one-to-one basis, allowing us to tailor our input to the particular needs of the apprentice. In addition, we provide a range of workshops and lectures open to apprentices on all aspects of academic study, including preparing, planning and structuring academic assignments; evidence-based writing; developing analytical and critical thinking skills; and effective academic reading and research skills. The LDU also works closely with subject-teaching lecturers, providing input during module sessions on specific aspects of apprentices’ work in their subject areas. We also provide support on mathematical topics such as statistics, finance and managing research data, and for international apprentices using English in their studies.

To offer our apprentices maximum flexibility, tutorials can be arranged in person at our High Wycombe, Aylesbury and Uxbridge campuses, or can be conducted remotely via email, Skype, or the collaborative tools provided by the University’s Virtual Learning Environment.

BLACKBOARD

We use Blackboard, a Virtual Learning Environment to support apprentices in their studies. Apprentices have access to Blackboard on and off campus and on all smart phone devices. Blackboard provides access to course content, links with tutors and also provides access to all of the library’s electronic resources.

Blackboard allows apprentices to create their own profile, instant message other apprentices and tutors on their course and talk to them if they are also online. It utilises video conferencing technology in a similar way to Skype, and tutorials can take place online. The Careers Service and The Student Centre helpdesks can both be accessed instantly through Blackboard’s Instant Messenger tool. To log onto Blackboard please visit bucks.ac.uk/blackboard.

E-PORTFOLIO/LEARNER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Every apprentice will have access to our Learning Management System (Aptem), which will track and monitor progression throughout the Apprenticeship Programme. Aptem allows the apprentice to correspond with the academic team and receive feedback as well as building their e-portfolio. The system gives the apprentice, the academic team and you, the employer the ability to track, report and monitor progression, which can then be reviewed at regular intervals.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS

Every apprentice that is accepted onto a programme but does not hold a stand-alone Level 2 qualification in English and maths (that is accepted as approved evidence by ESFA), will be required to complete their Functional Skills learning during their programme prior to their End Point Assessment (EPA). This will be arranged on an individual basis and discussed at their induction.

COMMITMENT STATEMENT

In the first six weeks of starting their programme, the apprentice, Line Manager and University Representative will be asked to read, understand and sign a commitment statement. This document is then uploaded by the apprentice on the Learner Management System - Aptem.

The Commitment Statement details the support and guidance available and the roles and responsibilities for all three parties. The information set out in this document forms part of the evidence pack required for every apprentice.

It must be signed and dated, and the latest version held by the employer, the apprentice and the training provider - Bucks New University, before the Apprenticeship can start.

The Commitment Statement is intended to be used at, and to inform the regular tri-partite reviews between training provider, employer and apprentice that take place during the lifetime of the Apprenticeship.

Any changes must be discussed and agreed by all three parties, then the document must be signed, dated and reissued to all three parties.

A commitment statement template will be issued to you with this reference guide.