Serious About Apprenticeships

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Serious About Apprenticeships Our apprenticeships are successful because they seamlessly integrate quality training with real jobs. Graduates of our apprenticeship programme are among the best exercise professionals in the business because they receive only the highest level of training, assessment, support and guidance from start to end.


Welcome to HFE Contents 1 Welcome to HFE 2 What are Apprenticeships? 3 Facts and Figures 4 Apprenticeships Simplified 5 The HFE Way... 6 Benefits of Hiring an Apprentice 7 Funding an Apprenticeship 8 Pay an Apprentice 9 Outstanding Support for Employers 10 Unlimited Support for Apprentices 11 Who We’re Working With 12 Pathways at a Glance

Dear employer, I want to take this opportunity to personally congratulate you on your decision to explore how apprenticeships can work in your business. I also want to thank you for allowing us the opportunity to show you how we at HFE can help you use apprenticeships to make a meaningful and lasting difference in your organisation. Apprenticeships are fast becoming one of the most popular and cost-effective ways for UK businesses to invest in their workforce. They are the lifeblood of tomorrow’s economy because they provide employers with a flexible and affordable way to recruit new talent, who will go on to grow and become valuable employees. In the past 5 years there have been over 2 million apprenticeships started in England across more than 170 different industries. Given that over 90% of apprentices remain in employment once their apprenticeship is complete, their contribution to businesses and the wider economy is hard to refute. Over 130,000 businesses in the UK now employ apprentices and these programmes help to keep these businesses current and competitive. Here at HFE we have a firm commitment to providing a rigorous and robust apprenticeship service. We understand that no two businesses are the same, which is why our dedicated apprenticeship team will work tirelessly with you to ensure that the training, support and guidance you get from us aligns directly with your needs. Finally, as a special thank you for your trust, when you become an active apprenticeship partner, your organisation will also receive a 15% discount on any of the courses and qualifications we deliver commercially. You can use this discount to further invest in your apprentice, or to support the development of any other employee in your organisation. Yours sincerely

13 We Love Apprenticeships Lee Cain Managing Director

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What are Apprenticeships? // The basics

// What are apprenticeships?

 Apprenticeships are fixed term jobs with

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes that are supported by Government, and which lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

a clear skills development programme - they last between 12-18 months depending on the pathway.

 Apprenticeships can be used to upskill existing employees aged between 16-24, or as a cost effective way to recruit and new employees.

 Apprenticeships are largely funded by Government - in most cases employers do not need to pay anything towards the training.

 Apprenticeships are delivered jointly by training providers and employers. Training providers deliver the qualifications and employers provide on the job training and support.

 Apprentices must be employed for 30 hours per week or more and paid at or above the National Apprenticeship Wage (£82.00 P/W).

 Employers can deploy apprentices within their business in a variety of ways - the duties don’t have to be constrained to a single area of the organisation.

Each apprenticeship pathway is based on a set of core skills and competencies that have been developed in conjunction with over 1000 employers in each sector/industry. By the end of their apprenticeship, apprentices will achieve a number of professional qualifications, including functional and transferable skills like maths and English. They will also get a wealth of training and experience that is intended to maximise chances of employment once the apprenticeship is complete. Apprenticeships provide young and enthusiastic people with a platform to express their talent and showcase their potential to employers. From an employer perspective, because apprenticeships are supported by Government funds, they represent a viable and cost effective way of recruiting, training and developing tomorrow’s workforce.

 Apprenticeships lead to nationally recognised qualifications that can be customised meet the needs of the employer.

 Up to £1500.00 is available for SME’s in the form of an Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) when hiring an apprentice aged 16-24.

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Facts & Figures Hiring an apprentice is an effective and flexible way to address a skills shortage in the workforce today, while training and cultivating a successful employee for tomorrow. The benefits of hiring an apprentice are plentiful and can be realised in your business almost immediately. Apprentices are enthusiastic and hungry to learn.

Our apprentices are also passionate about all things health, fitness and sport and would love the opportunity to show you ahow their passion can add value to your organisation.

Did you know?

9 in 10 of every employer report that taking on an apprentice benefits their business.

84 %

£

 84% of employers say they were satisfied with the apprenticeship programme.

71 %

70 %

70% reported that apprenticeships improved their quality or service and productivity.

1.5

£

billion

71% of apprentices remain with the same employer.

83 % 83% of employers relied on the apprenticeship programme to provide skilled workers for the future.

80 % 80% of businesses who invested in apprentices report an increase in staff retention.

The Government continues to invest in apprenticeships with £1.5 billion invested

between 2013-2014.

92 % 92% of employers said apprenticeships had led to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

53 % 53% of employers reported they benefited from lower recruitment costs, while 59% experienced lower training costs overall.

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Sources: SFA data; National Audit Office; Ancestry; the Centre for Economics and Business Research; National Apprenticeship Service.


Apprenticeships Simplified // Cutting through red tape

// What we provide...

Here at HFE we’re committed to supporting employers that are behind apprenticeships – we do all we can to make the programme work for you and your business. We cut through the red tape for you and take care of all of the formalities, leaving you to concentrate on doing what you do best – running your business.

 A free recruitment process that can be tailored

Whether you’re looking to upskill your existing staff, or bring new talent in to the business, you can rest assured that our team of friendly and experienced professionals will do all that they can to ensure that apprenticeships work for you.

 Flexible apprenticeship pathways including gym

It’s worth noting here that apprenticeships are not designed to be static or rigid programmes – they are highly customisable and flexible to meet the every changing needs of your business. As one of our apprenticeship partners, you’ll have the freedom and opportunity tell us how you want to structure your apprentice’s training and qualifications, so that this aligns with your business needs and priorities. The only static part of the programme will be the mandatory technical certificate (gym instructor, exercise to music teacher, personal trainer etc), which we’ll deliver as efficiently and thoroughly. This ensures you can use the apprentice as an instructor, trainer or coach as early as possible.

 Outstanding levels of teaching and learning

to your business needs

 A free training needs analysis for your existing staff/employees

 Assistance with the selection of apprenticeships (if required)

instructor, exercise to music, personal trainer and sports coaching

 Exceptional support for the apprentice throughout their training

materials for apprentices

 Continued support for employers from our apprenticeship management team

 Added value qualifications for apprentices, over and above the standard framework

 15% off the commercial cost of all HFE training courses, including Level 4 qualifications

 Access to any Government grants that you may be eligible for.

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The HFE Way... // Ways we can work for you There are a number of ways in which we can work with your business on apprenticeships. The most common include:

 Providing an apprenticeship programme to existing employees, essentially providing an upskill pathway for your staff and greater flexibility within the workforce.

 Supplying applicants in your geographical area that are already actively looking for apprenticeship opportunities.

 Creating and advertising your vacancy across our extensive network of partners, including the Governments’ National Apprenticeship Service website.

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// Finding your apprentice Finding young and talented apprentices is something our team specialise in, so don’t worry if you haven’t got anyone in mind yet. With our free recruitment service, we’ll actively promote your position throughout our extensive network of partners, and supply you with suitable candidates for interview. We can also advertise your vacancy on the Government’s National Apprenticeship Service website for free. Throughout the recruitment and selection process, you will have ultimate control, and you’ll also have the final say with regards to who you hire. We are however happy to assist in any way we can. Many of our partners like to use a 2-3 day trial period before committing to an apprentice - in fact this is something that we actively encourage.


Benefits of Hiring an Apprentice Apprenticeships provide business with an effective way of developing a skilled and motivated workforce. Employers who place their trust in the apprentice programme, invest in their apprentices, and fully utilise the support we provide, will reap of wide range of benefits, including:

Increased productivity and quality of service.

2015

Ownership of an apprentice’s training and personal/career development.

2012 Satisfied Unsatisfied

Significant increase in employee retention.

More motivated and satisfied workforce.

£

+

Bridging of possible skills gaps.

£1,500

Reduced payroll liabilities.

Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) of £1,500 per apprentice* *Subject to eligibility of the business and previous use of the grant.

With 90% of apprentices staying in employment after they finish their apprenticeship, and 71% of apprentices remaining with the same employer, this programme should be seen as a worthwhile investment. Not only does an apprentice have the ability to galvanise motivation, but also bring enthusiasm and fresh ideas to your business. The qualifications delivered by HFE are among the best in the active leisure industry. We will ensure that an apprentice is given the necessary skills and training, in line with your own development, so that can make an immediate and measureable impact to your business. We are incredibly mindful of the trust you’re placing in HFE and the apprenticeship programme and that’s why we’re committed to providing service like no other. On paper, the benefits will look attractive to your business, but what makes working us so worthwhile is the outstanding support you’ll receive, tailored training for the apprentices to directly suit your needs, and free value added qualifications. Ultimately, you’ll be looking to an apprentice to grow and become a valued employee of the future, and we’re here to make sure we play our part in making that become a reality.

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Funding an Apprenticeship Apprenticeships are funded by the Government through the Skills Funding Agency. Because we are contracted by the Skills Funding Agency to deliver these programmes, you do not need to do anything to access this funding to support your apprentice. We take care of all the formalities for you. The following table provides a summary of the apprentices that we are able to support using Government funds.

Instructing Exercise and Fitness Activity Leadership - Intermediate Customer Service - Intermediate Personal Training - Advanced

Funding rules change frequently throughout the academic year however, so it is always best to speak with us to confirm the availability of funding. Unfortunately there is no funding available for apprentices aged 24+ because they are expected to fund their training through a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan. Our team of careers advisors are however available to provide more information, advice and guidance on this route – it is something as a company we are able to offer.

16-18 Yes Yes Yes Yes

19-23 Some* Some* Some* Some*

24+ None None None None

*In some situations, especially when there is only one apprentice in the workplace, we’re not always able to support apprentices who are 19-23 without a contribution from the employer. Often however we can reach a compromise by removing some of the added value elements, thus negating the need for any employer contribution.

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Paying an Apprentice Apprentices are effectively employees, so it is your responsibility to pay the apprentice. How much however is to some extent up to you providing that you are at least covering the National Minimum Wage. For apprentices, the National Minimum Wage is currently £2.73 per hour (£81.90 per week) which is set to rise to £3.10 (£93.00 per week) in October 2015. In reality however, apprentices are often paid a little more by their employers, especially once they are performing active duties independently.

The following table provides a summary of the National Minimum and average wages for apprentices in the UK. In our experience, apprentices perform at their best when a positive system for rewards and feedback is in place. The evidence already supports the fact that apprentices help boost productivity, motivation and satisfaction in the workplace, and having the proper measures to reward an apprentice’s hard work is only going to help them and your business achieve more. They certainly should not be seen as a means of securing cheap labour.

21 and over

18 to 20

Under 18

Apprentice*

Average Apprentice Wage in UK

£6.50

£5.13

£3.79

£2.73

£4.03

*This rate is for apprentices aged 16 -18 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year. All other apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for their age.

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Outstanding Support for Employers // Greater flexibility

Most training providers dedicate all of their resource and attention to the needs of the apprentice and neglect the employer and their business – but not us! From the start to the end of the programme, our dedicated apprenticeship team will be on hand to assist you with managing the apprentice and their development. We’ll make regular contact with you and your staff to ensure that you have everything you need. Furthermore, we’re incredibly mindful that no two businesses are the same, and that’s why any support and advice we provide will be specifically tailored to you. When you become one of our ‘apprenticeship partners’, you’ll receive:

// Free recruitment service Whether it’s assisting with interviews or other parts of the selection process, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

// Fully funded apprenticeship programme The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) provides the funds from Government to support apprentices on the programme. For those aged 16-18, Government provide 100% of the funds. For those that are 19-23 however, Government pay 50% of the funds and expect employers to contribute the other 50%. Wherever possible however, we’ll do everything that we can to ensure that we can deliver the apprenticeship programme at no cost to you or your business.

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We approach every relationship with an employer individually and we carefully consider the needs of you and your business. If there is a way that we can customise an apprenticeship programme to better suit your needs, you can rest assured that we will do everything we can.

// 15% discount of any of the training courses and qualifications offered by HFE This discount can be used to further invest in the apprentice’s development, or your other employees. There are no restrictions to the courses that the discount can be used on – it’s just our way of saying thank you.

// Added value qualifications We will work tirelessly with your business to deliver excellence and this includes a range of free added value qualifications to further improve an apprentice’s skills and career prospects.

// Ongoing support and guidance Throughout the duration of the apprenticeship, our team of tutors, assessors and managers will be on hand to provide you with ongoing support, advice and guidance on all things related to your apprentice and their programme.


Unlimited Support for Apprentices

// Quality training materials

We understand the challenges of studying while in work which is why our expierenced team is available each and every day to help apprentices with work or course-related matters. Their sole purpose is ensure that our apprentices receive a truly world class level of training and support.

// Flexible tutor contact Our support systems are designed to be flexible; apprentices can access it daily between 09:00-18:30 by phone, email, text message or through our regular live webinars.

// Totally unlimited support While our apprenticeships may indeed involve some home study, this is by no means lone study! Our dedicated team will work tirelessly with apprentices at each and every stage of the programme to ensure that sufficient progress is being made, and that they’re on track to achieve their qualifications as planned. Support is unlimited and can be accessed as frequently and for as long as is required.

// Experienced tutors Our courses are taught and assessed by a team of friendly and supportive tutors. All of these tutors are respected fitness professionals in their own right, many of whom are still actively working the fitness industry.

We produce all of our own teaching and learning material to ensure that they meet our exacting standards. We invest a considerable amount of time, energy and expense in to ensuring that your course is supported by the highest standard of resources.

// Online learning Apprentices can access their training course on the go at anytime and anywhere. Our advanced online learning platform will help to break up many of your course units in to more manageable and easy to digest chunks. This system is used to complete many of the key apprenticeship assessments and it also provides an extensive range of revision materials and resources. We can also use this system to generate progress reports that can be shared with you.

// Extensive mock assessments We won’t let our apprentices walk in to their exams blind. We provide all of our students with a wide range of practice/mock assessments that have been specifically designed to prepare our students for their final exams. By the time they sit their theory assessments, they will be extremely well placed to pass these first time round.

// Live daily webinars Delivered twice daily in our secure online learning platform, these webinars teach apprentices and those on our commercial courses all of the essential course content. Attendees can engage with a tutor, their fellow learners and participate in live question and answer sessions.

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Who We’re Working With In the past 5 years we’ve supported thousands of employers across the UK to upskill their staff using Government and European funds. Here are just a handful of those with whom we’ve worked with on work-based-learning and apprenticeships.

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Pathways at a Glance // Intermediate Apprenticeship - Instructing Exercise and Fitness Completed in the context of Gym Instructor or Exercise to Music Instructor

 Level 2 fitness instructor qualifications  12-18 months to complete all workplace learning  Equivalent to 5 GCSEs (A* - C)

Suited to:

 Lifeguards  Member care assistants  Front of house staff  House keepining/cleaning staff  Trainee fitness instructors

// Intermediate Apprenticeship - Activity Leadership Completed in context of a Fitness Instructor or Sports Coach

 Level 2 qualifications  12 – 18 months  Equivalent to 5 GCSEs (A*- C)

Suited to:

 Kids club staff  Sports coaches/trainee sports coaches  Lifeguard  Member care assistants

// Intermediate Apprenticeship - Customer Service and Member Sales Completed in context of a Fitness Instructor or Sports Coach

 Level 2 qualifications  12 – 18 months  Equivalent to 5 GCSEs (A*- C)

Suitable for:

 Front of house staff  House keepining/cleaning staff  Membership staff  Bar/cafe staff  Trainee managers

// Advanced Apprenticeship - Personal Training

 Completed in the role of Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer  Level 3 qualifications  18 months+  Equivalent to two A Level passes

Suited to:

 Fitness instructors  Member care assistants  Front of house staff  Housekeepining/cleaning staff 12


We Love Apprenticeships As one of the fitness industry’s leading training providers, we’re fully committed to providing a robust and fully featured apprenticeship service. It’s for this reason that we’ve taken the ‘Love Apprenticeships’ pledge. This national campaign is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of apprenticeships, something HFE has been a great proponent of. We firmly encourage our apprenticeship partners to sign up, make the pledge, and join us in providing apprentices with the following:

 A job with a productive purpose  An employment contract and a fair wage (the National Minimum Apprentice Wage)

 High quality training and clear individual development

 Opportunities that are accessible to, and achievable by all

 An environment that adheres to health and safety legislation

 A commitment from the employer to use an apprentice to complement the existing workforce, not supplement it

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For more information about any of our apprenticeship programmes, please feel free to contact our dedicated Apprenticeship Team today on 01772 641 091. Find and follow HFE on

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