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Apprenticeship Booklet | 15–16
2 Contents -3 4 Apprenticeships -5 6
Lewis Saye
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Emily Hamlin
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Katey Corleys
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Alex Lee
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Cristina Monachello
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Jon-Luc Holmes
INTRODUCTION This publication offers information about apprenticeship possibilities at South Essex College in collaboration with UNISON. Included here are testimonials from 10 apprentices who have chosen a range of career pathways within the apprenticeship scheme each sharing their views on the apprenticeship process and experience. Contact: www.southessex.ac.uk – 0845 521 2345 www.joinunison.ac.uk – 01245 354044
12 - 13 Jennifer Kitney 14 - 15 South Essex College 16 - 17 UNISON
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Apprenticeship Booklet | 15–16
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What are Apprenticeships?
Take a look at our apprenticeship vacancies on our website and register your interest by completing our web form. You will receive our apprenticeship vacancy bulletin directly to your inbox to see the latest opportunities. www.apprenticeships.org.uk
An Apprenticeship is a great opportunity to earn while you learn, through handson experience in the workplace. Your chosen area of employment will provide you with job specific training to gain the skills required for your career. You will also receive support in achieving functional Maths and English skills if required. Apprentices must receive at least the National Minimum Wage and should work for at least 30 hours per week.
Why choose an Apprenticeship? Key benefits of an apprenticeship include earning a salary, getting paid holidays, receiving training and gaining qualifications.
Over 150,000 employers offer apprenticeships at more than 200,000 locations available at intermediate, advanced and higher (degree) level.
After an Apprenticeship? As of 2015, After completion, the vast majority of apprentices (85%) will stay in employment, with two-thirds (64%) remaining with the same employer. A third (32%) of all former apprentices had received a promotion within 12 months of finishing, and of those in work, three quarters (75%) reported taking on greater responsibility within their role. Employers think that qualified apprentices are 15% more employable than those with alternative qualifications. Source: National Apprenticeship Service
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L E W I S S AY E
Campus: Southend-on-Sea
Apprenticeship in Advertising & Marketing Communications
Prior to my apprenticeship, I studied Graphic Design for two years at South Essex College. This helped me aquire a broad range of skills relevant to the creative industries. I chose the apprenticeship route to further develop my skillset, gain industry experience and simultaneously earn money. A typical day involves organising and designing promotional material for South Essex College’s Media department. This includes designing and maintaining their website and uploading new content to engage prospective and motivate current students.
I’m always taking on and initiating big tasks such as producing all of the promotional material for the Media end of year show, which meant I had the chance to design and print a 60-page showcase booklet from scratch. I would definitely recommend apprenticeship programmes to others because they’re excellent for gaining experience in the industry you want your future to lie and they offer outstanding one to one tuition. I hope to pursue my career in marketing further and working at the College has definitely set me up with the correct knowledge to achieve this.
I also produce content such as photography and video work to be uploaded to the site as well as optimising the site for search engine results.
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E M I LY H A M L I N
Campus: Grays Thurrock
Apprenticeship in Engineering
I originally took the A-level route at a grammar school sixth form after my GCSEs. I worked hard and passed my first year but found it very stressful. I decided to make a change and applied for an engineering apprenticeship at Procter & Gamble, it’s proving to be the best decision I ever made. I study a few days a week at South Essex College’s Thurrock campus and undertake placements at Procter & Gamble for the rest of the time. My parents were initally worried when I told them I was switching to an apprenticeship but I explained to them it would open up a lot of opportunities for me.
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I’m a lot happier, I’ve been interested in engineering from a young age and now I’m doing what I want to do! The pressure of getting into university is off and I can concentrate on learning and building my skillset. I’m enjoying my practical placements and the handson experience I’m gaining. I spend time in different departments and get a real feel for how the company works. I think apprenticeships are a great option for young people, they’re really worth it.
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Campus: Grays Thurrock
Apprenticeship in Business Administration
I applied for my Apprenticeship via the Direct Gov website (www.gov.uk) My administration role is with William Edwards School in Grays. I decided to do an Apprenticeship after working as a Beauty Therapist for over 10 years. I thought this was the best way for me to learn new skills and get work experience in the correct environment at the same time.
My proudest achievement is dealing with a particular first aid incident successfully. It can be tough but I received praise from my manager and other senior members of staff thanked me for my hard work. Once I finish my apprenticeship I would like to stay within a school environment and continue working in administration.
No two days are the same at the School. I run the student reception which involves taking phone calls from parents, dealing with first aid calls and general admin duties such as filing, sorting and scanning.
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ALEX LEE
Campus: Southend-on-Sea
Apprenticeship in Marketing Communications
I achieved A-levels in Graphic Design and Film Studies at the first college I attended and a BTEC Level 3 Extended diploma in Music practice at the second college.
A highlight achievement so far has been the promotional video that I filmed, edited and produced. It’s been shown at internal and external events and even abroad.
I continued Music studies through a bachelor’s degree but after a year I decided it wasn’t working out for me, so I sought an apprenticeship.
To those who desire a particular career, then an apprenticeship is a great leap in the right direction as it gives you an insight into your desired industry.
The Level 4 qualification is equivalent to the first year of a degree and the experience at South Essex College has helped me become a competent commercial designer. I feel that with both the qualification and experience I have a high chance of entering my desired career. As the Art and Design Apprentice, I coordinate the Campus Gallery which involves seeking artists who’d like to exhibit, taking bookings, organising the schedule, marketing and ensuring the artwork is displayed properly. I also improve the department’s image and identity by creating posters for events and end of year shows. In addition I have made videos, visited external events and assisted the College marketing department with projects.
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Apprenticeship Booklet | 15–16
Campus: Southend-on-Sea
Apprenticeship in Business Administration
Before starting my apprenticeship at South Essex College I had successfully completed a Level 2 Business and Administration course. I felt that it would suit me better to learn in a workplace than study in a classroom as I would be able to gain practical skills. Examples of this would be learning the correct telephone manner and the appropriate way to act in the workplace. My day-to-day roles and responsibilities involve helping with various queries over email and telephone and arranging meetings. I also have access to an apprenticeship website that shows me applications from potential apprentice candidates, which I forward to our sub-contractors.
For training events I would have to make sure all of the requirements had been met like booking a room and hospitality for the day and collating all of the trainee information. I hope to continue working for South Essex College to gain more knowledge and experience and I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship route to others.
Another duty I have is looking at the Proretention website where enquiries will come through that I have to action accordingly by either answering them via the website or asking another one of my colleagues to action the enquiry. My standout achievement is being able to set up training events quickly and efficiently, which I used to do regularly for my ‘License To Observe’ training.
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Campus: Southend-on-Sea
Apprenticeship in Digital Learning Design
Before my apprenticeship I completed my A-Levels in Business Studies, Computing and Sociology at South Essex College.
My standout achievement would be the development of a strong working relationship between myself and various staff members around the college.
During my A2 year, I was part of the Learning Technology Student Mentor Programme working along side the team throughout the year.
My knowledge and understanding of the systems allows me to confidently support the use of digital learning technologies within the college. It could be a small query regarding the Virtual Learning Environment we use or introducing a new technology to a tutor and helping them bring it into the classroom.
However, due to the workload I decided that doing an apprenticeship would be a better option for me as it would allow me to improve my skills while also actively applying them in a working environment. A typical working day for me involves producing digital learning resources as well as supporting the various learning technologies used within the college.
I would highly recommend taking an apprenticeship. They are a good alternative to going to university as you can work while also continuing your studies in a way that allows you to build industry relevant experience from day one.
This is accomplished by working closely with tutors to help produce the content they need and to also encourage and support them in the use of existing or new technologies.
After I finish my apprenticeship I would like to continue my work in supporting learning technologies and producing digital learning resources in an educational environment.
I also support staff within their team rooms at regular times as well as providing support in the 3rd floor of The Forum.
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Campus: Grays Thurrock
Apprentice Learning Technologist
Before I started my apprenticeship, I trained as a chef and acquired a Level 3 in Professional Cookery. However, I came to a decision that cheffing wasn’t really for me. I didn’t have a great time at school so I found myself with very few options. I’ve always been good with technology, so when I saw the advert for my apprenticeship online I thought that there was nothing for me to lose and everything for me to gain. An apprenticeship was a great way for me to change paths. It meant that I was able to gain experience at work as well as pushing towards a qualification. I really like the fact that when I finish I’m going to have a Level 4 qualification without having thousands of pounds worth of debt. My main job responsibilities are to develop and create online learning resources for the college. I work with individual tutors to create blended learning sessions as well as creating a wider range of resources. The Learning Technology team is also in charge of Moodle, which means I do some admin work, resetting passwords and making sure courses are working. My
South SouthEssex EssexCollege College| UNISON | UNISON
desk is in the LRC, which means I am able to provide face to face support to students or staff who approach our help desk. I’m really proud of the resources that we create. Four of us started at about the same time and we all have come on in leaps and bounds. Learning from each other and collaborating to create the best resources we can. This apprenticeship is by far the best thing I’ve done to secure my future and I would definitely recommend applying for one. I’m hoping to stay within the educational sector doing something with Learning Technologies, either as an Instructional Designer or a Learning Technologist. I’d love to join a big London based establishment and work in the cutting edge of the sector.
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South Essex College is one of the most successful and innovative further education colleges in the country.
Apprenticeships The College offers a great selection of apprenticeships at different levels.
It supports economic development by providing workforces with the skills and attitudes to compete in domestic and global marketplaces.
The NOVA Partnership is seen as a model of good practice and is the largest provider of Apprenticeships in the Eastern Region with 13 partners covering work based learning across the Essex and into Suffolk.
> Partnership
The partnership offers a wide range of Apprenticeship programmes in over 40 sectors such as art and design, creative media and performing arts, sport and public services, construction, engineering, IT and business, hospitality, catering, hairdressing and beauty therapy.
> Unique
The College offers a wide range of further and higher education courses across three campuses, including A-Levels, Diplomas and Degrees. Southend-on-Sea Located next to Southend Central station, our Southend Campus offers A-level courses, an impressive range of vocational subjects, adult courses and higher education in the brand new Forum. Higher education students get exclusive access to The Forum, a ÂŁ27 million ultra-modern library and learning zone located nearby. Basildon Set in spacious and tranquil grounds just outside of Basildon town centre, our Basildon Campus specialises in realistic work environments for a range of vocational courses such as childcare, hairdressing, beauty therapy and public services.
Our five core values are:
> Respect > Outstanding
> Dynamic www.southessex.ac.uk
The apprentices in this publication have been trained or employed through South Essex College and share their experiences of apprenticeships as a route to employment. For further information please call: 0845 52 12345
Thurrock The new ÂŁ45 million Thurrock Campus is now open. Already, more than 1,500 students have enrolled at the state-of-theart facility, located on Grays High Street in the heart of the town centre. The Thurrock Campus includes fantastic construction facilities where students can learn the different building trades.
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Apprenticeship Apprenticeship Booklet Booklet | 15–16 | 15–16
UNISON is a trade union serving more than 1.3 million members. We work to promote union membership amongst workers and campaign for better pay, employment rights and opportunities for young people. We are a democratic organisation run by our members and we have officers and stewards who are elected to represent us. We have a Branch Executive Committee that meet every month and we also send delegates to the Eastern Region of UNISON and national conferences. In our branch there are nearly 2,000 members who are employed by Southend Council, South Essex Homes, South Essex College, schools and many other public and private sector employers. We take a positive view of apprenticeships as a way of earning, learning and getting into permanent paid employment. UNISON branches such as Southend-onSea Local Government Branch are in an excellent position to monitor apprenticeship schemes in the workplace and to help them get organised to raise their voices about their treatment in the workplace. The growth in schemes means many more young workers are coming into permanent jobs from apprenticeships and they will make up a significant proportion of the workforce. The membership fee for an apprentice is as little as £10 however it is paid for by your organisation. By joining UNISON you will receive: • Advice, support and help when you need it at work • Legal services for you at work and your family at home • Financial assistance and debt advice in times of need • Helpline open until midnight • Compensation for accidents and injuries at work • Member discounts – including up to 50% off holidays • Education, training and support
South Essex College | UNISON
One of the most reassuring things about being a member of UNISON is knowing that there are people who can help if you find yourself facing a problem. You never know when you might encounter a problem but what you do know is that you don’t have to face it alone. We help members by negotiating equal pay, discrimination and employment rights, making sure that employers are not breaking the law. Progression From being a member you could become a trade union representative. You would be able to represent and give advice to colleagues when they have problems at work, develop the best possible health and safety procedures with an employer and go with members to disciplinary or grievance hearings with management.
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Steve Cooper
“I’m Steve Cooper a local Unison Trade Union Representative and Careers (Connexions) Adviser employed by Southend Borough Council. I’ve been a Trade Union member since my first day of employment and been an activist both with Prospect (another Union) and Unison for the past 20 years. I’m really keen to see everyone and in particular Apprentices joining a Trade Union.“ www.joinunison.org
Trade union reps aren’t paid but they do get paid time off to do their work as a rep. Being a member of UNISON could also lead to more involved positions, such as an ambassador or an officer. There are many roles to be filled within your local UNISON branch and the requirements vary from role to role. UNISON also offers a range of courses that are free to members, and can help you develop your confidence, skills and knowledge. To join UNISON today, fill out the form attached or apply online
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This project was made possible with the assistance of: Steve Cooper - Editorial Ruby Chittenden - Editorial Lewis Saye - Design Production & Editorial Tim Fransen - Project Coordination Thank you to all apprentices that were involved.
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