SPECTRUM
Apprenticeships Guide for Employers
COMPANY STATEMENT At Spectrum, we are passionate about delivering excellence to and for the construction industry. We do that by ensuring your workforce is trained to the highest standards, and by finding the most talented and passionate young people to join your team. The Chamber of Commerce and the CITB continue to highlight the major skills shortfall within the construction industry. As industry leading recruiters, we are committed to making a significant contribution to filling the skills gap. We believe that apprenticeships present valuable opportunities for emerging talent and the companies who give that talent the chance to shine. 2
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We pride ourselves in offering education, support and training that benefits clients and candidates. We work relentlessly to ensure the apprentices we provide contribute to your increased profitability and growth whilst developing the future of the construction industry. That’s why we created the innovative Spectrum Apprenticeship Programme. Be a part of it, and we will help you find the right candidates to meet your business needs whilst removing the long-term pressures and paperwork full time apprentices can bring. We look forward to working with you to grow your business, reinvigorate the construction industry and reimagine the role young people can play in both.
Neil Farrow Director
E: apprenticeships@spectrum-group.uk.com T: 0161 728 4557
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WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP? An apprenticeship is a nationally recognised framework of qualifications that, unlike many forms of further education, allows apprentices to earn while they learn, providing them with real time experiences of the world of work. As an employer, apprenticeships are tailored to your requirements, combining work experience and college study over a 1 – 4 year period. An apprentice spends part of each week at college studying a course that complements their work. The remainder of the week is spent in your team, supporting your business, developing experience, and ensuring their learning comes to life.
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HOW DO SPECTRUM APPRENTICESHIPS DIFFER? Much of the construction industry can be transient and unpredictable – and that can make apprenticeships a difficult commitment to make. That’s why the Spectrum Apprenticeship Programme has been designed to make us, not you, the employer of the apprentice. A Spectrum Apprenticeship gives you all the benefits of an apprenticeship with added flexibility and freedom from risk. And it allows us to create a rich, diverse work experience for each apprentice by working with one or more employers. The result makes apprenticeships in the construction industry a viable option for employers and apprentices alike.
E: apprenticeships@spectrum-group.uk.com T: 0161 728 4557
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BENEFITS OF THE SPECTRUM APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME The Spectrum Apprenticeship Programme brings a host of benefits for employers and apprentices: •
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A unique level of flexibility which ensures your business and the apprentice get the most from the project.
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Opportunities to engage apprentices from 6 weeks to 3 years, so you can tailor your involvement based on your business needs and avoid being tied by long term commitments.
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A flexible pool of apprentices ready to help with projects as and when you need them.
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An assigned Apprenticeship Coordinator to monitor the quality and impact of each apprenticeship programme.
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Expertly managed and compliant apprenticeships, ensuring every apprentice is effectively cared for.
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The highest quality apprentices, recruited and selected by industry experts.
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The ability to hire trained and experienced members of staff with no additional recruitment costs upon completion.
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Secured futures: even if the apprentice does not secure direct employment with you, we guarantee a further year of employment to continue developing his/her skills and confidence.
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Externally recognised: the Spectrum Apprenticeship Programme is recognised by CITB.
E: apprenticeships@spectrum-group.uk.com T: 0161 728 4557
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HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME? Spectrum charge employers a small fee which covers the management and direct cost of an apprentice. In return, we recruit and manage the apprentices most suitable for your business and provide the systems and expertise they need to achieve their full potential.
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SUPPORTING YOU AND YOUR APPRENTICE Most apprenticeship programme training takes place on site, with apprentices absent one day a week for collegebased study. •
All apprentices will have an individual training plan and we will work with you and the apprentice to ensure their training remains on schedule.
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You and your apprentice(s) will be fully supported by our Apprenticeship Coordinator through the programme.
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Training is supplemented by a range of additional, relevant qualifications delivered at our fully accredited training centre.
E: apprenticeships@spectrum-group.uk.com T: 0161 728 4557
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YOUR COMMITMENT
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Apprenticeship schemes give you the opportunity to expand your workforce and cost effectively develop new talent. Yet it is crucial - for our apprentices and for the future of the construction industry - that every employer participating in the scheme has a genuine desire to support young people and understand the responsibilities that come with this.
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To take every apprenticeship seriously, regardless of duration, and do all you can to make it rewarding for the person who joins your business.
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To provide a safe environment for the apprentice to work in and to comply with the policies and procedures expected from responsible employers.
We ask that you commit to the following:
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To commit to a minimum of 6 weeks, with a 1 week period of notice to enable us to effectively coordinate and manage the training programme.
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To provide the apprentice with an effective induction programme and ongoing job training to ensure both parties get the maximum benefit from the programme.
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To provide a welcoming work environment where people feel comfortable engaging with their colleagues and where they feel able to access the learning and support they need.
E: apprenticeships@spectrum-group.uk.com T: 0161 728 4557
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HOW DO SPECTRUM APPRENTICESHIPS WORK? Apprenticeships normally last 1-4 years, and follow a framework that includes a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). There are three levels of apprenticeship and we will work with you to decide which level fits best with your business needs. The apprenticeship levels are: •
Intermediate Level 2 Apprenticeship (equivalent to GCSEs)
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Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship (equivalent to A Levels)
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Higher Level 4 Apprenticeship
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Level 2 Technical Certificate
The Technical Certificate is delivered via day release at college and provides the apprentice with the underpinning knowledge and skills to carry out a range of tasks expected from the chosen role.
Employment Rights & Responsibilities
ERR gives the apprentice an understanding of legislation including Health and Safety, Data Protection, Discrimination and other key policies relevant to employment responsibilities.
Functional Skills
Delivered at college to develop skills required in everyday life, education and in the workplace.
Level 2 NVQ
The NVQ is assessed in the workplace by observation, discussion and by collecting evidence demonstrating work is of the required standard.
Additional training
Training is supplemented with a range of relevant courses including Abrasive Wheels, Manual Handling, Asbestos Awareness, First Aid etc.
Year 3
Level 3 Technical Certificate Functional Skills Level 3NVQ
As above but to a higher skill level. Training will also include supervisory and planning elements.
Year 4
Direct employment with client or 1 year through agency
If the apprentice does not secure direct employment with a client, a further year of work will be guaranteed through the agency to further develop skills and confidence.
Year 1 & 2
Your apprentice(s) will be provided with functional skills, an understanding of the world of work and independent training programmes tailored to your needs and the requirements of the apprenticeship level. They will also be required to show evidence of hands on experience and demonstrate real world understanding from their work placement. Co-ordination of all training programmes and reporting requirements will be managed by Spectrum.
E: apprenticeships@spectrum-group.uk.com T: 0161 728 4557
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OUR COMMITMENT We are committed to working for social regeneration and employment within our region, to filling the skills gap, and to securing the future of the construction industry. The Spectrum Apprenticeship Programme delivers this by creating mutually beneficial opportunities for our clients and apprentices. We commit to meeting the needs of you and your apprentice in the following ways:
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Conducting careful and extensive screening
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Initial assessment and testing
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Interview management
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Additional accredited in house training
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Regular progress reviews
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Management and coordination of training
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Responsibility for wages, tax & NI
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Performance management and reporting
WHAT NEXT? Find out more about bringing apprenticeships to your construction business. We look forward to hearing from you. APPRENTICESHIP TEAM CONTACT DETAILS: E: apprenticeships@spectrum-group.uk.com T: 0161 728 4557
E: apprenticeships@spectrum-group.uk.com T: 0161 728 4557
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SPECTRUM APPRENTICESHIP TEAM CONTACT DETAILS: W spectrum-group.uk.com | E apprenticeships@spectrum-group.uk.com | T 0161 728 4557
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