Blaze Your Own Trail
with an Apprenticeship Proud to be part of Activate Learning
What is an apprenticeship? It’s a real job, with hands-on experience, a salary and the chance to train while you work. You’re treated just like all the other employees, with a contract of employment and holiday leave. If you’re 16 or over, you can become an apprentice as long as you spend at least 50% of your working hours in England (for the duration of the Apprenticeship) and you are not in full-time education. There are many different Apprenticeships to choose from. Whether you’re at the start of your career, want to change career direction, or if you’re returning to work after a break.
What Are the Benefits? Apprenticeships provide the best of both worlds and offer high quality, work-based training programmes and are a fantastic way to launch yourself into a career. Different Apprenticeships are available all over England, at companies large and small, in a wide range of industries and organisations. From local organisations to large national brands. You’ll be earning while you’re learning your salary will depend upon the industry, location and type of Apprenticeship you choose. The national minimum wage is £3.70 per hour if you’re aged 16 to 18 - (rising to £3.90 per hour from April 2019) - but many employers pay far more than this. If you’re aged 19 or over and have completed the first year of your Apprenticeship, you are entitled to the national minimum wage for your age.
The key benefits are: You get valuable hands-on experience
working whilst you learn, which helps you develop key skills to progress in your working life. You get paid and train at the same
time, with at least 20% of your time spent in off the job training at College and/or in the workplace. You train to be fully competent in your
chosen occupation.
You’re on a career path - with lots
of opportunities to progress and a boost to your future earnings potential. All Apprenticeships make sure you’re
‘job ready’ for the role you have trained for and your training is paid for by your employer and/or the Government. You get paid holidays - you’ll get at
least 20 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.
A wide range of Apprenticeships to
choose from.
90% of apprentices stay on in their place of work after completing an Apprenticeship* *from www.apprenticeships.gov.uk
Am I eligible? You can become an apprentice once you are 16 years old and have completed your GCSEs at school. There is no upper age limit to becoming an apprentice. Many companies see an Apprenticeship as a real achievement as it shows you have balanced education with employment. There may be different entry requirements depending on the Apprenticeship and the industry sector. See website for more details: www.merristwood.ac.uk
apprenticeship Levels Apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as the gold standard for workbased training. Merrist Wood College offers two levels of Apprenticeships: Level 2 - Intermediate Apprenticeships Level 3 - Advanced Apprenticeships Apprentices work towards the knowledge, skills and performance of their chosen Apprenticeship in the workplace, with some programmes having day release at College. You may also be required to study functional skills at Level 1 or Level 2 (if the required level has not already been achieved) and in some cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification.
How long does it take? There is no set time to complete an Apprenticeship as they vary widely in content and size. The length of time taken will depend on the sector chosen, the ability of the individual apprentice and the employer’s requirements. Apprenticeships typically take between one and two years to complete, depending on the type of Framework or Standard, so it’s important that you’re committed enough to see it through.
We offer Apprenticeships in the following areas... Arboriculture
Intermediate Level Equine
Advanced Level Equine Groom
Intermediate Level Golf Greenkeeper (Sports Turf)
Intermediate Level Horticulture
Intermediate Level Landscape
Intermediate Level Sports Turf
Advanced Level Sports Turf (Groundsperson)
Intermediate Level
“I chose to do an Apprenticeship for a few reasons, one of them being that I was earning money as I was working towards my qualification. I decided to gain my Level 2 to open up my career, then progress onto the Level 3 so I would have more opportunities in my future career as a greenkeeper. Doing an Apprenticeship also helped with my studies as the skills I learnt from my workplace helped me carry out my portfolio at College alongside guidance from my tutor.”
Matt Kitson
sports turf apprentice Level 3
next steps... Step 1. Choose your Apprenticeship We offer a range of Apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3 - take a look at the website, come along to a Course Information Event or contact us for more information.
Step 2. Apply online Fill in an application form online, whether you have an employer or not.* Apply online at www.merristwood.ac.uk
Step 3. Come to an interview We will invite you to an interview and assessment, which normally lasts 2 hours and allows you to discuss your Apprenticeship choices and plans for the future. We’ll also tell you about any materials or equipment you need and the support we can offer.
Step 4. Enrolment to College Our Apprenticeship Team and your Assessor will make contact and visit you and your employer at work to complete your enrolment paperwork.
*If you haven’t already got an employer you will need to find one to support your Apprenticeship. We may be able to help you with this. If you do not find an employer we will discuss alternative provision with you. If suitable, a full-time student who finds an employer, having started their course, can transfer onto an Apprenticeship.
Choose MERRIST WOOD College Choose from a number of different
Our staff have a wealth of knowledge
Progress onto an Advanced
Help and support during your studies
Relevant training that meets the skills
We offer excellent College resources
Apprenticeships. Apprenticeship.
needed for the job.
We work with many organisations in
the South East and if you don’t already have a job we will support you in finding a job via the Governments online vacancy matching service.
and experience with Apprenticeships. at the College.
for off-the-job training and have the advantage of being located just outside of Guildford.
“I decided to undergo an Apprenticeship as it was the best way to gain experience in the industry, along with a qualification. I enjoy being at work four days a week, and it is very rewarding as it benefits the school, and most importantly the children playing on the surface.”
George Ractliff
Sports Turf Apprentice Level 2 (Feltonfleet School)
“taking on George as an Apprentice has given him an opportunity to progress within his chosen area. He has had experience in preparing, maintaining, renovating and developing the grounds and gardens.”
John Vaughan Davis employer at FeltonFleet School
www.merristwood.ac.uk mwinfo@guildford.ac.uk 01483 88 40 40
Merrist Wood College Holly Lane Worplesdon Guildford GU3 3PE Proud to be part of Activate Learning