Employer's Guide to Business & Professional Apprenticeships at Wigan & Leigh College

SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

As an employer, you will know how important a skilled workforce is.

For 70 years we have been working with companies like yours to develop the nation’s technical specialists and business leaders, helping to close the skills gap within your industry.

We offer innovative teaching and learning to invest in education that supports the nation’s future economic growth.

By focusing on the needs of industry we work with you to prepare the next generation of creative, ingenious problem solvers, who help to raise standards within your organisation ensuring your reputation and business success.

We understand that developing the very best staff is crucial for you to:

• improve performance, recruitment and retention

• build employee confidence with a stronger understanding of the industry

• keep up with cutting-edge industry developments and inspire new ideas

• address weaknesses and ensure teams have comparable skills and knowledge

• develop job satisfaction demonstrating to employees that they are valued

• position your company as a leader and competitor within your industry.

WHY CHOOSE WIGAN & LEIGH COLLEGE AS

AN APPRENTICESHIP PARTNER?

We work with more than 1,500 employers and over 2000 apprentices in a range of sectors; health & social care, hospitality and catering, accounting, business and many more.

Apprentices are employed, earn a salary and gain a recognised qualification. Our programmes range from levels 2 to 5, including higher and degree apprenticeships. They may last 12 to 48 months, depending on the apprenticeship and the sector.

You will have ready access to a talent pool of students who have studied full-time with us and are keen to take up an apprenticeship to progress within their chosen field.

As the largest college provider of apprenticeships in Greater Manchester we support our apprentices and their employers throughout the journey from Level 2 through to Level 5.

APPRENTICESHIPS EXPLAINED…

Apprenticeships benefit businesses - they develop talent and drive organisations forward. Apprenticeships are recognised as a fantastic route to develop careers, without the burden of student loans or study debts.

BENEFITS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

86 per cent of employers say apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation.

78 per cent say apprenticeships helped them to improve productivity.

74 per cent say apprenticeships helped them to improve the quality of their product or service.

• Adapt your apprentice’s training according to the needs of your business.

• Apprentices are more motivated to learn new skills.

• You can expand and upskill your workforce.

INCENTIVES

Employers recruiting an apprentice aged between 16 and 18, will be eligible to receive a £1000 government incentive, The college will pay employers £500 90 days after the start of the apprenticeship and another £500 after the first 12 months.

We will advise you when you are eligible for additional government grants or incentives. You will need to claim additional incentives through your online apprenticeship service account so make sure you have registered prior to cut off points.

HIGHER AND DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS EXPLAINED…

Apprenticeships may combine a full degree, HNC/D with the practical skills gained in the workplace and the financial security and job satisfaction of being employed. Apprenticeship schemes combine study and work for up to five years.

Why should I support my employees to take up a higher level or degree apprenticeship?

You will gain a highly skilled employee with academic qualifications and the relevant practical skills to improve your workforce and contribute towards the productivity and performance. Employers are also taking advantage of higher level and degree apprenticeships to upskill their existing staff.

How long does a higher level or degree apprenticeship last?

Depending on the standard they will typically last between three and four years.

How do we know whether a higher level or a degree apprenticeship is right for the company?

Higher level and degree apprenticeships are becoming part of organisational workforce strategies. Apprenticeships ensure people are making a contribution to the workplace

while they are learning. Our team will work with you to construct a training programme tailored to the needs of the sector and to your needs as an employer, focusing on the skills you require for your business.

How much time away from the workplace will my employee require?

Higher level and degree apprentices spend just 20 per cent of their time (about one day a week) studying for their degree with the majority of their time in the workplace (at least 30 hours a week).

Do employees need prior qualifications?

Yes, but this depends on the apprenticeship they take up.

What if they don’t have the qualifications required for a degree apprenticeship?

The college offers a range of programmes to prepare for degree and higher level apprenticeships.

LEARNING & PROGRESSION ROUTES

We understand that you and your employees will require flexible approaches to learning and gaining a qualification. This is why we offer a range of ways to study - from part-time classes during the day, as well as, evening.

We offer a range of qualifications including Higher National Certificates (HNC), Higher National Diplomas (HND), Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ) and higher apprenticeships.

We are partners with Pearson Edexcel, which accredit our HNC/HNDs, and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) which award our degrees.

HIGHER

APPRENTICESHIPS (Level 4 & 5)

Higher apprenticeships (Level 4) include NVQ Level 4, Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND), or foundation degree. A higher apprenticeship can take up to five years to complete, and many higher apprenticeships have a permanent job at the end. If the company doesn’t employ you after the apprenticeship, or you choose to look elsewhere, you will still be a highly employable candidate.

ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP (Level 3)

Advanced apprenticeships are equivalent to two A levels or a T Level. Course formats can vary depending on the combination of work and study. You will complete your apprenticeship within 24 to 48 months.

INTERMEDIATE APPRENTICESHIP (Level 2)

Intermediate apprenticeships are equivalent to five GCSEs. Intermediate apprenticeships usually take between 12 to 18 months to complete, with an average of around 6 hours per week off-the-job training.

We offer a range of apprenticeships.

You will develop skills including logical problem-solving and decision making, knowledge of local and national businesses, great IT skills and many more transferable skills, private and public alike.

Skills required:

• Logical thinking

• Awareness of current business issues and trends

• Knowledge of local and national business

• A non-judgemental and positive approach

• Good IT skills

• Excellent organisational skills

• Decision making skills

• Strong communication skills

• The ability to manage projects and use initiative

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ACCOUNTING

Accounting apprenticeships give you the opportunity to work in a finance role while studying for your AAT qualification. You will learn from experienced colleagues and tutors, gain practical skills, acheive a qualification that employers want and earn a salary at the same time.

Skills required:

• Understanding of basic accounting principles

• Strong mathematical and numerical aptitude

• Effective organisation and time management skills

• Clear communication skills

• Good analytical skills and ability to think critically

• Competent in using accounting software

• Strong ethical integrity

• Problem solving abilities

"Having employees learning while working with fresh enthusiastic perspective really benefits the company"

David Brooks

Executive Chairman, 3B Training

"The course and the tutors were brilliant. I was supported all the way. I noticed how fast I was learning thanks to structured the apprenticeship was, I was able to gain a lot of knowledge and confidence in a short amount of time."

HUMAN RESOURCES

Working in human resources involves engaging with a range of people and dealing with challenging situations and issues as they arise. You will need a motivational attitude, approachable manner and a good understanding of workplace policies and culture.

Skills required:

• Logical thinking

• Independant approach to work

• Knowledge of industry rules and regulations

• A non-judgemental and positive approach

• Good IT skills

• Excellent organisational skills

• Decision making skills

• Strong communication skills

• The ability to manage projects and work on your own initiative

"The benefit of learning while is that you get realife experience and get to put what you have learned into practise. I'm hoping to progress onto the Level 5 course next and to hopefully one day become a HR Consultant."

Abbey Halliwell HR Support Apprentice

CATERING & HOSPITALITY

Whether you are passionate about creating exquisite dishes or ensuring memorable dining experiences, our apprenticeships offer a blend of hands-on training, expert guidance, and a pathway to a fulfilling career in the vibrant world of catering & hospitality.

Within this fast-paced sector we offer apprenticeships in Catering and Hospitality. On these apprenticeships you will develop skills including efficient and clear communication, an ability to work well under pressure, excellent customer service skills, relevant industry understanding and much more.

Skills required:

• Effective communication skills

• Enthusiasm and dedication

• Ability to thrive in high-pressure environments

• Strong team skills

• Exceptional customer service expertise

• Understanding of health and safety requirements

• Outstanding interpersonal skills

"Working as a catering apprentice has been a great experience for me. I have excelled with my customer service skills in the kitchen. The apprenticeship has offered me a very broad learning experience."

Jess Hilton Level 2 Production Chef

EARLY YEARS & EDUCATION

An apprentice teaching assistant or early years educator, plays a vital role in enabling children to get the most out of education, in a school or nursery setting.

You may specialise in areas such as music, or working with pupils with special educational needs.

Skills required:

• Excellent customer service

• Initiative

• Effective organisation and time management

• Clear communication

• Good analytical skills and ability to think critically

• Up-to-date with business and industry changes

• Strong ethical integrity

• Problem solving

This apprenticeship works for me beacuase I am a practical learner. I am assessed on the things I do every day, so I know I am gaining the relevant experience. It is a rewarding career and I can use what I learn straight away. I can see the benefit and impact it has on my students.

Misha Clark

Level 3 Early Years Educator

HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY THERAPY

Hairdressing and beauty therapy apprentices secure employment with national and international organisations. The skills and knowledge developed prepare them for the workplace and a successful career.

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

The Image Centre is known for its great customer service and excellent facilities.

Hair & beauty salons, at both our Wigan and Leigh Centres, provide a professional experience for every client with a tailored service for everyone who walks through the door.

At the Image Centre, hair and beauty students offer a wide range of up-to-date treatments and will work alongside our talented and experienced tutors.

I have found my calling. I prefer the practical side of education. I love being able to have a conversation with people from different walks of life. Learning the skills allows me to really help people to feel good about themselves. It’s a rewarding career path.

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

Our Health & Social Care apprenticeships combine teaching from highly respected, leading industry professionals and on-the-job training. You will develop skills, such as; effective communication and the ability to thrive under pressure, while earning a salary.

I work with people who have experienced the same career so they are here to help and guide me. Every day is a highlight. I feel like I am ahead of the curve because I learn and use my skills every day. It makes me feel more confident in my role and that helps me to enjoy it more.

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

Our Centre of Excellence is focused on raising aspirations in Health & Social Care and delivers courses up to degree level including apprenticeships for careers in counselling, medicine, midwifery. nursing, paramedic and social work.

According to Health Education England, health workers are in high demand, in particular nurses, therapists, midwives and paramedics. The NHS needs to recruit 190,000 more staff by 2027 to meet the demands of a growing and ageing population.

Mia Elwick

Level 2 Adut Care Worker

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