What Are Modern Apprenticeships?
Modern Apprenticeships give anyone over the age of 16 the opportunity to work in a paid job while undertaking workplace training and occasionally part-time study in order to gain new and enhanced skills and recognised qualifications.
View the latest copy of our magazine 'It’s the Business' and read case studies from some of our current apprentices about their learning experiences.
Are Modern Apprenticeships available in my Sector?
Modern Apprenticeships are available to a wide range of businesses and are tailored to the employer's company and sector, together with the requirements of both the employer and the apprentice.
Examples of Modern Apprenticeship frameworks the college currently delivers include:
- Business Administration
- Hairdressing
- Aircraft Engineering
- Health & Social Care
- Hospitality
- Construction/Plumbing
- Textiles
Why are they good for the employer?
A highly trained workforce enables a company to keep pace with changes in technology and working practices, giving the business a competitive edge. Modern Apprenticeships also help your business to provide clear career paths, enabling you to retain valued employees.
Why are they good for the apprentice?
The employee gains the chance to further their career with increased skills, confidence and motivation. Many Modern Apprentices of recent years have progressed to senior management.
When is it best to start a Modern Apprentice?
The best time is in August or early September as this is when SVQ courses generally start in college, other intakes are available, please contact us for details.
How is the SVQ delivered and how long does it take?
It varies depending on the SVQ.
For the construction crafts, with the exception of plumbing, Modern Apprentices attend college on a two week block basis. Plumbing is double day-release during years 1 and 2 and day-release plus twilight class in year 3. Aircraft Engineering apprentices attend college full-time for the first year and then on a day release basis. For all other SVQs, attendance is on a day release basis. It can take up to three years to complete an SVQ - the average being about two years.
How can Ayr College help my business?
Acting under licence from Skills Development Scotland, Ayr College Training Unit organises and delivers Modern Apprenticeship training for a substantial number of companies and organisations throughout Ayrshire.
Modern Apprenticeships offer a framework that combine SVQ qualifications with core skills and underpinning knowledge and are designed to meet the needs of industry.
Modern Apprenticeships are available in a number of sectors, with the format of training decided by the appropriate Sector Skills Council. Trainees are generally encouraged to progress through the various levels of qualification available, although this isn't the only focus of the vocational training. Modern Apprenticeships also instil in trainees a range of 'soft skills' around communication, teamwork and problem solving, as well as improved numerical and IT skills. All trainees must be in employment to participate.
There may also be funding available from Skills Development Scotland to cover the cost of training which can be accessed through the college.
Examples of Modern Apprenticeship frameworks the college currently delivers include:
- Business Administration
- Hairdressing
- Aircraft Engineering
- Health & Social Care
- Hospitality
- Construction/Plumbing
- Textiles
Employers: Are you Ready?
If you are an employer why not build your business from the inside, by helping employees to expand their knowledge and skills. Whether or not you already have in-house training in place, our Modern Apprenticeships programme can boost your staff development efforts by providing a structure for the vocational training of employees over the age of 16.
If you are an employer who is interested in training one of your existing employees, we currently have a few training places available. Please complete our online enquiry form and someone from our Training Unit will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
br>
For more information please download our Employers Guide to Modern Apprenticeship Training (pdf) .
Employee: Are you interested?
If you are currently over the age of 16, employed and interested in gaining a Modern Apprenticeship qualification, please contact:
Business Development
Ayr College
Dam Park
Ayr, KA8 0EU
Tel: 0800 199 798
Email: training@ayrcoll.ac.uk
br>
Or please download an Application Form now.
Adopt an Apprentice
Adopt an Apprentice and not only will your business benefit from a skilled trainee, but you will also receive a £2000 incentive.
The financial incentive will help cover wage and recruitment costs of taking on a Modern Apprentice who has been made redundant from another employer.
Applications to 'Adopt an Apprentice' must be made through the Training Unit at Ayr College, please contact us for further details
Interested?
Please contact:
Business Development
Ayr College
Dam Park
Ayr, KA8 0EU
Tel: 0800 19 97 98
Email: training@ayrcoll.ac.uk