Employee Apprenticeships

There are a huge range of standards available, from entry level to higher and degree levels.

There are apprenticeships in lots of areas that are relevant to our business - below are just a few examples:

• Business analysis
• Project management
• HR support
• Business admin
• Accounts
• Customer service
• Team and senior leadership
• Library information and archive services
• Digital support

Browse the standards and see what’s available.

Apprenticeships are a potential training option for both new and existing staff.

However, as they are government funded programmes, there are a number of eligibility criteria that an individual employee would need to meet to be considered a suitable applicant for an apprenticeship programme.  These would include that the individual:

• has full line management commitment in support of the application and the training (including support for the on-the-job training element, regular progress reviews, and the off-the-job training requirement which could involve day release/attendance once a week at the training provider's premises);
• is fully committed to putting in the time and effort required to complete all requirements of the apprenticeship programme in a timely fashion, right through to, and including, the End Point Assessment (EPA);
• is interested in an apprenticeship standard that has been fully approved and there is good quality local provision available; 
• has a contract of employment with the University of Essex or one its wholly owned subsidiaries, that covers at least the duration of the apprenticeship programme (including the EPA);
• does not hold a higher qualification in the same subject area as the apprenticeship;
• has scope to acquire substantive new learning and skills from undertaking the programme;
• is not currently in any other form of government funded education (school, college or university);
• has a valid and eligible residency status;
• has a job role where the main duties provide adequate opportunity to meet all the knowledge, skills and behaviour requirements of the occupational standard;
• can evidence holding a level 2 qualification in English and maths, or be committed to achieving these in advance, or alongside, their core programme;
• can meet any additional apprenticeship standard/training provider/employer specific programme entry requirements.

During an apprenticeship, an apprentice will receive two different types of training. ‘Off-the-job’ training (which must equate to at least 6 hours a week) is delivered by a training provider during an apprentice’s normal working hours. This training will teach the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship standards so they can achieve occupational competence. ‘On-the-job’ training is delivered by us as the employer, giving the individual training, support, and supervision to perform their role.

Recruiting a new apprentice

• Process flowchart - for recruiting an apprentice - start of the process through to advert
• Apprentice template job packs (.doc)
  •  University of Essex 
  •  UECS
  •  Wivenhoe House
• Advertising Info - this form MUST BE completed (and uploaded with the funding approval etc) by the hiring manager to allow the role to be advertised on the free 'find an apprenticeship' online service (.doc)
• Blank template shortlisting grid (.xls)
• Template letter to invite apprentices to interview where applications have been managed by the training provider, outside iTrent (.doc)
• Blank template interview grid (.xls)
• Useful apprentice interview template with some example apprentice specific questions (.doc)

Upskilling existing staff

• Process flowchart - for existing staff member/line manager to follow to allow for an application for a levy funded apprenticeship
• Application Form - for use by line managers and individual staff to apply to start an apprenticeship (to be funded through the University of Essex's Employee Apprenticeship Scheme) (.doc)

Key documents relating to all staff apprentices

• Apprenticeship Agreement Template - an apprenticeship agreement forms part of an apprentice's contract of employment whilst they are undertaking the apprenticeship.  This will be sent to the employee for signature before commencement of the apprenticeship programme. (.doc)
• End of Programme Evaluation - Apprentice Form (.doc)
• End of Programme Line Evaluation - Manager Form (.doc)

• A Useful Line Manager Guide to Apprenticeships (.pdf) (Learning and Work Institute)
• Line Manager Briefing Presentation slides (.ppt)
• Key expectations of a line manager of an apprentice to make sure they get the most out of their apprenticeship journey
• Employing an apprentice
• Does your apprentice need help with their mental health? (.pdf)
• Find out more about apprenticeships
• Support your apprentice in completing their End Point Assessment
• Frequently Asked Questions re apprenticeships & the Employee Apprenticeship Scheme (.pdf)

• Association of Apprentices – Consider joining the Association of Apprentices to join a community of other apprentices (for peer support and guidance) and to access events, masterclasses and further learning and development opportunities
• Essential Guide to Apprenticeship Support (.pdf)
• Able Futures Mental Health Support Service for Apprentices (.pdf)
• Apprentice Guide to Assessment
• Discounts for Apprentices – NUS Apprentice Extra Card
• Apprenticeship off-the-job training - policy background and examples (DfE Guidance)