Apprenticeships and Training
Apprenticeships
Futureworks is a work-based learning provider; we have been working in partnership with Skills Academy Wales at NPTC Group of Colleges and LRC Training to deliver Apprenticeships on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills, Welsh Government.
We currently offer apprenticeship learning opportunities in the following sectors:
- Futureworks - Business & Administration
- Futureworks - Customer Service
- Futureworks: IT Users
- Futureworks - Horticulture
- Futureworks: Child Care
- Futureworks: Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Futureworks: Team Leading and Management
For more information about Futureworks Apprenticeships contact us on:
01437 776437
futureworks@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
What are Apprenticeships?
As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Apprentices receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications; this learning may include day release at one of Futureworks' centres. Futureworks' Apprentices can take between one and two years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices' ability and the industry sector. The minimum salary is £3.50 per hour; however, many apprentices earn significantly more.
Who are they for?
Apprenticeships are open to all age groups above 16 years-old whether you are just leaving school, have been working for years or are seeking to start a new career. There are different entry requirements depending on the Apprenticeship and the industry sector and competition for places with employers can be fierce, so you will need to show that you are committed, and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you. You also need to be happy to work as both part of a team and individually, and be able to use your own initiative.
Learning
Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. There are targets and checks to make sure that your employer is supporting you and you are making progress.
As an employee you will be in employment for most of your time as most training takes place on the job. The rest usually takes place at a Futureworks' learning centre. The amount of time you spend varies according to your Apprenticeship and will be useful in your job and help you succeed in your future career.
Your employment will be for at least 30 hours per week. There may be a small number of circumstances where the learner cannot complete the full 30 hours. In these cases employment will be for more than 16 hours per week and your learning may last for a longer period of time because of this.
Levels
Apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as the gold standard for work-based learning. Futureworks currently offers two levels of Apprenticeship:
Foundation Apprenticeships
- Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as a Level 2 Competence Qualification, Essential Skills Wales and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification.
Apprenticeships
- Apprentices work towards work-based learning such as a Level 3 Competence Qualification, Essential Skills Wales and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification.
All Apprenticeships must include the following elements:
- A competencies qualification which must be achieved by the apprentice to qualify for an Apprenticeship certificate, and which is the qualification required to demonstrate competence in performing the skill, trade or occupation to which the framework relates
- A technical knowledge qualification which is the qualification required to demonstrate achievement of the technical skills, knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and knowledge and understanding of the industry and its market relevant to the skill, trade or occupation to which the framework relates.
- Essential Skills Wales in Communication and Application of Number and for some industries Information Technology.
- The diagram below gives an overview of where Apprenticeships fit in with your choice of options for education, employment and training.
Information about Apprenticeships can be found at the following:
Useful generic information on apprenticeships, however, please note that apprenticeships in Wales differ in some areas for example title and framework requirements: