Information for Employers

“Employing an apprentice has helped our business expand and increase our work force whilst keeping costs down.” - Kim Lewington, Lewington Heating

 “Over the years we have made good use of the services from Kettering Borough Training. Approximately 50% of our manufacturing staff have completed apprenticeships and have proven to be well trained, dynamic and resourceful employees” - Beth Reed, Emerald House Associates

 

What can Kettering Borough Training do for me?
We will advertise your apprenticeship vacancy, conduct an initial interview and provide a short list of suitable candidates (if required). We will sit in on your interview process to explain the apprenticeship parameters and support you with the administrative processes for both successful and unsuccessful applicants (if required). During the apprenticeship we will plan, monitor and review learners' progress on a regular basis. We will liaise with college tutors and/or in-house trainers/assessors to monitor individuals' progress and achievement. We will act as an intermediary in any item of contention or concern and will support you to the achievement of an amicable and positive outcome.
 
What will the service cost and who will pay the training fees?
Currently we do not charge for our services, however we reserve the right to introduce a charge in the future if necessary. You will informed well in advance of any changes.

Who will pay the apprentices' wages/salary?
The employer is responsible for paying wages/salaries. You must agree the rate of pay at the outset of the apprenticeship, along with the timing and amount of any incremental pay rises. Pay rates may be dependant upon your company policy or certain industrial stipulations. Consideration should also be given to the requirements of the National Minimum Wage.

Who selects the apprentice?
The final choice of candidate for all apprenticeship vacancies is made by you, the employer. Kettering Borough Training will provide advice and guidance if required but you make the final choice of which person to employ.

What is the difference between Intermediate Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships work towards Level 2 standard plus the relevant technical certificate and key skills. Advanced Apprenticeships work towards Level 3 plus the relevant technical certificate and key skills.

Where will they be trained and assessed?
Training in trades such as Construction, Engineering, Electro-technical, Printing, Hairdressing and Accounting will be delivered at a local college.
For college based learning, assessments will be carried out at college and in your working environment. It is a requirement of all qualifications that the greater proportion of assessments are carried out at work. This ensures that your apprentices' skills and abilities whilst at work are assessed against the National Standards.
Administration, Customer Service and Health & Social Care are delivered by Kettering Borough Training's experienced assessors either at our offices at Drovers' Hall or in the working environment, as required.  
 
What is a Technical Certificate?
This is a qualification that provides the theoretical and practical knowledge required by your particular industry. In some cases the Technical Certificate requires written and practical examinations, in others, it requires written examinations only.

What are Functional Skills?
Functional Skills are Communication (Adult Literacy), Application of Number (Adult Numeracy) and Information Communication Technology (ICT).
You may also be required to do Wider Functional Skills - Improving own Learning & Performance, Working with Others and Problem Solving.
Each Apprenticeship Framework prescribes which key skills are required and at which level and are usually integrated within your main vocational award. You may need to do key skills external assessments and also build a portfolio of evidence specifically for your Functional Skills awards.

Does everyone have to do Functional Skills?
Key skills are an integral part of every apprenticeship framework, however, you may be exempt from all or part of the Functional Skills requirements. We will ask you for evidence of your previous achievements and will match these with the requirements of your apprenticeship framework.
We will explain to you exactly what you need to do to ensure the achievement of your full apprenticeship but if you need any further guidance please call us on 01536 411200.
For more information on Apprenticeships please click HERE