About Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are nationally designed training programmes for 16 to under 25 year olds who are in employment. They offer employees the opportunity to enhance their skills through a combination of work-based learning and training.
Apprenticeships are made up of three elements:
- National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) - are vocational awards based on competence, achieved through assessment and training in employment. They are highly regarded by employers as their employees can demonstrate they have the knowledge, experience and skills required to perform in the workplace.
| NVQ Level |
Academic Equivalent |
| Level 2 |
Intermediate GNVQ or 4 to 5 GCSEs at grade A-C |
| Level 3 |
Advanced GNVQ or 2 A Levels |
- Key Skills - are a range of essential skills that underpin success in education, employment, lifelong learning and personal development. Touchstone Learning & Skills Training Officers provide the support advice and guidance required by learners whilst integrating Key Skills into their training programmes.
- Technical Certificates - have been introduced into certain areas of Apprenticeship frameworks. They are vocationally related qualifications that assess the underpinning knowledge and understanding relevant to the Modern Apprenticeship framework.
Market Sectors Covered
Touchstone works in partnership with Learning and Skills Councils (LSC) to provide Government funded Apprenticeships in the following industry sectors:
- Retail
- Customer Service
- Administration
- Distribution, Warehousing & Storage
Why work with Touchstone Learning & Skills
|
Benefits to the Employer |
Benefits to the Employee |
|
Develops competent, motivated and committed employees |
Receive a nationally recognised and valued qualification |
|
Improves the levels of customer service delivered through the company |
Enhances future career prospects |
|
Demonstrates high-levels of employer commitment to the workforce |
Provides employees with a sense of achievement |
|
Improves the company's image and attractiveness for current and potential employees |
Improves levels of morale and motivation in the work place |
|
Encourages employees to remain with the company, reducing staff turnover |
Training is provided within the work place |
What funding is available? Through Government initiatives, Touchstone together with Learning and Skills Councils (LSCs) are able to provide complete funding of training programmes for those employees who satisfy the following criteria:
- under 25 years of age*
- contracted to work more than 16 hours a week
- not in any form of Government funded education
- do not hold a degree
- are a European citizen
*Over 25 years of age funding is available under separate request, but can be subject to LSC budgets.
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