There are a variety of courses, programmes and opportunities available to both individuals and businesses throughout the year. Please contact us whatever your need and we will try to help. If we are unable to help we will try to put you in touch with someone who can.
These are some of our regular programmes:-
Apprenticeships: Level 2 and Level 3
Information Technology Business Administration Customer Service NVQ’s: Level 2 and Level 3
Information Technology Business Administration Customer Service I.T. User Qualifications
European Computer Driving Licence Advanced European Computer Driving License Microsoft Office City and Guilds Certificate in Using IT Level 1 and 2 Technical Qualifications
Microsoft Certified System Engineer A+ CompTIA Network + Foundation Degree in Information Technology City and Guilds Diploma in IT Practitioner (Systems Support) Level 2
Non I.T. Courses
First Aid Training Winning Leaders (a range of business development programmes) Alternative Education Programmes
Business Administration NVQ Level 1 ITQ User NVQ Level 1 ITQ Practitioner NVQ Level 1 European Computer Driving Licence City and Guilds Certificate in Using IT Level 1 City and Guilds Certificate in ICT Support & PC Maintenance Level 1 1 day Workshops (non accredited)
Health and Safety Time Management Customer Service Equal Opportunities Communication Computer Networking Databases Letter writing & Business documentation Communication & Assertiveness Spreadsheets Legislation Telephone Techniques Word processing Computer Fault Finding CV Writing
Role of Assessor
Role of the Assessor
The assessor will be the main point of contact for the apprentice throughout their programme and the main responsibility of the assessor is the development of the apprentice to the standards required in the apprenticeship framework.
Firstly, the assessor will draw up the Individual Learning Plan. This involves discussion with you and your apprentice to decide how the NVQ fits in with the job role and to select the most suitable units for assessment. There is a training and development element to the ILP which details what development activities the apprentice will undertake in the workplace, who they will undertake this development with and the dates to commence and to achieve these skills. This is the on-job training element of the ILP.
There may be some training sessions specific to the job requirements that the apprentice should be undertaking. The apprentice may need to attend some workshops at the ITEC to improve their key skills or to attend development activities for a technical certificate. These are the off-job training elements of the ILP. Once these are all agreed with you, the assessor will finalise the ILP.
The assessor will present NVQ induction to the apprentice and show them how to put together a portfolio of evidence to show their competence against the NVQ standards. This evidence can consist of:
Written case studies of specific tasks carried out Witness testimonies from managers and colleagues Print-outs or copies of completed forms for specific tasks Photos, screen shots or video of specific tasks being carried out Observation by the assessor of work being carried out Special work projects Records of question and answer sessions or professional discussions with the assessor The assessor will visit every 2/3 weeks to view the work set and assess work that meets the standards. At times, the assessor will need to take the portfolio away to assess more detailed work away from the workplace and to have the work internally checked to ensure it meets the quality standards laid down by City & Guilds. Units will be signed off as the portfolio builds until the requirements of the NVQ, key skills and technical certificates are met.
The assessor will complete an NVQ Action Plan at every visit to keep you informed every step of the way. See “Action Plans” section for further details.
Role of Reviewer
The progress of your apprentice is reviewed at regular intervals throughout their programme and a different member of the ITEC staff is used to carry out a balanced report of the apprentice’s progress to date, taking into account the views of the assessor, the apprentice and the line manager.
The initial review is done at the end of the first month and is a check that everything has started as it should have done and so far, everyone is happy with the arrangements.
Once the apprenticeship programme is well underway, reviews are carried out every 8-12 weeks depending on the progress of the apprentice.
The on-going review form is similar to an appraisal and has sections covering:-
Assessment of job-related skills Review of strengths Review of weaknesses and how they will be developed Progress towards the NVQ units Progress towards the key skills and technical certificate elements Training and development activities carried out in the workplace Training and development activities carried out in the training centre Progress towards targets Details of any support needed to assist with development
There are also sections for recording comments and views from all parties involved.
The reviewer will contact you to arrange an appointment to come and carry out a review. They will then collect feedback and comments from the assessor as to current progress on the NVQ and any support needed to assist with development.
At the review meeting, the reviewer will ask you questions about the apprentice’s performance in the workplace and complete the relevant sections of the review form, noting any improvements since the last review and agreeing any actions to work on for the next review.
The ILP will be reviewed and training and development activities that have been carried out will be recorded. Any new areas of training and development activity will be added to the ILP and progress recorded at the next review. Please see “Appraisals” section for further details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the programme?
All employees aged 16 -24 are eligible to attract funding for an Apprenticeship, although ideally they would start before their 24th birthday to allow enough time to complete the programme. However, funding is restricted for those over 21 and the ITEC have to show that they are meeting the Government’s targets for 16-18 year olds before allocating a place for an apprentice over the age of 21. We will be able to advise further on a case by case basis.
How much will it cost?
Level 2 apprentice:
This will depend on whether the apprentice is an employee of yours or with you on a placement basis. If the apprentice is employed there is no cost to your company other than time and commitment to the apprentice and their programme. However if we are placing an apprentice with you, the cost to your company will be detailed in the contract and starts at £55 per week plus VAT for the first six months. The price increases incrementally from 6 months onwards but it is usual that a decision to employ the apprentice is made within 6 months. There are no staff on-costs but there will be a need for time and commitment to the apprentice and their programme.
Employed level 2 or Advanced apprentice:
There are no direct costs incurred by the Apprenticeship programme for an employee as it is Government funded. However there is a need for you, as the employer, to support the apprentice with the time and commitment needed to complete their programme.
How long will it take?
A level 2 programme will usually last approximately 12 months and approximately 24 months for a level 3 but this will depend on the apprentice’s ability levels and commitment, their level of prior knowledge and learning and the level of support they receive from their employer.
How often will ITEC staff need to visit?
Initially, the Career & Training Co-ordinator will be your main contact and will organise interviews if needed, provide a briefing about the programme and agree contractual arrangements. As a duty of care to our apprentices, the Career & Training Co-ordinator will also carry out a risk assessment on the apprentice’s job and check on your Health & Safety arrangements for the apprentice. During the first month, the assessor will visit and meet with you to agree the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) for the apprentice. Once the ILP has been drawn up, the assessor will usually visit the apprentice every 2/3 weeks to monitor progress, carry out assessments and set work for the apprentice to complete. At the end of the first month, the Career & Training Team will visit to carry out an initial review, check that everything has been organised correctly and the programme has commenced successfully. Reviews are then carried out by the Career & Training Team every 8-12 weeks, depending on progress. Please see the ITEC’s organisation chart and pen portraits for details of staff members.
Will the apprentice need to be away from the workplace?
This will depend on the apprenticeship framework that the apprentice is undertaking as they may need to complete a Technical Certificate and Key Skills. There are some specific training elements within the requirements for the Technical Certificate and Key Skills and for these some day release will be required. The Key Skills may involve sitting the national tests and the apprentice will need to attend the ITEC to sit these. At ITEC we run a variety of training and development workshops for all apprentices throughout the calendar year. The schedule and content of these workshops will be provided for you by the assessor and they will be able to advise which workshops are needed for the technical certificates. However, you may wish your apprentice to attend other workshops as part of their personal and work-related development. Training and development is recorded on the Individual Learning Plan (ILP), agreed with the employer at the commencement of the programme and reviewed every 8-12 weeks throughout the programme. As a general rule of thumb, your apprentice may need to attend the ITEC for training and development activities approximately one day per month .
How involved do I need to be?
The more support and commitment you can give the apprentice, the greater their chances of success. Initially you will be asked to get involved with drawing up the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and deciding on the training and development needed to meet the requirements of the job and the apprenticeship framework. You will be asked to attend review meetings in the workplace every 8-12 weeks to monitor the progress of your apprentice and update their ILP. You will be asked to allocate the apprentice some time each week (approximately 2 hours) to work on their portfolio and you will be provided with a copy of their action plan after each visit by the assessor to keep you informed of what they are working on. You may be asked to provide written testimony as evidence towards their NVQ and be interviewed by the assessor to comment on the apprentice’s competence and involvement with specific tasks. The assessor and the reviewer will keep you informed as the programme progresses.
Can I employ my apprentice during the programme?
If you have an apprentice on work placement you can employ them at any time during the programme without incurring any penalties as long as they continue working towards their apprenticeship. You need to advise the ITEC in writing of the date the employment is to commence to prevent any charges being incurred in error and to ensure that we update the funding element accordingly. All charges for non-employed apprentices cease at the date of employment. The Government are encouraging employers to employ apprentices as they feel this leads to commitment from all parties concerned and results in greater achievement rates.
Who should I contact if I have any concerns?
Any member of the ITEC staff should be able to help or point you in the right direction to get any assistance you may need. However, if the concern is primarily about the apprentice’s performance, progress or job please contact the Career & Training Team or the assessor assigned to your apprentice. If the concern is about invoices, allowances, travel expenses, etc., please contact the Admin Supervisor. Feedback and suggestions are appreciated at ITEC so please contact the General Manager if you have any observations to offer. As part of the annual quality cycle, the General Manager carries out a survey of all apprentices and employers involved in the ITEC programmes which in turn builds into a self assessment report and a development plan identifying areas for improvement. Any feedback or suggestions are welcomed as part of this process.
What will the apprentice achieve?
The apprentice will have the opportunity to achieve:
a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) based on their competence in their job role a technical certificate from City & Guilds (if the framework includes one) the keys skills qualification for Communication, ICT and Application of Number at levels 1 or 2 (depending on ability) the apprenticeship certificate issued by the relevant Sector Skills Council
What other opportunities are available?
ITEC Learning Technologies has many opportunities for the apprentices to progress from their completed programmes and, as a Microsoft Academy, offers a wide range of professional I.T. vendor qualifications including MCSE, MCP, Network+ and A+ for businesses. Once the apprentice has completed their full apprenticeship framework they will qualify for substantial discounts for these programmes.
The suggested progression route for an IT apprentice is:
Level 2 apprenticeship Apprenticeship+ and for Administration, Customer Service or Using I.T. apprentices:
Each sector has a Sector Skills Council (SSC) that is responsible for setting the contents of the frameworks for apprenticeships in the UK and reviewing these every 3 years to ensure they stay current with industry.
The SSC’s for each sector apprenticeship delivered at ITEC are:
E-Skills UK – IT Apprenticeships (www.e-skills.com) Council for Administration – Business Administration apprenticeships (www.cfa.uk.com) Institute of Customer Service – Customer Service apprenticeships (www.instituteofcustomerservice.com) Skills for Logistics – Distribution & Warehousing apprenticeships (www.skillsforlogistics.org)
The apprenticeship frameworks are usually available at both levels 2 and 3 and include details of the:
NVQ technical certificate key skills qualifications and levels Employee Rights & Responsibilities (ERR) workbook Most apprenticeship frameworks now include Employee Rights and Responsibilities workbooks, which are signed and verified by the employer.
At ITEC, it is our responsibility to ensure that all apprentices are given the opportunity to attain the full apprenticeship framework.
Details of the sector apprenticeship relevant to your apprentice are attached.
NVQ / Frameworks
Administration Framework Customer Service Framework IT Framework Business & Administration Qualifications (NVQ) Customer Service Qualifications (NVQ) Information Technology Qualifications (ITQ)
Key Skills
Key skills are an integral part to all apprentice frameworks and are essential for improving the apprentice’s employability and increasing their transferable skills. There are 2 parts to each key skill element:
assessment of practical application (portfolio) written test of underpinning knowledge (on-line) The main key skills are:
communication application of number information and communication technology The wider key skills are:
working with others improving own learning and performance problem solving
Communication and application of number are the two main key skills to appear in apprenticeship frameworks, although some of the other skills appear as optional achievements. As a general rule, your apprentice will be given the opportunity to complete the 3 main key skills during the apprenticeship at levels 1 or 2, depending on ability, suitability and development.
What do the key skills involve?
The communication key skill involves taking part in discussions, reading and summarising information and presenting information verbally and in writing. The application of number key skill involves collecting and analysing data, carrying out calculations and presenting the findings.
The ICT key skills involves searching for information, entering and combining information and presenting information.
ITEC activity for key skills
The key skills work smoothly when the 3 areas are combined into projects that search for and collect data, calculate and analyse data and present data in reports. The ITEC has activities in the Health & Safety and Equality & Diversity workshops and projects that are planned to collect evidence for the key skills activity requirements across the 3 areas. The Health & Safety project involves measuring desks, calculating conversion rates and volumes and drawing diagrams to scale. The Equality & Diversity project involves researching and reading information about equality issues and summarising the key points into a report using images.
Workplace activity for key skills
There is a statistical data requirement in the application of number that would be ideally suited to the workplace. For level 2, the statistics that have to analysed and compared should be at least 20 items of data, e.g. 20 bounces of a ball, birth weights of 20 babies, 20 items sold in a store, etc., and ideally this activity should be used to meet the employer needs wherever possible.
The findings of this substantial activity are used to show the statistical analysis for the application of number requirements. They can be processed as a report to help towards the information & communication technology requirements and presented formally as a short talk to meet the communication requirements, thus linking all of the main key skill areas together.
Use this opportunity to your best advantage!!
There may be a project that you’ve always wanted to do or some data that you would like analysed but never get the time. This is the ideal opportunity to have that information researched, analysed and reported and it makes it very realistic for the apprentice.
Technical Certificates
Business & Administration Customer Service
Recruitment to Apprenticeships
Programme-Led Pathway (PLP)
This is where an apprentice is not employed by you and receives a training allowance or Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). These apprentices apply directly to ITEC to undertake an apprenticeship in their chosen field. They fill in an application form and are invited in to sit an initial assessment paper that tests the 3 main key skill areas, tests their logical skills and requires them to compose a hand written letter. After this initial assessment they are interviewed by a member of the Career and Training Team for suitability for an ITEC apprenticeship Successful applicants will either be placed straight away with a local employer or will attend an IT programme at ITEC depending on their abilities and the type of apprenticeship required. When an employer wants to recruit a PLP apprentice:
A meeting will be arranged to see our Career and Training Co-ordinator Your requirements will be discussed and a job description will be required The job role will be matched to a suitable NVQ CVs will be sent out for you to consider and select potential apprentices for interview Interviews are arranged either at the ITEC or at your premises You select your apprentice, a start date is agreed and contracts are duly agreed and exchanged As we legally have a Duty of Care for all our apprentices, it is essential that a Health and Safety check on your premises is carried out by our Career and Training Co-ordinator A risk assessment of the apprentices job role and expected duties will also be carried out
Employer- Led Pathway (ELP)
This is when an apprentice is employed by you, is receiving a wage and holds a contract of employment but is eligible to receive funding for the apprenticeship. This is the Government’s favoured option for apprentices from August 2005. An apprentice that starts on a PLP and is then employed by your company will automatically transfer to an ELP. These apprentices will be given a short interview and application form prior to them starting a programme with ITEC. There is no formal requirement for them to sit the initial assessment paper when they start out on the ELP but an initial assessment of their current skills and knowledge will be carried out as part of the induction process. When an employer wants to access an apprenticeship for an employee:
A meeting will be arranged to see our Career and Training Co-ordinator, your potential apprentice will also need to be present The job role will be discussed matched to a suitable NVQ The potential apprentice will be asked to complete an application form A start date is agreed and contracts are duly agreed and exchanged As we legally have a Duty of Care for all our apprentices, it is essential that a Health and Safety check on your premises is carried out by our Career and Training Co-ordinator A risk assessment of the apprentices job role and expected duties will also be carried out
Sign-Up and Induction
This will be carried out within 3 days of the apprentice’s start date by a member of the Career and Training Team and both the apprentice and line manager will need to be present The apprentice will be taken through their learning agreement and will be required to sign the necessary forms to access the apprenticeship funding The employer will also need to sign some of these forms You will both be taken through a draft copy of the apprentice’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and asked to sign the initial draft to confirm the NVQ and apprenticeship framework We will be required to check that the apprentice has been given a Health and Safety induction since they started with you If eligible to receive allowances, the apprentice will be informed of the need to complete timesheets and expenses claims, where applicable We will answer any further questions that you or the apprentice may have We will give a brief overview of the programme and advise you of what will “happen next”, i.e. the assessor will contact both of you to commence the NVQ and draw up the full ILP
Contracts
A blank copy of ITEC’s Contract will be issued by the Career and Training Co-ordinator to go through with you before the apprentice starts Please review this contract prior to the sign up meeting and have any questions ready A signed copy of the contract is required for each apprentice that you have on a programme with us You will be asked to sign 2 copies of each contract; one for our records and one for you to store in this pack The contract specifically requires you to: Be responsible for the apprentices health, safety and well-being Provide safety training where applicable Provide induction for the apprentice and make them aware of all safety procedures Have the necessary insurance cover in place Report any accidents or dangerous occurrences in relation to the apprentice Pay all invoices within 28 days Advise us in writing when the apprentice becomes employed during their programme Release the apprentice for attendance on agreed training activities Provide the agreed support for the apprentice to complete their framework Not to remove the apprentice from their programme without prior agreement with the ITEC
Health & Safety
ITEC Learning Technologies has signed an agreement with the Government’s agents to provide a safe learning environment for all apprentices and as such has a duty of care towards all learners
Before the apprentice starts their programme the Career and Training Co-ordinator will be required to carry out a Pre-placement Health & Safety Assessment of your company The assessment will cover the minimum requirements for businesses as laid down by the Health and Safety Executive The Career and Training Co-ordinator will determine whether your company has the required practices and procedures in place to meet the standards laid down by the HSE Where improvements are needed, action plans will be drawn up and agreed with you. Some of these improvements may need to be in place before the apprentice can commence their programme with you A risk assessment is required for each apprentice to determine the type of work that they will be involved with and to ensure the employer has adequate safety arrangements in place for these activities The Pre-placement Assessment will include all requirements under the latest legislation covering Health & Safety, Child Protection and Equality issues. This assessment aims to act as protection for all parties involved with the apprenticeship Copies of your Employers liability insurance will be required on an annual basis for our records The Career and Training Co-ordinator will carry out a review of your H&S arrangements during the programme All apprentices are required to attend a Health & Safety workshop (one day) during their apprenticeship programme
Equality & Diversity
ITEC is committed to being an Equal Opportunities employer and holds the ‘Positive about disabled people’ standard. Employers participating in apprenticeships are expected to be committed to equality of opportunity and have polices and procedures in place to ensure they meet all the requirements covered by the appropriate E.O. and E&D legislation. Employers who do not have a written policy covering equality of opportunity will be required to adopt the ITEC’s policy as their own A review of the employer’s ethics, practices and policies relating to equal opportunities and equality & diversity issues will be carried out by the Career and Training Co-ordinator during the Pre-placement Assessment All apprentices will be required to attend an Equal Opportunities workshop (one day) during their apprenticeship programme
Appraisals
Individual Learning Plan (ILP) The ILP will be agreed and completed at the start of the apprentice’s programme. It will detail the elements within the apprenticeship framework that need to be achieved and details of the training & development agreed.
Initial Performance Review The Initial Performance Review is carried out for all non-employed apprentices after their first month in the work place. The aim of this review is to ascertain that we have matched the right apprentice to the right employer and that things are running smoothly.
Performance and Individual Learning Plan Reviews These reviews provide a forum for the employer, the apprentice and the ITEC reviewer to review the programme, monitor and record the progress being made and organise any development activity that may be needed. The first one takes place 8 weeks after the Initial Review and then every 12 weeks until the programme is complete. Should any problems be identified, the following review is carried out after 8 weeks to monitor that any corrective action or improvement needed has happened.
Exit Review This final review records the elements of the programme that have been achieved and looks at the progression and plans for the apprentice’s future career.
Action Plans
The assessor assigned to your apprentice will visit every 2/3 weeks to set work for the apprentice, carry out observations and assessments and monitor progress.
At each of these visits, an Action Plan will be raised detailing the work to be done between visits. You will be given a copy of this plan to help you monitor your apprentice’s progress and help you plan the support needed to ensure that the apprentice completes the work set.
The plan will detail units that have been achieved, units currently being worked on, the work needed by the next visit and the date and time of the next planned visit.
Training & Development Workshops
Part of the process when drawing up the apprentice’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is to decide what training and development activities he or she will undertake both in the workplace (on-the-job) and in the training centre (off-the-job). The training and development needs of the apprentice may change throughout the programme and will be recorded as part of the ILP review process.
The ITEC has the following training and development workshops available as one-day programmes throughout the calendar year. These workshops have been developed around the requirements of the technical certificates and from personal development needs that our employers are regularly requiring from their apprentices.
The assessor will be able to provide you with course outlines and upcoming dates for each of the workshops. A booking form is required to secure attendance on any of the scheduled workshops.
Business Documentation & Letter Writing Type of business documentation and their usage; letter construction and layout; minutes of meetings, special purpose stationery, memo and message writing; how to respond to correspondence; use of e-mail
Communication, Telephone Techniques & Assertiveness Body language; active listening; barriers to communication; answering the phone; dealing with awkward phone calls; accurate message taking; controlling the workflow; communicating at all levels efficiently and effectively; what is assertiveness; how to learn to be more assertive
Computer Fault-finding Component parts of PCs; compatibility issues; common problems and their solutions; gathering information about faults; recording symptoms; isolating the problem; documenting failures; planning support operations
Computer Hardware and Networking Networking basics, standards and topologies; trouble-shooting; security; internet; address and name resolution; network devices; protocols and IP addressing
Customer Skills (half day) How customers can view suppliers and how to make a difference; the 3 P’s & S; recognising what a customer wants from a supplier; first impressions count; consider consequences of what you do and say; appropriate behaviour
Databases and Filing Systems Information management; filing systems creation; database queries; storage, arching and back-up; reports and legislation; cross-referencing; retrieval processes; searching and sorting information
Developing Yourself Learning styles; 6-step approach; taking responsibility for own learning; continuous learning; formal and informal learning plans; career pathways; recording and promoting skills; transferable skills
Equal Opportunities Discrimination, bullying and harassment; legislation; equality & diversity; human rights; disabilities; stereotyping; consequences
Health & Safety Legislation; signs & signals; First aid; housekeeping; COSHH; PPE; RIDDOR; fire; DSE; manual handling; electrical safety; personal safety; hazards, risks & working environment; PUWER
Legislation Health & Safety; data protection; copyright; Equal Opportunities; contracts of employment; rights & responsibilities; significance and consequences
Practical Spreadsheets Working with Excel; creating, editing, saving & printing spreadsheets; using templates; formatting data; creating formulae; working with rows & columns; linking between workbooks; maintaining lists; using filters; creating charts
Soft Skills (half day) Identifying communication barriers, recognising behaviours, improving communication; body language; interactive skills
Time Management & Report Writing Using your time efficiently; using daily schedules and planners; A,B,C tasks; using your diary; setting targets; style of reports; content of reports & use of language; layout & presentation of reports
Understanding NVQ Standards and Portfolios NVQ standards; building portfolios; evidence gathering; writing case studies; methods of assessment; writing summative assessment statements
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