The CfA have devised a series of Frequently Asked Questions to assist you in your search for information.
How can we be sure that the Young Apprentice will be reliable and act maturely?
Young Apprentices are chosen carefully. Before being permitted onto the programme, they must meet the selection criteria. Pupils will be 14-15 years old when they join your organisation and will have been selected for their ability and motivation. It is essential that they are able to meet the demands of a challenging Level 2 course of study. All Young Apprentices have full support of their parents or guardians.
How will the workplace be assessed?
For the purposes of health and safety, the Young Apprentice will be treated as an employee in your organisation. You will be responsible for working with the Partnership in assessing risks within the work place support. The employer must provide a safe environment for the pupil.
How will the Young Apprentice be prepared for the work placement?
It is recommended that where possible all partnerships dedicate a whole school term prior to the placement, in order to prepare them for it. During this time, they will be briefed on appropriate attitudes and behaviours for the workplace, health and safety policies, workplace legislation and be given an introduction to basic office systems and machinery. It is worth noting that all partnerships are arranged locally and that preparation details may differ, you should confirm with the training provider or college through which you have links to find out how the Young Apprentices will be prepared. For more information about induction programmes click here.
How will Young Apprentice be monitored and supported during their placement?
It is recommended that Young Apprentices are monitored fortnightly by an NVQ assessor or a placement support officer from the partnership. However, a member of your organisation will need to act as mentor and supervisor and it is their responsibility to provide the Young Apprentice with tasks to complete that will contribute towards their NVQ in Business & Administration.
The CfA (Council for Administration) have developed an Employer Task Book and a series of work-based projects for the Young Apprenticeship programme. The Employer Task Book and the work-based Project Resource are essential resources which help employers in the creation of tasks and highlights specific work areas which are part of the programme such as working with others, customer relations and operating office equipment.
What if my organisation does not offer a post-16 Apprenticeship?
Not offering a post-16 Apprenticeship does not mean you are unable to participate in the Young Apprenticeship programme. Some Young Apprentices will return to full time general education whilst others may take up a full-time job. Young Apprentices who wish to progress onto a post-16 Apprenticeship can continue with a different organisation.
How much does it cost to perform a CRB check on an employee?
The cost of performing a CRB check on an employee varies. This cost is funded by the partnership. For further information please visit: https://www.disclosures.co.uk
What type of duties will the Young Apprentice be able to do for our organisation?
The Young Apprentice will be a valuable addition to the workplace. They are able to assist with a wide range of tasks including filing, mail sorting, photocopying and as their skills and confidence increase they will be able to assist with more challenging tasks. However, it is important to bear in mind that each task performed should be a learning experience for the Young Apprentice.
For details of duties that can be performed by a Young Apprentice in your organisation, please refer to the NVQ Level 1 structure for Business & Administration and NVQ Level 1 Employer Task Book (see below). In addition to this Young Apprentices will be expected to undertake Level 2 work-based projects based around the content of their Technical certificate in Business & Administration.
How will the Young Apprenticeship programme benefit the economy?
The Young Apprenticeship programme allows employers to contribute to shaping the workforce of the future. With business savvy administrators underpinning organisations functionality it can only have a positive effect on the British economy.
How can I get involved?
If you are keen to get involved or would like to find out more about the Young Apprenticeship in Business & Administration programme please contact the CfA (Council for Administration) on 020 7091 9620. The CfA can advise further on what you need to do and what you need to have in place in order to take part in the programme.
Alternatively, you can contact your local authority or local Learning Skills Council to find out about existing Young Apprenticeship partnerships in your area. Both can be found at: http://www.lsc.gov.uk/selectlsc.asp?section=/Corporate
