Which of the below areas is your question regarding?

Apprenticeships 

What is an NVQ?
What is an Apprenticeship?
How much does it cost?

Am I eligible?
Are there different types of Apprenticeships/NVQ’s?
What’s the difference between NVQ level 1 and level 2?
How long does it take?
Will I have to sit exams?
What help will I receive?
How much time do I have to commit?
How often am I assessed?
How do the programmes work?
Where does the assessment take place?
Is there any day release?
Who will assess me?
Will I have to do any writing?
What if my writing skills aren’t very good?
What sort of person is accepted on an Apprenticeship/NVQ?
Will I fail?
Can I continue if I change employers?

Why should I bother?
What qualifications do I get when I've finished my Apprenticeship/NVQ?
What choice of Apprenticeships/NVQ do I have?
How do I get started?

 

Traineeships

What are traineeships?
What areas of work are covered?
Who can take part?
Does it cost anything?
Will I receive payment?
Will I go on work placement?
Will I have regular reviews to check my progress?
Are there rules?
Is there a dress code?
What are the holidays?
Will I have to pay my travel?
Do I have to provide my own equipment?
Will I have to sit exams?
What help will I receive?
What is an NVQ?
What’s the difference between NVQ level 1 and level 2?
What are the hours?
How long does the programme last?
Will I have to do any writing?
What if my writing skills aren’t very good?
What sort of person is accepted on Traineeships?
Will I fail?
Can I continue if I change placement providers?Why should I bother?
How do I get started?

Steps to Employment

What is Steps to Employment?
What areas of work are covered?
Who can take part?
Does it cost anything?
Will I receive payment?
Will I go on work placement?
Will I have regular reviews to check my progress?
Are there rules?
Is there a dress code?
What are the holidays?
Will I have to pay my travel?
Do I have to provide my own equipment?
Will I have to sit exams?
What help will I receive?
What is an NVQ?
What’s the difference between NVQ level 1 and level 2?
What are the hours?
How long does the programme last?
Will I have to do any writing?
What if my writing skills aren’t very good?
What sort of person is accepted on Steps to Employment?
Will I fail?
Can I continue if I change placement providers?
Why should I bother?
How do I get started?

 

 

 

 

What are traineeships?

Within traineeship’s here are 3 strands, each designed to address different needs of the individual. The traineeship programs are designed to help prepare young unemployed people for entry into employment, an apprenticeship or further education by providing activities which build both the skills needed by an employer and also those you will need in your everyday life to make you a more effective member of your household and community.

Engagement -The Engagement programme is currently designed to enable our staff to work with you to identify and assist in removing barriers to employment and or further learning. In addition to focus you on identifying realistic job goals.

Level 1 - To confirm your chosen job goal through work placements and tasters for those able to follow a programme of study at level 1.

Bridges to employment - This is the final tier of the traineeship programme, for those that have completed all elements of Level 1 and designed to contextualize your chosen route with a placement of 10 weeks prior to entering employment and hopefully progressing into an apprenticeship.

 

What areas of work are covered?

There are many areas covered including;

  • Business Administration
  • Contact Centre (Call Centre Operations)
  • Construction
  • Customer Service
  • Early Years Care & Education
  • Engineering
  • Health & Social Care
  • Hospitality & Catering
  • ICT
  • Management
  • Manufacturing
  • Retailing
  • Warehousing

 

Who can take part?

You are eligible if you are aged 16-18, have left school but you have not yet found a job and are not involved in any other training.

 

Does it cost anything?

All programmes are funded by Welsh Government.

 

Will I receive payment?

You will receive a non means tested Training Maintenance Allowance (TMA) of up to £30 per week during engagement. Once you have progressed to Level 1 you will receive £50 (TMA) per week.

 

Will I go on work placement?

Every learner is offered the opportunity to undertake work tasters. You will have a placement interview during which we will discuss the type of placement you want and provide ideas as to where you would ideally like to go on placement. Initially, you may still be required to come into centre for one or two days per week to finish off your qualification, but our aim is that you eventually are on placement fulltime and work towards NVQ qualifications in your chosen vocational area.

 

Will I have regular reviews to check my progress?

You will have a monthly review with your tutor, during which you will discuss the progress you have made over the previous month, any support or issues you may have and then we’ll plan what you are going to do over the following month, setting targets for you to achieve.

 

Are there rules?

Yes. Every business has rules so that it can operate effectively and these rules will vary depending on the type of business. The same applies to ITEC and so there are rules in the centre and these will be explained at induction. One of the rules is that mobile phones should be turned off whilst in class, however if you are expecting an urgent call, you can speak to your tutor regarding this.

 

Is there a dress code?

In the centre learners are able to dress casually. However, once on placement, you will have to follow the dress code of that business. Dependent on the sector you wish to work in there may be a legal requirement for you to wear Protective clothing.

 

What are the holidays?

Holidays are accrued at the rate of 2 days per month of attendance.

 

Will I have to pay my travel?

You will have to pay your travel costs, but providing you hand in your tickets weekly we will be able to refund your costs in excess of £5 per week, providing you are using the cheapest form of travel to the centre.

 

Do I have to provide my own equipment?

No. Whilst in class, we will provide you with folders, pens and paper etc. there are sufficient computers in centre for you to complete your work.

 

Will I have to sit exams?

During engagement none of the sessions and qualifications that you will undertake whilst at the centre will involve you having to take an exam, however on Level 1 you may have to sit a test, depending on the vocational area you are interested in progressed onto.

 

What help will I receive?

At the beginning of the programme we will work out a training plan based on how you like to learn (your preferred learning style) and what you want to achieve by the end of the programme. We will ensure support is in place to allow you to overcome obstacles to further learning or entering employment. You also brush up on your reading, writing and IT skills along with social and employment skills.

Once progressed to Level 1 you will gain qualifications, such as Welsh Baccalaureate / Workskills or BTEC Award or Certificate in addition to Key and Essential skills that employers want you to have such as communication, or problem solving skills.

We will show you how to write a CV to make your job searching more effective and improve interview techniques to provide you with the best possible chance of coming across well in an interview and getting the job you want. We know that people involved in this programme increase their confidence and their job prospects.

When you are ready we will move you into a suitable work placement to demonstrate and develop your skills where you will be assessed for a suitable NVQ.

 

What is an NVQ?

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. It is a nationally recognised qualification gained in the workplace.

 

What’s the difference between NVQ level 1 and level 2?

NVQ level 1 is the equivalent to one GCSE any grade, and level 2 is equivalent to five GCSE’s grade A-C

 

What are the hours?

During engagement you must be in learning for 12-21 hours up to 3 days a week, for the first 4 weeks. After that everyone does 21hrs. The hours are currently 9.30 am to 3.00 pm, with a 15 minute break in the morning and one in the afternoon and 1hr for lunch. When on work placement, the hours may vary to match the business but will be no more than 40 hours per week.

 

How long does the programme last?

Engagement Traineeships last for up to approximately 6 months where you will be able to spend between 12 and 21 hours a week on the programme depending on your individual needs.

Level 1 traineeships may last up to 9 months. You will spend between 30 and 40 hours a week on the programme or in placement depending on both your and the placement provider’s needs.

 

Will I have to do any writing?

Some, during engagement you will be asked to complete answers to questions and as you progress, how you do your job and/or write about things that have happened and therefore develop your report writing skills.

 

What if my writing skills aren’t very good?

Don’t worry, we can arrange discreet support and help you without any embarrassment.

 

What sort of person is accepted on Traineeships?

We believe every individual has it within them to succeed however that is more likely if you are: serious, committed, aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and others, prepared for further study or employment, realistic about the amount of work you may have to do to succeed.

 

Will I fail?

In centre you don’t fail, but you might not achieve if you refuse to cooperate with your tutors and learning coaches, or leave the programme without letting us know where you are going. In the work place your Assessor carries on assessing until you have proved you are competent within the national standards of the NVQ.

 

Can I continue if I change placement providers?

The programme you undertake is designed for you as an individual, therefore the programme follows you. As long as your new provider is happy to support you and you remain in the same occupational area. You do not have to start from scratch again, you continue where you left off.

 

Why should I bother?

Why not? You have the chance to gain nationally recognised qualification that demonstrate to employers the skills and knowledge that you have acquired.

 

How do I get started?

For engagement you must notify Careers of your intention to join ITEC, and you need to make sure that you're serious about finding your chosen career and can commit yourself to a period of training and study.

For Level 1 you need to complete the application form supplied by ITEC, hand it back to Careers and we will do the rest. You will be contacted within 5 days to complete the enrolment process, which will be followed by our visit to our centre for induction within two weeks.

To find out more about this programme and how to join, call 02920668300.

What is Steps to Employment?

This is an adult programme designed to increase your chances of finding regular and long term employment. Along with supported job searching activities and work placements, you can improve your interview techniques, CV writing skills and your employability skills. We also offer a vacancy matching service so rest assured we will be working hard to get you into employment. We can also help you to brush up on a variety of other skills you may need in your everyday life while gaining qualifications.

 

What areas of work are covered?

There are many areas covered including;

  • Business Administration
  • Contact Centre (Call Centre Operations)
  • Construction
  • Customer Service
  • Early Years Care & Education
  • Engineering
  • Health & Social Care
  • Hospitality & Catering
  • ICT
  • Management
  • Manufacturing
  • Retailing
  • Warehousing

 

Who can take part?

You are eligible if you are over 18 and in receipt of certain DWP benefits and also not involved in any other training.

 

What sort of person is accepted on Steps to Employment?

We believe every individual has it within them to succeed however that is more likely if you are: Serious, committed, aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and others, prepared for further study or employment, with realistic job goals and realistic about the amount of work you may have to do to succeed.

 

Can I continue if I change placement providers?

The programme you undertake is designed for you as an individual, therefore the programme follows you. As long as your new provider is happy to support you and you remain in the same occupational area. You do not have to start from scratch again, you continue where you left off.

 

How much does it cost?

This is dependant upon age. In all cases, your employer may be required to contribute towards the cost of training. But you as an individual will not. Please contact us for further information

 

Am I eligible?

You are eligible for most of our programmes as long as you meet the following criteria. You have been living in Wales for the past 3 years, not already taking part in full-time education and you should be working more than 15 hours per week.

 

Are there different types of Apprenticeships/NVQ’s?

Yes, there are different types of Apprenticeships and NVQ’s available. Which Apprenticeship or NVQ is right for you will depend on your experience and the opportunities with your employer. Ask your ITEC advisor for details.

 

How long does it take?

There is no set time to complete an Apprenticeship or an NVQ as they vary widely in content and size. The length of time taken will depend on the ability of the individual apprentice and the employer's requirements. An Apprenticeship will usually take anything from 9 to 24 months. NVQ’s might take less, but some Apprenticeships can take longer, so a large degree of commitment on your part is necessary to see it through.

 

How much time do I have to commit?

We advise you to have the commitment to spend at least 1 hour of your own time each week.

 

How often am I assessed?

Your assessor will visit you regularly at agreed times, no more than once every 55 days.

 

How do the programmes work?

Your employer pays your wages and gives you on-the-job training which allows you to achieve your NVQ. You'll also spend time with an ITEC assessor, gaining key skills. In addition, you may study for a technical certificate, which will give you further knowledge and understanding of your job. The amount of time you'll spend studying varies and will depend on your chosen Apprenticeship and your chosen profession.

 

Where does the assessment take place?

All the assessments are carried out at work, mostly as you do your daily job.

 

Is there any day release?

No, not for assessments, however you may be required to attend sessions to help you achieve your technical certificate or key and essential skills.

 

Who will assess me?

A specially trained, fully qualified Assessor who has considerable experience in the industry and who has helped many others achieve these qualifications.

 

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships include the following basic elements:

  • An appropriate National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at either Level 2 or Level 3 
  • Key Skill qualifications, e.g. improve own learning, working in teams, problem-solving, communication, application of number and ICT 
  • A technical certificate 
  • And possibly other qualifications or requirements as specified by the particular occupation 

 

What sort of person is accepted on an Apprenticeship/NVQ?

Applicants need to be: serious, committed, aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and your company, prepared for further study, realistic about the amount of work you may have to do, happy to work as both part of a team and an individual, and able to use your own initiative.

 

Can I continue if I change employers?

The programme you undertake is designed for you as an individual, not your employer. Therefore the programme follows you. As long as you notify us and your new employer is happy to support you and you remain in the same occupational area. You do not have to start from scratch again, you continue where you left off.

 

What qualifications do I get when I've finished my Apprenticeship/NVQ?

You'll get a package of qualifications when you finish your Apprenticeship - a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), a technical certificate, and Key Skill qualifications. Apprenticeships incorporate either an NVQ Level 2 or an NVQ Level 3. You will receive an NVQ certificate when you achieve your NVQ.

 

What choice of Apprenticeships/NVQ do I have?

At ITEC the following Apprenticeship/NVQ programmes are available. If your chosen occupational area doesn’t appear, please ask, we may be able to provide it for you, or point you in the right direction to someone who does.

There are many areas covered including;

  • Business Administration
  • Contact Centre (Call centre Operations)
  • Construction
  • Customer Service
  • Early Years Care & Education
  • Engineering
  • Health & Social Care
  • Hospitality & Catering
  • ICT
  • Management
  • Manufacturing
  • Retailing
  • Warehousing