Overview of apprenticeship
The AC role has emerged within the Education and Training Sector (ETS), over the last 30 years, originally as a result of the implementation of vocational (competence-based) qualifications (notably NVQs) and formalised work-based education and training. The AC is a dual professional, using their up-to-date professional knowledge and skills to support vocational and professional development across the formal ETS as well as in any employer setting, and at any level. They may, for example, coach and assess apprentices, trainees or new recruits (ranging from young entrants, to new CEOs) in the workplace, commensurate with their own level of experience and qualifications, as required by their employer or their sector. ACs coach and assess vocational learners, usually on a one-to-one basis, in a range of learning environments. Coaching skills involve complex communication techniques to actively listen, provide feedback and to engage learners in planning their individualised learning programme. These skills are also integral to assessing learners' competence in-relation to work-related/industry standards and life skills.
ACs work co-operatively with other ETS or professionals (such as teachers, human resource professionals and mentors/supervisors in the workplace) in supporting the learner's development of vocational competence and the wider skills that relate to employability and professionalism.
An Advanced Apprenticeship is a job with an accompanying skills development programme designed by employers in the sector. It allows you to gain technical knowledge and real practical experience while being paid to do so. Along with functional and personal skills that are needed for your immediate job and future career you will learn through a mix of project based learning in the workplace, formal off the job training, and the opportunity to practice and embed new skills in a real work context.
Delivery Plan and Assessment
Learners will attend workshops one day per month and will have to spend 20% of their time completing Off-The-Job training, this includes their monthly workshops, internal training and any shadow shifts. Apprentices will be supported by 1:1 meetings in the workplace by their dedicated Programme Tutor. Additional learning resources and information will be made available online to ensure a fully blended learning experience.
Learners will be required to complete an End Point Assessment at the end of their learning.
Where will this course take me?
As well as ensuring full competence as an Assessor/Coach, this apprenticeship provides a foundation for potential progression into a full teaching role within an education and training provider organisation.
Down to business, what can I do and what can I earn?
Your wage is decided by your employer however must meet the National Minimum Wage regulations https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates.
Entry requirements
Whilst any entry requirements will be a matter for individual employers, typically an apprentice might be expected to have already achieved 5 GCSEs including Maths and English, Grade C or above or 4/5 (new grading). Some employers will accept other relevant qualifications and experience, including a relevant Level 2 qualification.
Apprentices without English and Maths at Level 2 must achieve these prior to taking their End Point Assessment.
Qualifications
On completion of the apprenticeship, you will have achieved:
- Full Assessor/Coach Level 4 Standard.
- Level 1 Safeguarding
- Skills for Success - This module is designed by West Suffolk College to ensure you have all the personal skills and behaviours to succeed in the workplace.
- Any required Functional Skills in English or Maths.
How is this funded?
Learners
Apprentices are not required to contribute financially towards Apprenticeship training.
Employers
If you are an employer with an annual wage bill of £3 million or more, you will pay into an apprenticeship levy. This levy is then used to pay for the training element of the apprenticeship course. The total figure for the Apprenticeship is negotiated before enrolment and once confirmed will be taken in monthly payments from your account directly to us or paid to us via invoice should additional fees be required.
If you are an employer with an annual wage bill of under £3 million, the Government will fund 95% of the training fee meaning you will be required to contribute 5%. You may be required to contribute additional fees which we will invoice the company for. The additional fees will be made known and negotiated prior to the Apprentice enrolment.
There are additional incentives available if you are a small employer (under 50) and if you train/recruit a 16-18 year old or 19-24 year old with an Education Health and Care Plan.
Contact us on 01284 716235 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further details of costs and how Apprenticeships are funded.
Try out our apprenticeship levy calculator here
I'm interested. What should I do now?
Applicants - You can apply using the button at the top of this page, where you will then be booked in for a 1:1 with an apprenticeship advisor.
You can apply for our apprenticeship vacancies via: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch
Employers - Please contact us to speak with a member of the Apprenticeship Team and organise a face to face visit.
Days & times
Please contact us for dates and further information