Employers and Training

At South Downs College we work with you to give your staff the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to the success of your business. South Downs College Apprenticeship Programmes deliver high quality, professional training to help you develop a trained workforce and bridge skills gaps.

South Downs College offers the following Level 2 Apprenticeship programmes to young people aged 16 – 18. Apprentices will follow a structured training programme (the framework) specific to the needs of your business. Course content varies depending upon the occupational area and training will be delivered in the workplace, with some attendance at College.

• Beauty Therapy
• Business Administration
• Catering and Hospitality: Food Processing and Cookery
• Catering and Hospitality: Food and Drink Service
• Children’s Care, Learning and Development
• Customer Service
• Health and Social Care
• Engineering: Performing Engineering Operations
• Motor Vehicle: Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Light Vehicle)
• Sport: Exercise and Fitness Instructor

The components of the framework are:

at Level 2 designed around the skills needed in the workplace and to assess the competencies required

to develop the fundamental skills of the individual (including application of number and communication) and help them become effective members of the workforce

a qualification that provides the theoretical knowledge required to underpin the NVQ skills and competencies

employees will gain a greater understanding of their responsibilities in the workplace and those of their employer.

The programme is available to new recruits and/or existing employees and the content is designed to meet the needs of the employer and the individual. Apprentices work towards nationally recognised qualifications on programmes which are subject to rigorous verification and quality procedures.

Training, monitoring and assessment are conducted mainly in the workplace (some attendance at College for certain components) by College staff with the support of the employer.

For the duration of the programme (generally one or two years), the College assessor will visit the apprentice in the workplace at regular intervals to review her/his progress and will include the apprentice’s manager or supervisor in this process.

Employers are required to give apprentices an induction into the role and participate in their training. The apprentice must have a contract of employment and be subject to the organisation’s normal employment terms and conditions. The employer must ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

The employer must agree and sign a training programme for the apprentice with the College. The cost of tuition and assessment is funded by the Learning and Skills Council, but the LSC does require the employer to pay an appropriate wage to the apprentice (the current minimum amount is £95 per week).

Apprentices must be given appropriate tasks and responsibilities to ensure they can achieve the competencies of the vocational qualification. They should receive appropriate supervision and mentoring in the workplace.

College assessors must be given opportunities to undertake work based assessments. The employer will be expected to liaise with College staff in supporting the training of the apprentice, participating in ongoing reviews of their progress and providing evidence (e.g. statements/testimonies) of the apprentice’s competence.

The South Downs College is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all persons on its training programmes. In line with College policy, employers are expected to have in place, systems that do not discriminate either directly or indirectly on the basis of age, gender, ethnic origin, area of residence, class, religious or ethical beliefs, nationality, marital status or sexual orientation, physical or cognitive ability.

If you require further information or would like to discuss your organisation’s training needs, please contact: The Business Training Unit on 023 9279 4661 or email: business@southdowns.ac.uk

More information on Apprenticeships is available on www.apprenticeships.org.uk or by phoning the National Apprenticeship Helpline on 0800 015 0400.