Homes for Students Guide

HOMES FOR STUDENTS APPRENTICESHIPS In partnership with Lifetime 1

CONTENTS 03 Welcome! 04 Understanding Apprenticeships 04 The Truth About Apprenticeships 06 Why Take Part? 06 Entry Requirements 07 Programmes Available 08 Business Services 08 Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 09 Business Administrator Level 3 10 Leadership and Management 10 Team Leader Supervisor Level 3 11 Operations Departmental Manager Level 5 12 How it Works 13 Off-the-Job Training Explained 14 Assessment 15 English and Maths Qualifications 16 Creating the Right Environment for Development 18 How to Apply 18 Where to Find Help 2

WELCOME! We’re delighted to introduce a suite of apprenticeship training programmes, designed to support the development of our colleagues across a range of roles and subjects at Homes for Students including: • Management • Business Administration • Customer Service Those who take part will complete a nationally recognised and industry endorsed apprenticeship standard. These programmes are delivered in partnership with Lifetime, an award-winning training provider. Lifetime has been chosen by many of the UK’s top employers as their trusted partner to deliver their apprenticeships. Lifetime’s apprenticeships are delivered by industry experts, with an additional team providing learning support to ensure training is tailored to individual needs. Within this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about each apprenticeship, including who they’re for, the course content, how it’s delivered, the support you can expect, and the commitment required from learner and line manager. If you’re interested, you can head to the How to Apply section which details the steps to get started. 3

UNDERSTANDING APPRENTICESHIPS Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes, tailored towards specific job roles. They are designed to build and enhance key skills, knowledge and behaviours – supporting colleagues to develop in their current role and beyond. Each programme combines a wide range of learning in the workplace and independent self-study, known as ‘off-the-job training’, which you will complete during your working hours. Self-study is an integral part of the apprenticeship so you must be prepared for the challenge and ready to own your development. An apprenticeship takes at least 12-15 months to complete based on a 30 hour week, however it will depend on the course as the higher the level of the apprenticeship, the longer the duration. Apprenticeships are achieved on passing an End-point Assessment, undertaken at the end of the course and assessed by an independent awarding organisation. Due to differences in how the nations’ Governments manage apprenticeships and funding, these apprenticeship programmes are for those who spend over 50% of time working in England. If this doesn’t include you, we will explore other funding or training options with you. THE TRUTH ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS It’s a common myth that apprenticeships are for school or college leavers starting out in their career, but apprenticeships are highly regarded work-based development programmes for all that allow you to achieve a nationally recognized qualification upon completion. • There are no age limits on who • They include qualifications in maths and can apply to do an apprenticeship English – if you don’t already have these • Our colleagues and new recruits • Colleagues on an apprenticeship must can complete an apprenticeship spend 20% of working time dedicated to off-the-job training over the course • If you have a higher-level qualification of the programme. This is explained such as a degree you can still complete further on p.13 an apprenticeship, provided that your existing qualification is in an unrelated subject • Programmes take a minimum of 12-15 months to complete but can be longer, depending on the level and your working hours 4

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WHY TAKE PART? Achieve your career ambitions Develop and reinforce your knowledge, skills and behaviours within your role to maximise your potential. Take on a new challenge Try something different at work to build on your existing skill set, grow as a person and enhance your confidence. Flexible one-to-one training Learn at your own pace with one-to-one training, scheduled around your working patterns and supported by a variety of learning methods. Nationally recognised You will achieve an accredited apprenticeship standard that is highly-regarded by employers and industry recognised. Earn as you learn All apprenticeship learning is completed during work hours and funded by Homes for Students. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS To be eligible for one of these apprenticeships, you will need to meet the following criteria. Dependent on the programme you apply for, there may be some other requirements, such as the role you are in or your responsibilities at work. To apply, you must: • Not have already achieved a qualification at the same level or • Spend at least 50% of your above in a similar subject area working time in England • Have approval from your line manager • Have been an EU/ UK resident for the past 3 years • Work at least 16 hours a week • Not currently be in any other form of education, such as another apprenticeship, college or university 6

PROGRAMMES AVAILABLE Applicants should choose the programme aligned to the role you are currently in, as you need to be able to put new knowledge, skills and behaviours into practice at work to be successful. If you are unsure which programme is most suitable for you, please visit the Where to find help section of this guide and we will be happy to provide further support. There may be other programmes available for more specialist roles too! Business Services Leadership and Management Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Team Leader Supervisor Level 3 Operations Departmental Manager Level 5 Business Administrator Level 3 7

BUSINESS SERVICES CUSTOMER SERVICE PRACTITIONER LEVEL 2 Duration 12 months plus additional End-point Assessment period. Who’s it for? Those developing in a customer facing role who are communicating regularly with customers via various channels and are looking to build their understanding of Customer Service and how to deliver a great customer experience. What’s covered? • Module 6: Policies and Procedures • Module 7: Your Role • Module 1: Know your Customer and Responsibilities • Module 2: Customer Communication • Module 8: Teamwork • Module 9: Regulations and Legislation • Module 3: The Customer Experience • Assessment Preparation • Module 4: Support your Customer with Products and Services • Module 5: Understand your Organisation How is it delivered? • Independent self-study and work-based activities completed • One-to-one virtual sessions between Learning Coach sessions (and in the workplace as required) (known as off-the-job training) with a specialist Learning Coach for approx. 2 hours, every 4-6 weeks End-point Assessment • Professional discussion • Learner showcase • Practical observation 8

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR LEVEL 3 Duration 15 months plus additional End-point Assessment period. Who’s it for? Those who have experience in an administrative role, looking to maintain and improve administrative services at Guide Dogs by enhancing their key skills in a variety of administrative areas. What’s covered? • Module 8: Process Management • Module 1: Personal Development • Module 9: Project Management • Module 2: Interpersonal • Module 10: Stakeholder Requirements Skills and Communication and External Factors • Module 3: Planning and Organising • Module 11: Quality Assurance • Module 4: Team Building and • Module 12: Record and Document Personal Skills • Module 13: Regulations, • Module 5: Organisation and Business Policies and Procedures Fundamentals • Assessment Preparation • Module 6: Value of Skills • Module 7: Managing own Performance How is it delivered? • Independent self-study and work-based activities completed • One-to-one virtual sessions between Learning Coach sessions (and in the workplace as required) (known as off-the-job training) with a specialist Learning Coach for approx. 2 hours, every 4-6 weeks End-point Assessment • Project presentation • Multiple-choice test • Portfolio based interview 9

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT TEAM LEADER SUPERVISOR LEVEL 3 Duration 15 months plus additional End-point Assessment period. Who’s it for? Those who first-line manage a team, looking to grow and develop their business operations and managerial skills to become an effective, well rounded leader. In addition to the apprenticeship, learners will also complete the internationally recognised Level 3 CMI Certificate in Management and Leadership - included in the programme at no extra cost. What’s covered? • Module 8: Evaluating • Module 1: Personal Development an Operational Plan • Module 2: People Skills • Module 3: Communication • Module 9: Planning a Project • Module 4: Managing Performance • Module 5: Planning an Operational Plan • Module 10: Implementing • Module 6: Implementing an and Evaluating a Project Operational Plan • Module 11: Finance • Module 7: Building Relationships • Assessment Preparation How is it delivered? • Independent self-study and work-based activities completed • One-to-one virtual sessions between Learning Coach sessions (and in the workplace as required) (known as off-the-job training) with a specialist Learning Coach for approx. 2 hours, every 4-6 weeks End-point Assessment • Presentation with Q&A • Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence 10

OPERATIONS DEPARTMENTAL MANAGER LEVEL 5 Duration 15 months plus additional End-point Assessment period. Who’s it for? Established leaders who manage managers and directly impact our operational success. They are responsible for strategic plans, managing change and financial and resource management. This programme develops operational and strategic leadership capabilities. In addition to the apprenticeship, learners will also complete the internationally recognised Level 5 CMI Certificate in Management and Leadership – included in the programme at no extra cost. What’s covered? • Module 6: Leading Change • Module 1: Leading Leaders • Module 7: Project Management • Module 2: Personal Development • Module 8: Financial Management • Module 3: Influencing • Module 9: Operational Management • Assessment Practice and Communication • Module 4: Performance Management • Module 5: Recruitment How is it delivered? • Independent self-study and work-based activities completed • In a cohort, with skills workshop days between sessions (known as and webinars to bring learning to life off-the-job training) • One-to-one virtual sessions with a specialist Learning Coach for approx. 2 hours, every 8 weeks End-point Assessment • Project proposal, presentation and questioning • Professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence Note: Learners can select to join a cohort with the skills workshop days held at either the Management Training Centre in Coventry, Green Park in Reading or opt for 100% virtual delivery. 11

HOW IT WORKS All programmes take a minimum of 12 months to complete, plus an End-point Assessment period. Learners will receive one-to-one support from a specialist Learning Coach from Lifetime for the duration of the programme. The delivery methods the Learning Coach will support with include: Enrolment meeting Once learners have completed the pre-enrolment process, an enrolment meeting will be scheduled with Lifetime. A specialist Learning Coach will get to know the learner and discuss their career goals and learning styles before getting started. It is the norm for Line Managers to be present to meet the Coach alongside the learner. Regular one-to-one coaching support sessions The Coach will deliver sessions virtually (or at work if required) on a regular basis throughout the programme; every 4-8 weeks (depending on the programme) for 2 hours. They’ll support learners through teaching and learning, coaching and embedding learning into workplace activities. In between visits the Coach will provide support via email or phone if required. Line Managers must also have regular communication with the Coach to review progress and offer any support required. Independent learning and development activities Learners will follow a detailed learning plan, which includes independent self-study and work-based development activities (known as 20% ‘off-the-job’ training), to complete between sessions with the Coach. This ensures learning is embedded within their role. Learners will need to be allocated time to complete their learning and training during working hours. Please see our section on ‘off-the-job training explained’ within this guide. Webinars and skills workshop days Where indicated in the programme breakdown, learners may also be required to attend set webinars and or skills workshop days. Delivered in groups (either virtually or at a training venue), these interactive sessions are designed to bring learning to life. Additional learning support In addition to the Learning Coaches, Lifetime has a team of specialist Learning Support Tutors on hand to help those who may require extra support across a range of learning needs. 12

OFF-THE-JOB TRAINING EXPLAINED Learners completing an apprenticeship will need to be allocated time for off-the-job training. Off-the-job training is defined as ‘learning that’s undertaken outside of the normal day-to-day working environment and leads towards the achievement of an apprenticeship’. Off-the-job training does not mean time away from the workplace and is best viewed as ‘dedicated development time’. Whilst on programme, it is a requirement that 20% of a learner’s working time is dedicated to off-the-job training, to ensure they are supported at work to develop and embed new knowledge, skills and behaviours. As well as off-the-job training being a benefit to the learner, they also give the learner the chance to support the Line Manager or wider team by taking on additional tasks that they wouldn’t usually do as part of their role. Off-the-job training activities include: • Completing the independent online learning on the Lifetime platform • Training, coaching and mentoring sessions led by the Line Manager • Lifetime’s Learning Coaches will work or Learning Coach with the learners and Line Managers to identify which off-the-job activities • Time with a manager or colleague will be suitable to complete within this learning how to complete a skilled allocated time task or learn a process/ procedure • The Coach will also make sure that the • Time spent completing e-learning or activities are recorded to contribute research using relevant online resources towards the learners’ programme. • Engaging in work-based activity projects and reflection exercises in the workplace • Structured work shadowing of an experienced colleague or manager 13

ASSESSMENT Towards the end of the programme, learners will need to showcase the knowledge, skills and behaviours they have developed to an Independent Assessor. The Independent Assessor will deliver the final grade, which could be a pass, merit or distinction dependent on the programme. This is known as End-point Assessment (EPA). Assessment preparation To prepare for End-point Assessment, learners will complete regular practice assessment activities with their Learning Coach and a full mock assessment at the end of the on-programme learning phase. Gateway discussion Following a mock assessment, there will be a ‘gateway discussion’ where the learner, line manager and coach will agree whether the learner is ready to take the End-point Assessment. Planning meeting Once confirmed, the learner will enter the End-point Assessment phase and be introduced to their Independent Assessor from the awarding organisation. This is known as the planning meeting and will establish the assessment requirements and schedule. The assessment methods vary depending on the programme but usually include 2-4 of the following types of assessment, as an example: • Practical workplace observation • Work-based project with Q&A • Assessment of portfolio of evidence • Multiple-choice knowledge test • Professional discussion Note: If learners do not pass assessments first time, they will have the opportunity to take these again with further training as required. 14

ENGLISH AND MATHS QUALIFICATIONS As part of the programme, learners will be supported to achieve qualifications in maths and English, if they don’t already have them. These are known as Functional Skills – the ‘industry transferable skills’ equivalent to holding the relevant GCSE levels. If learners have already completed the relevant qualifications, they will be exempt so long as they meet the necessary requirements and provide evidence of their certification upon enrolment. If the learner doesn’t have the required level or certification, they will be supported by Lifetime so they can achieve these during the programme. All learners will need to make sure they’re in place before they take their End-point Assessment. • For a Level 2 programme, a Level 1 • For a Level 3-5 programme, a Level 2 or above (GCSE Grade D/3) is the or above (GCSE Grade C/4) is the minimum required minimum required 15

CREATING THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT Successful completion of an apprenticeship is a team effort; learner, line manager and Coach all have a part to play. By offering these development opportunities, Homes for Students are making a commitment to give learners the support needed to succeed, but learners must also be prepared for the challenge and ready to own their development. SUPPORT FROM LINE MANAGERS Line managers will play an important part in development. Lifetime will support the delivery of the ‘knowledge’ training as well as coaching and support for assessment, whilst line managers support development of ‘skills’ and ‘behaviours’ on-the-job. Line managers will need to: • Support discussions and plans to fit the • Ensure learners are given adequate time apprenticeship training in and around during work hours to complete ‘off-the-job the learner’s work responsibilities training’ and independent study • Check-in with the learner and Coach • Be available to attend the End-point regularly to monitor progress, Assessment activities (e.g Gateway understand development areas and Discussion and Planning Meeting) provide any additional support needed • Support the learner to develop the required skills and behaviours, aligned to the programme, as guided by the Coach 16

LEARNER COMMITMENT The apprenticeships are completed over an average of 15+ months including assessment, so those who take part must be prepared to work hard and have the drive to push forward with their development. Learners will need to: • Be motivated to learn, develop • Commit to completing ‘off-the-job and implement new skills, training’ and independent learning knowledge and behaviours within agreed timescales • Consider and plan how the apprenticeship • Both the learner and line manager will commitments will fit around work and be required to sign an Apprenticeship day-to-day responsibilities. Learners Agreement and Commitment Statement should expect to spend 4-8 hours per at the start of the programme week on work-based development activities and self-study • Attend scheduled coaching sessions every 4-8 weeks at a time agreed, and skills workshops days and webinars (if included) 17

HOW TO APPLY Those who wish to apply for an apprenticeship should speak with Andrew Murray to get approval and register their interest! • To register your interest, email Andrew Murray who will then ask for some of your personal details ([email protected]) • Once registered, Lifetime will contact you to collect the information required to get you started; checking your eligibility and suitability for your chosen programme • You will be asked to complete some short initial assessments (and any pre-work required) ahead of your enrolment appointment • Your enrolment takes place with your Learning Coach and your programme officially commences! WHERE TO FIND HELP If you have any queries about Homes for Students apprenticeships or you’ve not found a development programme you are looking for, please speak with your line manager to see if there are any additional programmes we could look at for your development. 18

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