Exeter College Apprentice Handbook

EXETER COLLEGE APPRENTICESHIP HANDBOOK

TABLE OF 01 CONTENTS Starting your Apprenticeship 02 Your Programme and WRAAP 03 Off-the-Job Training 04 OneFile and Progress Reviews 05 Support and Safety 06 Gateway, EPA & Progression

01. STARTING YOUR APPRENTICESHIP Welcome to your Apprenticeship at Exeter College This handbook outlines the excellent opportunities and tailored education program you'll receive as part of your Apprenticeship. Its purpose is to inform you about your training, responsibilities, and requirements for the Apprenticeship. Exeter College is dedicated to your well-being and acknowledges the potential need for support beyond the Apprenticeship. To address this, a supplementary personal development program, WRAAP (Wrap Around Adult and Apprenticeships), has been designed to focus on your personal growth and comprehension. What is different about an Apprenticeship? An Apprenticeship is a practical learning program where you acquire technical knowledge and hands-on experience through workplace learning, formal training, and applying new skills in real work situations. This allows you to learn and earn simultaneously. Apprenticeships are designed by employers for specific sectors or roles, outlining the skills, knowledge, behaviours, and qualifications needed for competence. This handbook provides valuable information to optimise your Apprenticeship experience. Your tutor/assessor is your primary support for both your course and work-related queries. They can either assist directly or connect you with the right resources. Feel free to ask for help whenever needed. THE ROLES WITHIN APPRENTICESHIPS Training & The Role of the TRA is to support you to secure an employed position with a Recruitment workplace that will be suitable to achieve your Apprenticeship. They will carry out Advisor (TRA) Health & Safety checks and discuss the contents and expectations of your Apprenticeship programme so that you and your employer know what to expect. Your TRA will also be available to discuss your next steps towards the end of your Apprenticeship and discuss with you what your career goals are . Skills Officer (SO) Your Skills Officer will agree and plan your programme so that you develop the / Assessor knowledge and skills to achieve your Apprenticeship. They will visit your workplace, carry out regular reviews, guide, support and assess you throughout your Apprenticeship programme . Tutor / Lecturer Your Tutor and lecturers will deliver the knowledge elements of your programme and set you assignments to evidence your understanding. They will support you to understand how the theory links to your job, skills and behaviours at work.

EXPECTATIONS What is expected of you? This may be your first experience of workplace learning, or you may be consolidating years of experience through a recognised apprenticeship. As a responsible apprentice you will need to be able to demonstrate that you are committed to your apprenticeship programme and that you are prepared to play an active part in your development. You will be expected to act and behave in a professional manner at all times, both at work and whilst participating in the programme, which includes a commitment to full attendance, punctuality and responsible and respectful behaviour Undertaking an apprenticeship on top of your job will have its challenges. Successful apprentices take a systematic and realistic approach to balancing work, studying and home commitments. EXETER COLLEGE SETS HIGH EXPECTATIONS IN RELATION TO THE \"A top tip for succeeding as an apprentice is to CONDUCT OF ITS STAFF, EMPLOYERS AND THE APPRENTICES IN focus on how you can apply what you learn in THE WORKPLACE. THIS INCLUDES PRODUCTIVITY IN THE college into your workplace. This is a great WORKPLACE AND EVIDENCE SUPPLIED FOR THE APPRENTICESHIP opportunity for you to collect evidence for we expect you to your portfolio, which helps you to embed your learning more deeply, and you will be keep appointments with your skills officer / Assessor more likely to remember it, meaning that complete any work that you have been set your portfolio will be in great shape well take pride in submitting high quality evidence \"before your end-point assessment. use your e-portfolio to its full potential ensure visits are agreed with your workplace participate fully in your review log your off the job training and development regularly and keep this up to date

OUR VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS OUR VALUES ARE WHAT MAKE US, US OUR COLLEGE VALUES ARE EMBEDDED IN EVERYTHING WE DO, FROM THE WAY WE PLAN OUR LESSONS TO THE WAY WE BEHAVE. WE PROMOTE DISCUSSIONS AROUND OUR VALUES SO PEOPLE CAN DISCOVER WHAT THEY MEAN TO THEM AND HOW THEY ARE DEMONSTRATED IN THEIR EVERYDAY LIVES. STUDENTS ARE AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO. BY DEMONSTRATING THESE VALUES WE AIM TO CREATE A PRODUCTIVE WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR STAFF AND A POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR STUDENTS. We are challenged and encouraged to push boundaries to enable us to realise our ambitions We are brave and take decisions that transform lives and foster achievement for all We are agile, future focused and embrace digital technology and learning We believe in impact; we are passionate about our community and environment and continue to make big changes in order to play our part in creating a sustainable city and college We collaborate with others to ensure we grow, thrive and initiate brilliance. We are bold and innovative, we listen to and learn form others in pursuit of the exceptional. We care about place; we collaborate with others to ensure success for our community that has national impact We believe that we are stringer together and actively seek out partnerships that make a difference and help us enrich our college Our expertise, passion and actions energise and enthuse those around us We care and support our people and our community. We believe that we excel when we are empowered, engaged and enjoy our time at college We are curious, we focus on solutions, not problems We are proud of our achievements and actively seek out opportunities to celebrate these and set ourselves our next challenge

02 Your Programme and WRAAP \" \"Be the change you EXETER COLLEGE VALUES want to see in the All Apprentices at Exeter College are encouraged to take ownership of their world \" personal learning and development through a range of activities. The purpose of which Gandhi are to grow and develop: WRAAP Study skills Awareness of own and others safety Health Education Promotion of Employability skills Development of Social awareness. Throughout your Apprenticeship Programme, you will be provided with the opportunity to develop not only your technical knowledge and skills but broaden the behaviours that will make you ever more employable and take pride in both your own and our values. PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL WRAAP PROGRAMME GROWTH You will be provided with opportunities to Professionalism, communication skills, explore and develop your understanding of awareness of others, teamwork and being topics in a variety of ways; college taught a problem solver are just some of the sessions, online courses and at your 1:1 softer, transferable skills that employers Progress Reviews. value.

03 Off-the-Job Training OFF THE JOB TRAINING OFF THE JOB INCLUDES: adjective Here are some ideas for you: Training such as Safeguarding, Health and 1.happening away from normal Safety working duties Coaching and/or mentoring in the workplace 2.new learning, training or 1-2-1, Appraisal or Supervision meetings development activity Team meetings that include a new work procedure or improvements to an existing All learners enrolled on an Apprenticeship are process required to spend 20% of their time on Off the Shadowing another member of staff to get Job activities. This is anything you do that is a better understanding of how another new to you that supports your knowledge or department works practical skills in the workplace. You may Attending conferences/ reading work attend a workshop for a day, or it could be related publications/ blogs or information spending an hour with your mentor or manager on internal websites or intranets discussing how to manage change in the External training days and this does include workplace. This is mandated by the any training that you attend with College government as part of the apprenticeship and Time spent on your reflective journal on equates to approx. one day per week, although OneFile can be carried out in any pattern across the Research and eLearning whole apprenticeship. Attending masterclass or teaching and learning sessions This can include training that is delivered in Independent research your workplace or elsewhere such as online or In-house training in College. Industry visits Writing assignments You are expected to keep a log of all learning Online learning and / or OneFile Courses activities working towards the Off the Job Manufacturer training requirements within OneFile and this will be Team meetings that include training reviewed on a regular basis during your Self-Study Time Progress reviews. You must have logged 20% or more by the time you reach Gateway.

04 OneFile and Progress Reviews All Apprentices use an e-portfolio system called OneFile. This is where you will collect evidence towards your Apprenticeship. During your time on programme, you will be able to gain remote access to resources, materials, work on activities and assignments, plus submit evidence to confirm your competence as part of your programme requirements. Your Skills Officer / Assessor can also remotely access your e-portfolio to mark and provide feedback, as well as maintaining communication and updates via the contact diary log and e-portfolio messaging system. PURPOSE LINKS :https://onefile.co.uk/ We use One File as our e-portfolio system because it is the best system available and Rest your password here: easy for you to navigate and use. https://login.onefile.co.uk/Reset This is where you'll access assignments, submit User Guides here: work, and record off-the-job training. https://info.onefile.co.uk/onboa rding-user-guides-learner It also stores your progress reviews, allowing you to track targets set with your employer and assessor. Course materials may be available here, and you can log Off the Job activity by assigning hours and maintaining a learning journal. OneFile will monitor your progress towards your Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours and store your training plan.

PROGRESS REVIEWS Every 8 weeks, your Assessor and your Line Manager will meet with you to discuss your progress against the Apprenticeship Standards. This also includes your skills, knowledge, behaviours and readiness to enter Gateway at the end of your training. It is an opportunity for each party to give feedback and ensure the programme is meeting both yours and your employers needs. PURPOSE Skills Officer / Assessor visits serve several purposes: They assess short-term goals established during your reviews. SUPPORT These visits offer feedback to enhance your knowledge and skill Reviews are also the ideal opportunty for you to feedback growth. any concerns that you have Encourage self-reflection and support requirements you may need consistent feedback from your discuss personal development information employer, ensuring everyone ask questions about WRAAP or any of the specific themes understands your learning gain Careers Advice & Guidance journey. opportunity to set targets, and address any obstacles. Assess completed and future off- the-job (OTJ) training opportunities.

05 Support and Safety SUPPORTING YOU STUDENT SERVICES ADDITIONAL LEARNING SUPPORT (ALS) Student Services provide a range of support for learners to help them succeed in their We provide assistance for various learning studies, including counselling and pastoral difficulties, disabilities, medical conditions, support, financial guidance, welfare and and mental health challenges, such as safeguarding. . Student Services can be found in Greystone House, next to the College reception or Hearing and visual impairment contact via your Tutor/Assessor, via the Mental health problems student services icon on the portal or Specific learning difficulties e.g. Dyslexia, Email: [email protected] Dyscalculia P​ hone: 01392 400449 Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Asperger Syndrome FUNCTIONAL SKILLS Physical disability English and Maths are vital components of Support is also available if you face challenges your apprenticeship. with time management or completing To qualify for the end-point assessment assignments. gateway, you must attain the required level in both subjects. When you meet with the ALS team, they will discuss your specific needs and inquire about Before starting, all apprentices will undergo past support and adjustments. an initial assessment of their English and These could include in-class assistance, Maths abilities. overlays, reading pens, etc. A Transitions Coordinator aids students with Education, If you already possess qualifications, you Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). might be exempt from Functional Skills. In To initiate a discussion with the ALS team, such cases, your Assessor will focus on use this link enhancing your workplace application of https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar English and Maths to elevate your skill level. /ApprenticeALSAssessment@adexecollacuk. Proficiency in these practical skills is crucial onmicrosoft.com/bookings/ for confident work and life, and for achieving your career goals.. or call us on 01392 40080

05 Support and Safety KEEPING YOU SAFE SAFEGUARDING BULLYING AND HARRASSMENT Safeguarding is about making sure We take bullying and harassment very that anyone who is vulnerable is safe seriously and encourage students to report any and looked after. Being vulnerable can concerns they have for themselves or their be a status such as age e.g., under 18 friends. years of age or could relate to specific needs such as sensory loss or could be Bullying, harassment and hate crimes, by their someone who lives independently or is nature are corrosive, tormenting and currently struggling with the health. distressing. These can have a significant You can also become vulnerable physical and emotional impact on groups and because of a significant event in your individuals. They can take many forms from life such as bereavement. name calling or offensive language/gestures to direct physical assault. SAFEGUARDING TEAM Bullying, harassment and hate crimes can also We have a Safeguarding Team at occur in an online environment, including both College to ensure that all students are cyberbullying and cyberstalking. These involve safe, and wherever possible protected the malicious use of technology to harass, from harm. If at any time you are threaten, pressure or embarrass an individual worried for your own safety, or that of online. If you are concerned that you or another young person or vulnerable someone else is suffering any form of bullying adult, then please contact us. We will or harassment, be it physical or online, then listen to your concerns and take please make contact with the Safeguarding appropriate action to ensure the safety Team for advice or talk with your Skills Officer and wellbeing of our community or Tutor. Don’t suffer in silence. Exeter College is also a safe reporting centre for any nature of harrassmnet, including sexual harassment, intimidation or exploitation. We encourage you to report any incidents to our Safeguarding Team and you can go to any Staff Room, Office or reception area and ask for help or assistance as all are designated \"SAFE SPACES\"

06 Gateway, EPA & Progression Gateway and End Point Assessment At the end of your apprenticeship, you will go through a ‘gateway’ process where we all agree that you have reached the end of your learning and are ready for the final assessment of your knowledge and practical capabilities. The End Point Assessment will test that you are competent to work effectively and productively in your chosen job role and in most cases the Assessment will be graded. CELEBRATION OF ACHIEVEMENT Completing and achieving your apprenticeship is a point to celebrate and you should consider this as an 'End Point Achievement' where you are showcasing all that you have learned and can now do. Many of our Apprenticeships hold a professional status once achieved and this is something you can be proud to have earned. HOW WILL YOU BE ASSESSED? Your Apprenticeship Standard and assessment plan has been developed by employers and will set out the knowledge, skills and behaviours required, together with an outline of the methods to be used to check these for the End Point Assessment. Examples of different assessment methods are shown below: Practical competence: Knowledge-based competence: Workplace observation Workplace projects Testing in a practical test facility Projects away from work (invigilated Workplace projects or otherwise) Portfolio of work Professional discussions Assignments Assessment of work output Knowledge: Tests Examinations Professional discussions

Progression Opportunities CAREERS GUIDANCE Careers guidance activities and opportunities are embedded into our programmes. These support you in your career planning and help you to make well informed decisions about your progression and future plans. Good careers guidance raises learners’ aspirations and ultimately improves career opportunities. We aim to support you to learn about careers and the world of work, develop your career management and employability skills and develop your self- awareness, confidence and independent learning skills. . PROGRESSION YOUR FUTURE This is your internal application process and the next steps onto the next level of apprenticeship once you have completed your current programme. Progressing onto the next level is likely to be a great opportunity to reach your career goals. Your recruitment advisor will be able to discuss options with you . Your future steps team can also advise you as to what options are available outside of apprenticeships both in college and outside,

The Apprenticeship Hub 37 Queen Street Exeter Ex4 3SR www.exe-coll.ac.uk/apprenticeships @ExeApprentices