Work Based Apprenticeships Offers Flexibility for Progression

The apprenticeship route has become increasingly popular over the past few years. And whilst many people are familiar with both apprenticeships and higher level apprenticeships, the work-based apprenticeship is another model of delivery that can prove win-win for both the apprentice and the employer.

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) offers a range of work-based apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3. These unique apprenticeship courses offer learners an opportunity to study without the need to come into college for a day each week.

Victoria Boyd, Head of Training Programmes and Apprenticeships explains, “Work-based apprenticeships are particularly suited for those sectors that have considerable skills gaps such as early years, hospitality, catering and health and social care.  Staffing resources for employers in these sectors are often stretched, so having a member of staff out of the workplace for a day is almost impossible.   However, having committed staff is in the employer’s interest, and this is where the work-based apprenticeship comes into its own."

Victoria continued, “The work-based apprenticeship model means that the apprentice is supported to gain skills and qualifications directly related to their job role, so there is potential to grow with, and progress in, the organisation.   A Work-based Training Consultant will work with the apprentice on site, at a time convenient to the employer, to deliver tutorials one-to-one or in small groups, which means the learning can be tailored to the individuals.   This format can be particularly suitable for someone whose first language may not be English, or who may not be comfortable in a large classroom setting.  Tutorials and resources can also be accessed online - particularly convenient during busy work periods.

“A dedicated Essential Skills Training Consultant will deliver, in the workplace, Essential Skills in Literacy, Numeracy, and ICT if the apprentice does not have GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English, Maths or ICT/IT."

Victoria added, “Work-based apprenticeships are not restricted by the academic calendar, so an apprentice could start at any time of the year in a roll-on/roll off style. This offers much more flexibility for the apprentice and the employer in that as soon as the potential apprentice starts working, a plan can be put in place to start learning, and the apprentice doesn’t need to wait for their course to commence at college in September.”

Blessing Arogba (22), moved to Castlewellan from Nigeria along with her sister Sarah - both young women are pursuing work-based apprenticeships through SERC and their employer, CWC Croob Cottages in County Down.

Blessing, who worked in health care in Nigeria, was keen to continue in the care sector.  She successfully secured a post with CWC Croob Cottages and was encouraged to continue her qualifications with a Level 2 Work-based Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care through SERC. This past year, the young woman completed both a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care and a Level 2 Certificate in Induction into Adult Social Care as part of her Level 2 Work-based Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care. Her dedication and hard work were further recognised with a well-deserved promotion to Senior Care Assistant at CWC Croob Cottages.

Blessing said, “The work-based apprenticeship offered an opportunity to gain a qualification and evidence my learning. It has been a great course which has helped me in my job.   The modules of study are all relevant to the work and I have become more skilled and confident as I have progressed.”

Now that she has completed the Level 2, Blessing has already commenced the Level 3 Work-based Apprenticeship in Health & Social Care.  She said, “I would recommend the work-based apprenticeship route.   It has been busy jugging work with the course, but my employer has been very supportive, and I have had a lot of support from Olive Watson, my Work-based Training Consultant at SERC, who has helped me plan out my study over the year. This has helped me keep on top of the work as I progress.”

Main picture above: (L – R) Sarah Arogba, Lala Mabe and Blessing Arogba, completed Level 2 Work-based Apprenticeships in Health & Social Care through their employer CWC Croob Cottages and SERC.   The young women are now progressing to a Level 3 Worked-based Apprenticeship.