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Apprentice of the Year

 

Total People is a Centre of Vocational Excellence

 

 

 

	My Total People Training Adviser has helped me enormously, she motivated and supported me to achieve the Level 2 in just seven months. The Apprenticeship has enabled me to work with children, which is what I really enjoy.

After leaving school Lizzie Davies realised that the Apprenticeship route would give her the chance to gain work experience, achieve a nationally recognised qualification, as well as fulfil her ambition of working with children.

Lizzie’s job involves working with pre-school children; she helps plan activities for them to aid their creative and physical development. Lizzie finds the close relationship with Total People really helpful; “My Training Adviser is brilliant.  She is so supportive and has always believed in me - this encourages me to do my best both academically and in the nursery.  All the skills and knowledge that I learn can be related straight back to my workplace and the experience I gain there really helps to cement that knowledge. The Apprenticeship route has been great for my confidence and my career.  It has opened so many doors.”

Kim Pemberton knew she wanted to work with children and the Apprenticeship route provided her with exactly what she was looking for; a nationally recognised qualification and invaluable work experience.

Kim was diagnosed as dyslexic at school and suffered from a lack confidence. The apprenticeship route has given her the skills and self belief to realise that she is capable of anything; she completed the Level 2 programme within 15 months and has now progressed onto the Advanced Apprenticeship programme with Total People.  “I love my job.  My Training Adviser from Total People is very helpful; I know I can always contact her. The Apprenticeship programme lets you learn both theory and practical skills, and also allows me to share good practice with other members of staff.”

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to develop your prospects and career in the industry. A career in childcare is for people who want to provide children with a warm, protective environment which is also stimulating, educational and caring.

Whilst having a genuine interest in the wellbeing of children is probably the most important quality that you should possess, you should also have good communication skills and be able to work as part of a team. You should also have lots of energy and a good sense of humour, with plenty of imagination and creative ideas.

 How do I find an Apprenticeship?

Our Level 2 programmes operate in two ways – ‘placements’ and ‘employed status’:

The placements are three days per week in a childcare setting (9:00am – 4:00pm), one day training per week at Total People premises (9:30am – 4:30pm) and one study day per week.

Due to certain Government regulations, you need to be 17 years old before you can officially be counted as a member of staff in a nursery. However, Total People offer placements for young people aged 16 to give them the opportunity of gaining hands on experience which will provide a great foundation for the future.

The ‘employed status’ Apprenticeship programme is for young people over the age of 17 who can be classed as members of staff.

What happens then?

Total People will send one of their Training Advisers out to you. They will sit down with both you and your employer to arrange your learning plan.

Level 2 is for young people who have just left school and who are new to a career in Childcare. It can also be appropriate for young people who are assisting in a Childcare setting. For example; Nursery Assistant, Nanny, Crèche Assistant, Special Needs Assistant, and Classroom Assistant.

Level 3 is the usual progression from Level 2 if a learner is showing that they possess the skills required and they have the opportunity to fulfil the Level 3 standards in their setting. For example; Nursery Nurse, Nanny, Special Needs Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Teaching Assistant, and Children’s Centre Play Specialist

How long will it take?

The time taken to complete your NVQ depends upon you; how quickly you want to do it. However it normally takes around 12 months to complete.

The Technical Certificate is delivered at a college, therefore you will tend to start in September and finish at around May / June time.

The other element of your Apprenticeship, Key Skills, takes around 12 months to complete, but again is dependant upon you!

Completing your Apprenticeship

Your Childcare Apprenticeship is made up from 3 core elements;

• NVQ
• Technical Certificate
• Key Skills

Your NVQ portfolio is like a work diary, it records your activities and experiences. Your portfolio is assessed to make sure you are competent. Your work will be assessed at your place of work.

The Technical Certificate gives you the underpinning knowledge needed to carry out the tasks of your NVQ.

Key Skills are similar to Maths and English GCSEs however learning is focussed around Childcare. For example, you will learn how to calculate the cost of equipment and how to make your proposal to your manager.

Further Progression

Being qualified will open many doors to you. You will be able to show your employer that, along with being qualified, you have also shown commitment, dedication and professionalism. This could lead to promotion, higher rates of pay, or managerial opportunities.

 

 

 

 

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