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Apprentice of the Year

 

Total People is a Centre of Vocational Excellence

 

 

 

	If you go to college you don’t get any practical experience and you don’t earn any money. This is a fantastic combination because I’m working, getting valuable qualifications, and I’m getting paid!

Shaun Birch works as a parts apprentice at Road Range in Deeside. He is working towards an Advanced Apprenticeship in Motor Vehicle Parts and Operations.

“I’d always been interested in cars,” says Shaun, “so when I left school after my GCSEs I was lucky enough to get a job at Road Range. As a Parts Apprentice, I book in deliveries, supply parts to the customers and workshop, and complete all the stock checking. It’s very varied and I really enjoy it”.

As an Apprentice, Shaun combines these activities with work based learning. “When I started,” explains Shaun, “my boss signed me up with my Training Provider, Total People. An Adviser came to see me and worked out a programme of training to suit me and the business. He has supported me throughout and comes to see me regularly to check my progress and set targets.

“This is definitely the best way to work,” says Shaun. “If you go to college you don’t get any practical experience and you don’t earn any money. This is a fantastic combination because I’m working, getting valuable qualifications, and I’m getting paid – I’ve already told my mate’s little brother that he should definitely get signed up with Total People.

“For the future, I want to work my way up the ranks - I feel very lucky to be in this position”.

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. The motor vehicle parts industry is a major employer within the UK. Its aim is to serve the entire country with vehicle spares, delivered by road, rail and air to garages, dealerships and factories throughout Britain. Vacancies exist at all levels, from parts operations to management and administration.  You need to have good communication skills and be able to use your own initiative.

The Advanced Apprenticeship is available to you once you have completed your Apprenticeship. These are identical in structure to the Apprenticeship; however learning is at Level 3 which is equivalent to ‘A’ Level standard.

How do I find an Apprenticeship?

The first thing you need to do is to find a job. Apprenticeships are work-based which means you need to be employed before you can start your training.

There are many places you can go to find a job; Connexions, local papers, internet job sites, and Job Centre Plus. You can even try friends and family to see if they know anybody who may have a vacancy.

Once you have gained employment contact Total People!

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.

Your training will all be done at your place of work. Your employer will give you time off to meet with your Training Adviser.

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 - 24 months to complete depending on the level.

The Technical Certificate is delivered in the work place.

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

Completing your Apprenticeship

Your motor vehicle part is made up from 3 core elements;

• NVQ
• Technical Certificate / Diploma
• 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 Motor Vehicle Parts; for example, you will learn how to calculate the cost of a job for a client and then learn the best way to make your proposal to a prospective client!

Further Progression

As well as nationally recognised qualifications, you will enjoy job satisfaction, work-based practical experience and an opportunity to progress into supervisory / managerial roles.

 

 

 

 

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