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Apprentice of the Year

 

Total People is a Centre of Vocational Excellence

 

 

 

	It has made a big impact on certain parts of the job, because I’ve become far more aware of how to do things properly.

Martin Fisher, 20, has been working at the Co-Op in Crewe for the last four years.

Martin originally wanted to be a teacher, and got a place at university, but when his employers at the Co-Op offered him a supervisory position combined with work based learning, Martin realised the potential of the opportunity and decided to accept.

He has been a Supervisor for the last three years, and has completed his apprenticeship with the support of Total People. “I really enjoyed the training,” says Martin. “It allowed me to learn about things in more depth and acquire loads of new skills. It has made a big impact on certain parts of the job, because I’ve become far more aware of how to do things properly”.

Martin’s employers have always encouraged him to learn and develop, and he received dedicated support from Total People. “My Training Adviser helped me loads,” explains Martin. “She was very flexible and always fit the training around my workload – I would definitely recommend Total People and the apprenticeship route to other people”.

For the future, Martin is determined to carry on with training; “I really want to go onto the Advanced Apprenticeship, that way I should be able to move into a managerial position before too long”.

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. By starting an Apprenticeship in retail you begin the first step to a challenging and rewarding career. You need to be honest and reliable, polite and helpful, enthusiastic and flexible – and have loads of stamina! You should also enjoy meeting new people, have plenty of common sense, and be able to demonstrate initiative. Working as part of a team is essential, as is being committed and dedicated to both work and your Apprenticeship.

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. Retail 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 be delivered in the workplace and your employer will need to give you time to meet 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 months to complete.

The Technical Certificate is delivered through a project workbook which you will start at the beginning of the qualification and sit an on-line test towards the end of the programme.

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

Completing your Apprenticeship

Your Retail 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 retail. For example, logging sales, comparing this year’s figures against last year’s and working out percentages.

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, managerial opportunities or a great starting point to a different career in the retail industry such as merchandiser or staff trainer.

Alternatively, you could decide to set up your own business or take the step to work abroad.

 

 

 

 

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