Frequently Asked Questions
Q) What does ETS stand for?
Education + Training Skills.
Q) What regional / occupational areas do we cover?
ETS cover Devon and Cornwall. The occupations are as follows: Administration, Customer
Service, IT and Management. We do not cover all occupations in all areas so please
call 01392 445444 and check.
Q) What is an Apprenticeship?
A framework that includes an NVQ, Key Skills and nearly always a Technical Certificate
that is designed to confirm knowledge and understanding needed for the particular
occupational area.
Q) What is an NVQ?
A National Vocational Qualification. It has various levels from one to five. Level
2 is part of an Apprenticeship and Level 3 is part of an Advanced Apprenticeship.
Levels 4 and 5 are more advanced levels, which are mainly delivered through our
adult contracts.
An NVQ consists of several units. Each unit highlights a specific activity. There
are mandatory units within an NVQ and optional units. To be able to do an NVQ the
candidate must be doing a job role that will cover all the mandatory units. The
optional units are chosen to reflect the learner’s job role. The candidate must
fulfil the requirements of each unit of the NVQ to complete the qualification. It
is possible to change optional units if the job role of the learner changes – this
is agreed with the Employer and the Assessor.
Q) Why is the Apprenticeship free?
The Government provide the funding for Apprenticeships for anyone who commences
the scheme before their 25th birthday, (although there is only limited funding for
22-24 year olds).
Q) How long does an Apprenticeship take?
Usually between 12 and 24 months depending on the level of the Apprenticeship and
the age of the learner; level of current experience and any previous qualifications
gained.
Q) Why can the learner not do an Apprenticeship if they already have
a degree?
There is limited Government funding available for learners and they will have already
claimed it for the degree.
Q) Can the learner do the Apprenticeship if they are not employed
full time?
Yes, as long as they are permanently employed or trainee status, and contracted
for 30 hours or more per week.
Q) Can a learner do an Apprenticeship if they are in seasonal or
temporary employment?
Not usually for a standard Apprenticeship as they should be a permanent employee
due to the length of time the programme takes to achieve. There may be occasions
when funding is available through other projects. For further information call 0800
7311902.
Q) If the learner has not passed any GCSEs can they still do an Apprenticeship?
Yes, but not necessarily with ETS. Potential learners must take an Initial Assessment
with ETS to establish if they have any additional support needs for the duration
of the Apprenticeship. In some cases ETS would refer the learner to a provider who
has a more relevant programme for their needs and/or additional funding to ensure
specific support.
Q) What is the NVQ equivalent to?
The NVQ Level 2 is equivalent to five GCSEs grade C or above. The NVQ Level 3 is
equivalent to two A Level passes.
Q) How much time will be spent studying?
Studying is probably not the right word to use in relationship to Apprenticeships.
NVQs encourage people to look more closely at the role they fulfill within the workplace.
It is based on evidence collecting situations, observations from assessors, discussions
that prove the learners competency. A guideline of an hour a week would ensure the
learner completes everything for the NVQ in the time allocated.
Q) How often and for how long does my assessor visit?
Your assessor will visit every 5-6 weeks. During this time she/he will spend approximately
one hour helping you identify evidence to collect for your portfolio. Some of this
time is spent observing you in the workplace. If the learner does require extra
visits this can be arranged.
Q) If the learner has already completed an Apprenticeship, can they
do another one at the same level?
It depends on the Apprenticeship previously achieved, and whether the next one they
wish to do would be classed as a different Occupational Sector. We would be more
than happy to check this for you.
Q) Can I use the evidence from previous Apprenticeships, NVQs or
qualifications?
Evidence, not more than 3 years old, from previous NVQs can be used if the qualification
they are about to undertake requires similar evidence. Some of their previous work
could count towards fulfilling some of the units. If certificates are produced from
previous NVQs, we can accredit previous achievement.
Q) What are Key Skills?
There are six Key Skills:
• Communication
• Application of Number
• Information Technology
• Personal skills – Working with others
• Personal skills – Improving own learning and performance
• Problem Solving
To complete the full Apprenticeship, the learner needs to do Key Skills as well
as the NVQ and Technical Certificate. Key Skills prove competence of skills required
for any occupation. Our Apprenticeships only require Key Skills in Communication
and Application of Number at either levels 1 or 2.
Q) Do they have to do Key Skills Tests?
Anyone under the age of 25 must do Key Skills tests. Some exemptions may be made
for learners who have previous learning accreditations, e.g. certain GCSE grades,
GNVQs etc, which are not more than five years old. Adult NVQ and Train to Gain candidates
do not have to do Key Skills.
Q) How many days out of the Company does the Apprenticeship require?
A maximum of twelve days out of the workplace, depending on the prior achievements
of the learner. This consists of an Assessment Day, and days for the Key Skills,
Technical Certificate sessions and tests. If the learner does not have to do Key
Skills, they would just need to work towards the Technical Certificate.
Q) What good is it going to do my Company?
Allowing your staff to undertake Apprenticeships shows that you are interested in
their development and personal growth, which in turn can raise morale and lead to
increased company profits. Also it can lead to staff being more efficient because
the NVQ makes the staff analyse their job role and ways of improving their performance.
Q) Will the Apprenticeship actually train my staff?
No, some employers believe that we are going to train their staff in specific areas.
It must be made clear that the NVQ does not train staff to do the job; it assesses
their competency in doing the job. However, the Technical Certificate gives guided
learning support in the correct procedures for specific tasks. Assessors can assist
with Key Skills – but they do not teach the learner how to do the job. Depending
on the circumstances it is possible that ETS will fund an additional course for
the learner if they need it for their specific job role – but this is decided at
the Initial Assessment stage.
Q) Why don’t we offer Level 4 to candidates under the age of 24?
Because to do a Level 4 you need to be in a strategic management position, and it
has proved difficult for many under 24s to reach this level and gather the evidence
required. In exceptional circumstances, we can offer Level 4, but need to request
places on our contract.
Q) Can a non-British citizen do an Apprenticeship?
Yes, but they must have permanent residency and have lived in Great Britain or another
Country within the European Union for at least 3 years.
Q) If the Company does not have employees aged under 24, but do need
staff – what do we do?
We offer a FREE OF CHARGE recruitment service in Devon & Cornwall. We advertise
the vacancy on the company’s behalf, forward suitable candidates, and arrange interviews.
This is on the understanding that if they appoint a candidate we have put forward,
after a probationary period they would start one of our Apprenticeships.
Q) Can ETS help candidates find work?
Yes, candidates register with ETS and their details are matched to vacancies we
have on file and forwarded to appropriate positions. These all come with Framework
qualifications.
Q) If I lose my job can ETS help me?
Yes, ETS will support all candidates seeking work – this involves cold calling companies
looking for appropriate vacancies.
Q) Do NVQs count as points towards University entry?
Some Universities are now accepting NVQs and/or Key Skills as points towards entry.
You would need to clarify with your chosen Universities if they accept them. Some
other countries will also accept NVQs as emigration entry qualifications.
Q) Can I transfer my NVQ to another company/occupation?
Yes, as long as the new company is happy for the learner to continue, ETS can transfer
the programme. Also ETS can change the occupation of the NVQ, as long as it is one
offered by ETS. If not, ETS will refer the learner to a Training Provider that can
provide the most relevant NVQ.
Q) Who needs to be at the first and second appointment?
The learner and their Supervisor / Manager / Proprietor. It is essential that someone
with authority over the learner is available to sign agreements on behalf of the
company and be involved in their Initial Assessment process.
Q) As an Employer, how much do I need to be involved?
We encourage all Employers to support their learners through the duration of their
qualification. All day release dates for workshops are agreed before the second
appointment and then appear on the Learning Plan, so we appreciate if holidays/
staff cover etc can be arranged to allow the learner to attend every session. At
each assessment visit, the Assessor will discuss the progress with the learner’s
Line Manager.
Q) Is there a free qualification available for over 24 year olds?
Depending on what projects are available at the time. We often have European Social
Funding to provide adults with NVQs free of charge, and Train to Gain is available
for 19-64 year olds who do not already hold a Level 2 qualification, equivalent
or higher. For criteria and further information, please call Katrina Raymont on 01392 445444.