The employers choice for apprenticeships - North East England · The employers choice for...
Transcript of The employers choice for apprenticeships - North East England · The employers choice for...
Championing the region since 1815
Employer HandbookYour guide to employing apprentices
The employers choice for apprenticeships
www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 65222 Employer Handbook
The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) is one of the largest
Chambers of Commerce in the UK and a unique membership
organisation representing the region’s businesses. We enable
businesses to develop and grow through providing a range of services,
all to the highest quality and tailored to meet the needs of the local
business community. NECC has established a strong reputation for the
delivery of quality Apprenticeship training, as validated by Ofsted.
NECC Training is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome learners with disabilities. For further information please ask for a copy of our Disability Statement.
Introduction 03
What is an Apprenticeship 04
FAQ’s 05
Preparing for H&S Assessment of your workplace� 06
Training Recruitment Service 07
Inducting Learners 08
Planning and designing individual training programmes 09
Delivering Training Programmes 10
Reviewing�learner�progress� 11
Assessing Learner Competence 12
Supporting learners in their work-based�training�programme� 13
Equality�and�diversity�within the training process 14
Health and Safety 15
Safeguarding�learners�within work�based�learning� 16
Continuous improvement 17
CONTENTS
www.necc.co.uk0300 303 6522 Employer Handbook 3
Increased business productivity
Address skills shortages
Apprentices receive relevant training, so have an immediate�impact�and�make�a�real�and�meaningful�
contribution�to�your�business
Apprentices�will�promote�a�skilled�workforce�and�fill�any�skills�shortages�–�ensuring�companies�possess�the�skills�they�need�to�meet�their�current�and�future�business�goals.
76%of employers say that apprenticeships
provide higher overall productivity
Improve qualityApprentices�are�provided�with�the�correct�tools�to�do�the�job�and�are�monitored�by�the�programme’s�advisers�
and�through�the�company’s�own�quality�control�systems; creating commercial gain and a healthy
workforce�for�the�future.
77%of employers believe apprenticeships
make them more competitive
Reduce costsIt’s�a�cost�effective�way�of�introducing�new�talent�to�the�business;�saving�on�recruitment,�salary�
and�training�costs.
59%report that training apprentices is more
cost-effective than hiring skilled staff
Improve employee satisfaction and staff retention
Businesses�that�employ�and�train�apprentices�will�have�a�more�loyal�and�committed�workforce
80%of employers feel that apprenticeships
reduce staff turnover
83%of employers rely on their apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers
that they need for the future
Whether you are�taking�on�a�new�apprentice�or�training one of your existing employees, this guide will�help�you�understand�the�services�and�support�which�we�provide�and�the�role�which�you�need�to�play�in�the�process.
We�are�one�of�the�largest�work-based�training�providers�in�the�North�East�with�training�provided�across�the�region�to�circa�1,100�learners.�As�a�membership�organisation�we�understand�the�needs�of�business�and�our�courses�are�designed�and�delivered�to�meet�the�needs�of�both�business�and�individual�learners.
Work-based�learning�is�part�of�a�national�programme�of�Government�supported�provision�to�raise�skill�levels.�It�aims�to�develop�an�individual’s�knowledge�and�skills�within�the�workplace�environment�and�presents�a�real�opportunity�for�people�who�want�to�continue�their�learning�outside�full-time�further�and�higher�education.
Over�100,000�forward�thinking�employers�in�the�UK are currently developing their employees in this�way.�NECC�works�with�a�range�of�employers�including�Parkdean�Holidays,�Sage�UK,�MCPS,�Coast�&�Country�Housing�and�Labman�Automation.�
www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 65224 Employer Handbook
Employers Handbook
WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?An�Apprenticeship�is�a�way�for�young�people�and�adult�learners�to�earn�while�they�learn�in�a�real�job,�gaining�a�real�qualification�and�a�real�future.�Hiring�apprentices�helps�businesses�to�grow�their�own�talent�by�developing�a�motivated,�skilled�and�qualified�workforce.�Quality�is�key�to�Apprenticeships�–�NECC�provide�high�quality�training�that�benefits�both�apprentices�and employers.
Apprenticeships deliver for businesses and help them grow by:
Reducing training and recruitment costs� Increasing�productivity�and�your�bottom�line� Developing�a�skilled,�motivated�and�qualified�workforce
Improving customer service results Providing�financial�return�on�investment.
More�than�100,000�employers,�in�over�160,000�workplaces,�currently�use�Apprenticeships�to�attract�new�talent,�re-skill�existing�staff�and�tackle�skill�shortages.�Apprenticeships�are�available�to�businesses�of�all�sizes�and�from�all�sectors�in�England.�Employment�is�a�fundamental�part�of�an�Apprenticeship.�An�apprentice�must�be�employed�in�a�job�role�with�a�productive�purpose.
Apprenticeship Levels:There�are�three�levels�of�Apprenticeship�available:
Intermediate Level Apprenticeships (Level 2) Advanced Level Apprenticeships (Level 3) Higher Apprenticeships�(Level�4�and�above)
NECC is one of the largest independent apprenticeship training providers in the North East�of�England.
VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION Working�with�our�specialist�advisers,�you�can�choose�units�within�the�qualification�which�are�suitable�for�you�and�your�learner.�We�will�assess�the�competence�of�your�employee�while�they�are�working�on�the�job.
They�will�also�be�taught�sector�specific�knowledge�as�part�of�the�programme.�
TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE This�is�a�knowledge�based�qualification�to�demonstrate your employee’s underpinning knowledge�and�understanding�relating�to�your�industry.�It�also�covers�employment�rights�and�responsibilities.�NECC�will�support�your�employee�to�achieve�this�which�is�assessed�via�a�combination�of�exams�and�workbooks.
FUNCTIONAL SKILLSThese�are�the�core�elements�of�English,�Maths�and�ICT�that�provide�individuals�with�the�essential�knowledge,�skills�and�understanding�to�enable�them�to�operate�confidently�and�efficiently�in�life�and�work.�A�key�benefit�is�that�your�employee�will�be�learning�to�apply�their�skills�across�a�range�of�situations.�NECC�will�look�to�employers�to�support�their�employee�by�providing�sufficient�opportunities�for�them�to�practice�their�skills�at�work.�These�qualifications�are�assessed�via�a�set�of�examinations.�NECC�will�host�day�release�sessions�to�support�functional�skills�delivery�(if�applicable)�
PERSONAL LEARNING & THINKING SKILLSThe�final�element�of�the�Apprenticeship�framework�covers�the�essential�skills�for�life-long�learning.�It�comprises�six�groups�of�skills�that,�together�with�Functional�Skills,�will�ensure�employees�are�confident�and�capable�individuals.�Depending�on�which�industry�you�work�in,�these�may�be�embedded�into�the�other�qualifications�in�the�Apprenticeship,�or�may�be�assessed�as�a�separate�qualification.
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Q. What are the costs?A.�NECC�receives�Government�funding�which�enables�us�to�subsidise�all�or�most�of�the�cost�of�training.�Please�contact�our�Skills�Development�Team�on:�0300�303�6322�or�email:�[email protected]�for�further�details.
Q. How long will the learner be on the training programme? A.�The�training�programme�is�an�on-going�partnership�between�the�learner�and�their�employer,�however�different�qualifications�have�specified�periods�to�complete.�The�minimum�duration�for�an�apprenticeship�is�12�months.
Q. How can I recruit a new apprentice through NECC?A.�NECC�have�specially�trained�recruitment�consultants�who�will�work�with�you�to�identify�suitable�candidates�and�they�will�manage�your�vacancy�from�start�to�finish.��Our�Training�Recruitment Service is free of charge for employers�looking�to�recruit�an�apprentice.�All�learners�recruited�must�however,�work�towards�a�qualification�with�NECC�once�they�start�work.�
Q. How long will my employee spend ‘off the job? A.�It�is�a�requirement�of�the�Apprenticeship,�Skills,�Children�and�Learning�Act�2009�that�a�specified�amount�of�learning�takes�place�off�the�job�but�within�the�apprentice’s�paid�hours.�We�will�expect�employers�to�support�this.�This�will�mean:�
Day release arrangements for most learners, depending on the programme;
� At�least�two�hours�study�time�per�week�for�all�learners;
� Allow�attendance�off-the-job�for�examinations��and�/�or�for�additional�support�if�required.�
Q. What are the benefits of an Apprenticeship with NECC?
As one of the largest training providers in the North�East�we�deliver�training�across�the�region�for your convenience You can reduce training and recruitment costs (if�recruiting�a�new�apprentice) You can increase productivity and your bottom line�You�can�develop�a�skilled�motivated�and�qualified�workforce
Q. What do I pay an apprentice? A.�Like�all�employees,�apprentices�must�receive�a�wage.�Employers�must�pay�at�least�the�national�minimum�wage�(this�is�reviewed�on�an�annual�basis).�It�is�the�employer’s�responsibility�to�ensure�that�they�comply�with�the�current�minimum�wage�requirements�-�this�can�be�checked�by�visiting�www.gov.uk/national-minimumwage-rates.�The�current�rate�for�apprentices�is�£2.73�per�hour�(from�1st�October�2014).�Please�note�this�applies�from the start date of their Apprenticeship* for 16-18�year�olds,�and�where�the�apprentice�is�over�the�age�of�19,�this�applies�for�the�first�year�of�their Apprenticeship.*NECC’s�AAT�and�Dental�programmes�may�not�coincide�with�employment�start�dates�and�you�may�therefore�be�required�to�pay�National�Minimum�Wage�until�such�time�that�the�apprenticeship�programme�begins.�
Q. Is there a minimum number of hours an apprentice needs to work?A.�Apprentices�need�to�work�a�minimum�of�30�contracted�hours�per�week�on�Government�supported�programmes.�Otherwise�the�duration�of�the�programme�will�need�to�be�extended.�
Q. What happens next?A.�If�you�are�looking�to�recruit�a�new�apprentice,�or�have�an�existing�member�of�staff�interested�in�completing an apprenticeship please contact a member�of�the�Skills�Development�Team��in�the�first�instance�to�discuss�your�requirements.�
For everyone signed up to an apprenticeship programme,�NECC�will�complete�an�initial�assessment to ensure they are signed on to the right programme and receive the right level of support�for�their�individual�needs.�
It is a requirement for use of Government funding that�employers�comply�with�Health�&�Safety�legislation.�NECC�will�send�you�a�link�to�an�online�self-assessment�of�your�H&S�arrangements�-�see�page�6�of�the�Employer�Handbook�for�advice�on�how�to�prepare.�Once�this�is�in�place,�you�will�receive�a�visit�from�your�dedicated�Training�Adviser�to�finalise�the�arrangements�and�sign�your�apprentice�onto�their�programme�–�please�allow�a�minimum�of�3�hours�for�this�visit.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 65226 Employer Handbook
Employers Handbook
It is a requirement for use of Government funded training that a health and safety assessment of your�workplace�is�conducted.�You�will�need�to�complete�the�online�self-assessment�to�declare�what�existing�H&S�arrangements�you�have�in�place.�On�our�initial�visit,�this�will�be�reviewed�by�one�of�NECC’s�appropriately�trained�staff.
The�following�checklist�will�help�you�prepare�for�this�review�and�reduce�any�disruption�to�you�and�your�colleagues.
You�will�be�asked�to�provide:� your�Certificate�for�Employers�Liability Insurance
� evidence�of�how�you�inform�staff�about�Health�&�Safety�at�work�act,�fire�procedures�and�first�aiders
� a�clear�written�policy�on�Health�&�Safety�(if�you�have more than 5 employees)
� appropriate�risk�assessments� First�Aid�box� Accident�Book�(this�must�be�the�version�with�removable�pages)
� log�of�fire�drills�and�alarm�tests� clear�written�policy�on�Equality�and�Diversity� clear�written�policy�on�Safeguarding
Our�staff�will�be�able�to�help�you�if�you�have any questions regarding the Health & Safety assessment.
Guidance�is�available�for�all�employers�at www.hse.gov.uk.
If you do not currently have a Health & Safety policy, Health & Safety Executive has provided guidance�for�small�businesses�that�our�staff�will�provide�to�you.
If you do not currently have Equality & Diversity policy, ACAS has provided guidance and a sample policy�that�our�staff�will�provide�to�you.�
If you do not currently have a Safeguarding policy we�have�a�sample�policy�that�our�staff�will�provide�to�you.
PREPARING�FOR�H&S�ASSESSMENT�OF�YOUR WORKPLACE
www.necc.co.uk0300 303 6522 Employer Handbook 7
NECC ROLE
� On�receipt�of�your�job�vacancy,�our�recruitment�team�will�contact�you�within�2�working�days
� Following�initial�contact,�and�where�we�have�suitable�candidates,�we�will�forward�CVs�within�2�working�days
� If�we�have�no�suitable�candidates�we�will�promote�your�vacancy�through�our�network�of�partners.�If�your�vacancy�is�displayed�via�the�National�Apprenticeship�service�you�may�be�contacted�by�them�to�verify�your�vacancy
� We�will�assess�and�interview�all�candidates�to�ensure�suitability
� We�will�provide�advice,�support�and�guidance�with�selection�methods�and�interviewing candidates
� We�will�manage�your�vacancy�and�provide�regular updates throughout the process
EMPLOYER’S ROLE
� As�an�employer,�it�is�your�responsibility�to�ensure�you�pay�the�correct�wage.�NECC’s�
AAT and Dental programmes may not coincide�with�employment�start�dates�and�you�may�therefore�be�required�to�pay�National�Minimum�wage�until�such�time�that�their�apprenticeship�programme begins.�
� Provide�a�detailed�job�description�and�skills�requirement on initial NECC visit
� On�receipt�of�CVs�provide�us�with�feedback�within�3�days
� Provide�feedback�on�outcome�of�any�interviews�within�one�week�of�them�being�held
Advise of proposed start date (your online H&S�self-assessment�must�be�completed�before�learner�commences�employment)
� Give�applicants�a�detailed�overview�of�the�role�and�the�training�which�you�will�provide
Treat all candidates fairly and consistently during the selection process
� Pay�at�least�the�minimum�wage�in�accordance�with�current�Government�guidelines
� If�the�candidate�you�employ�has�been�referred�by�NECC�Training�Recruitment�Service�then�the�apprenticeship�training�must�be�delivered�by�NECC.�
We reserve the right to charge a recruitment fee if�you�use�our�recruitment�service�without�training�being�delivered�by�NECC.�The�fee�is�£1,000�+�VAT�and�payable�within�30�days�of�invoice.
TRAINING�RECRUITMENT�SERVICE�-�SERVICE�LEVEL�AGREEMENT
The recruitment and selection process aims to attract and select learners�who�are�best�suited�to�the�work�and�the�training�you�can�offer.
Having�discussed�your�particular�needs�we�will�match�your�requirements�with�the�skills�and�experience�of�our�learners�and�shortlist�those�whom�we�feel�would�be�most�suited�to�the�position�you�are�offering.
Alternatively,�you�may�wish�to�undertake�your�own�recruitment�activities.�As�the�employer�the�final�decision�regarding�selection�will�be�yours.
All�learners�recruited�must�work�towards�a�qualification�with�NECC.
www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 65228 Employer Handbook
Employers Handbook
NECC ROLE
Provide an induction for learners on their training programme
� Explain�about�work-based�learning�and�the�role of learner and employer
� Advise�you�on�workplace�induction�and�initial training
� Explain�how�the�qualifications�are�achieved Explain to learners their rights and responsibilities
� To�check�that�learners�have�understood�the�information�which�they�have�been�given�at induction
� Provide�learners�with�written�information�to�support�what�they�have�been�given�during�induction,�to�which�they�can�refer�in�the�future
INDUCTING LEARNERS
Induction�training�will�help�learners�settle�quickly�into�your�workplace�by�helping�them�understand�the�environment�in�which�they�are�based�and�the�job�which�they�are�doing.�NECC�will�complement�this�by�providing�an�induction�to�tell�learners�about�their�training�programme.
EMPLOYER’S ROLE
Provide a ‘Contract of Employment’ for the�learner,�taking�into�account�relevant�employment legislation
Employ the learner under an Apprenticeship Agreement�in�accordance�with�the Apprenticeship,
� Skills,�Children�&�Learning�Act�2009.�The�Apprenticeship Agreement must identify the�skill,�trade�or�occupation�for�which�the�apprentice�is�being�trained,�and�confirm�the�framework�being�undertaken.�NECC�can�provide�a�template�if�required.
� Show�learners�all�aspects�of�the�workplace� Introduce�them�to�the�people�they�will�work�with�and�their�supervisor
Train them in the health and safety of your workplace
Explain your company policies and procedures Inform learners of their terms and conditions
of employment or placement� Provide�learners�with�information�about�the�job�which�they�will�be�doing
� Provide�the�learner�with�a�mentor�if�possible
www.necc.co.uk0300 303 6522 Employer Handbook 9
NECC ROLE
To�work�with�you�to�identify�the�individual’s�immediate training and development needs
Assess�the�learner’s�current�skills,�knowledge�and�qualifications
Identify�any�personal�circumstances�which�may�affect�learning�and�training
Set out an Individual Learning Plan for the learner and yourselves
Help you understand the training programme including�the�qualification�and�Functional�Skills requirements
EMPLOYER’S ROLE
To help identify the individual’s immediate training and development needs
Help us plan the training programme for the learner
Identify appropriate learning opportunities within�the�workplace�which�will�help�the�learner develop and progress
Understand the learner’s training programme including�the�qualification�and�Functional�Skills requirements
PLANNING AND DESIGNING INDIVIDUAL�TRAINING�PROGRAMMES
To�help�you�to�get�the�best�from�your�learner�and�to�develop�their�skills�and�knowledge,�we�will�jointly�plan�a�training�programme�that�meets�both�their�needs�and�your�needs�as�an�employer.
An�Individual�Learning�Plan�will�be�developed�which�shows�what�training�they�will�receive,�both�on-�and�off-the-job,�to�ensure�that�they�achieve�their�qualification.�The�plan�will�also�identify�any�additional�support�that�they�may�require.
We�will�obviously�take�into�account�their�current�knowledge,�skills�and�experience�when�doing�this.We�will�ensure�that�your�staff�are�provided�with�whatever�information�they�require�to�understand�the�learner’s�training�programme.
www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 652210 Employer Handbook
Employers Handbook
NECC ROLE
Provide help and advice on planning workplace�training�and�learning�activities
� Be�aware�of�the�learning�activities�that�are�taking�place�within�the�workplace
� Provide�off-the-job�training�sessions�where�appropriate�to�support�the�skills�that�the�learner�is�developing�in�the�workplace,�in�order�that�they�can�achieve�their�qualification
� Keep�you�informed�of�what�the�learner�has�covered�during�off-the-job�training�activities�(where�applicable)
DELIVERING�TRAINING�PROGRAMMES
Having�planned�the�learner’s�training�programme�we�will�work�together�to�deliver�the�training�that�is�required�to�develop�the�learner’s�skills�and�help�them�achieve�their�Apprenticeship.�
EMPLOYER’S ROLE
� Apprenticeships�are�work-based�learning�programmes, most of the training is ‘on-the-job’.�You�can�help�learners�develop�their�knowledge�and�skills�by�providing�a�wide�range of learning and training opportunities
� Allow�learners�to�attend�off-the-job�training sessions at the agreed times (where applicable)
� Allow�learners�at�least�two�hours�a�week�study�time�(this�could�be�covered�by�day�release�arrangements�where�applicable)
� Help�learners�put�into�practice�what�they�are learning
� Identify�ways�the�learner�can�use�English,�Maths�and�ICT�skills�at�work.�Provide�opportunities for learners to practice these skills�during�thier�usual�work�tasks,�or�by�work-based�projects�to�fill�any�gaps.�This�will�help�learners�embed�their�Functional�Skills
� Initiate�a�meeting�with�us�if�you�have�any�concerns�about�any�aspect�of�the�training delivery.�
Much�of�the�training�will�take�place�within�the�workplace�itself.�This�will�typically�involve�learners�developing�their�skills�through�observing�others,�practising�themselves�and�through�support�from�their�supervisor.�The�more�learning�opportunities�that�you�can�provide�therefore,�the�greater�range�of�skills�that�the�learner�is�likely�to�acquire�which�will�be�of�benefit�to�your�company.�
You�may�also�wish�to�consider�giving�the�learner�projects�to�undertake,�or�want�them�to�attend�formal�training�sessions�in�the�workplace�that�will�develop�their�skills�and�knowledge�even�further.
www.necc.co.uk0300 303 6522 Employer Handbook 11
NECC ROLE
Organise a schedule of regular progress meetings�to�take�place�every�12�weeks
� Involve�the�learner�and�the�workplace�supervisor�in�the�progress�review
� Record�the�progress�made�by�the�learner�in�the�workplace
Identify additional training and support needs and amend the training plan accordingly
Set challenging learning plan accordingly� Set�challenging�learning�goals�between��review�dates
� Make�sure�the�learner�and�the�workplace�supervisor have a copy of the record
REVIEWING�LEARNER�PROGRESS
To�check�that�the�learner�is�getting�the�most�out�of�their�training�programme�it�is�important�to�monitor�their�progress�at�regular�intervals.
EMPLOYER’S ROLE
� Let�us�know�how�the�learner�is�progressing�in�the�workplace’.
� Advise�us�of�any�concerns�which�you�may�have regarding the learner’s progress
Attend, and participate fully, in learner progress�reviews
� Advise�on�workplace�training�and�assessment�opportunities that may occur in the period to the�next�review
This�will�ensure�that�any�additional�training�or�support�needs�re�properly�addressed.�We�will�fully�involve�the�learner’s�supervisor.
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Employers Handbook
NECC ROLE
����Help�learners�and�staff�within�your�organisation understanding the assesment process
� Help�learning�understand�how�to�collect,�or signpost to, evidence and match it to occupational standards
Formally assess learner competence using practices�which�are�timely,�fair,�regular,�informative�and�reliable
� Give�constructive�feeedback�to�learners�following�assessement
ASSESSING�LEARNER�COMPETENCETo�gain�their�vocational�qualification�a�learner�is�required�to�collect�evidence to demonstrate that they are competent in a range of different�activities.
EMPLOYER’S ROLE
Provide opportunities for the learner to demonstrate�their�competence�in�specific�tasks
� Help�learners�to�evidence�the�work�they� have done
� Sign�statements�confirming�the�learner’s�competence�in�specific�activities,�or�record�a�‘witness�testimony’
Each�learner�is�allocated�an�assessor�who�will�discuss�and�agree�the�best�way�of�providing�evidence�to�reach�the�national�standards.�This�will�involve�identifying�activities�which�occur�normally�within�the�workplace�to�demonstrate�particular�skills.
The�assessor�will�observe�the�learner�carrying�out�tasks�within�the�workplace�to�make�sure�that�the�standard�of�work�required�can�be�delivered�consistently.
They�will�also�examine�pieces�of�work�or�information�which�the�learner�has�collected�to�demonstrate�competence
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NECC ROLE
� Keep�in�regular�touch�with�learners�and yourselves
Encourage and motivate learners through their training programme
� Show�real�interest�in�the�skills�which�learners�are�developing�in�the�workplace
� Help�learners�to�understand�the�long-term�benefits�of�training�and�qualifications
� Identify�any�problems�or�concerns�which�learners may have at an early stage
� Share�any�identified�concerns�with�you�and�agree�suitable�solutions�where�learners�want�to�change�their�training�programme�or�job
Where learners have additional learning needs in�English,�Maths�or�ICT�we�will�ensure�they�receive�sufficient�support�to�achieve�their�Functional�Skills�qualifications
SUPPORTING LEARNERS IN THEIR WORK-BASED�TRAINING�PROGRAMME
We�will�work�closely�with�you�to�ensure�that�learners�are�given�proper�support�and�that�any�potential�problems�are�identified�and�addressed�as�early�as�possible.
EMPLOYER’S ROLE
� Help�learners�to�understand�the�long-term�benefits�of�training�and�qualifications
Provide opportunities for learners to practice their�skills
� Allow�learners�at�least�two�hours�per�week�to�work�on�their�programme
� Encourage�learners�to�attend�and�show�real�interest�in�their�off-the-job�training�(where applicable)
Where learners have additional learning needs in�English,�Maths�or�ICT,�allow�learners�to�attend�support�workshops�designed�to�build�their�basic�skills
� Ensure�learners�attend�Functional�Skills�exams�(where�applicable).�If�your�learner�fails�to�attend�a�confirmed�booking�a�£25�re-sit�fee�will�be charged.
� Be�aware�of�any�problems�or�difficulties�which�may�be�facing�learners
� Share�your�concerns�with�us
www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 652214 Employer Handbook
Employers Handbook
NECC ROLE
Promote Equality and Diversity (E&D) throughout the�work-based�training�process� Have�a�written�E&D�policy�which�staff,�
learners and employers understand and are committed to
Advise you on E&D issues and legislation� Make�sure�that�learners�know�what�to�do�if�they�feel�they�are�being�unfairly�treated�in�the workplace
Act on any concerns raised
EQUALITY�AND�DIVERSITY�WITHIN�THE�TRAINING PROCESS
We operate and promote a policy of equality and diversity throughout the�whole�of�the�work-based�training�process.
EMPLOYER’S ROLE
Provide opportunities for the learner to demonstrate�their�competence�in�specific�tasks� Comply�with�E&D�legislation Demonstrate your commitment to E&D in the workplace�through�a�clear�written�policy
Ensure equality of opportunity in selection and recruitment and training activities
Ensure that learners are treated fairly and equally
� Make�sure�that�learners�are�not�bullied,�victimised, harassed or made to feel unwelcome�in�the�workplace
� Explain�to�learners�what�to�do�if�they�have�any�cause for concern
This�is�reflected�in�our�recruitment�practices�where�we�welcome�applications�from�all�persons�regardless�of�gender,�trans-gender,�marital�status,�disability,�age,�sexual�orientation,�nationality,�religion�and�beliefs�or�ethnic�origin.
We�aim�to�treat�learners�fairly�and�in�accordance�with�their�individual�needs�during�their�training�programmes�and�ensure�that�they�know�what�to�do�if�they�have�concerns.
NECC�will�seek�assurance�that�your�company�complies�with�NECC�Equality�and�Diversity�ethos.
www.necc.co.uk0300 303 6522 Employer Handbook 15
NECC ROLE
Use�competent�staff�to�verify�that�you�can provide a healthy, safe and supportive learning environment
Assist you on questions of health and safety requirements and application to individual learners
Provide�a�safe�and�healthy�working�environment for learners at all times during off-the-job�training
Monitor�health�and�safety�practices�on�an�ongoing�basis
Promote health and safety training to learners to�raise�their�awareness�of�risk
Check�learners’�understanding�of�health�and�safety�risk�awareness
Investigate any accidents involving learners�within�the�workplace�and�agree�preventative action
HEALTH AND SAFETY
We have a positive commitment to promoting good health and safety practice�in�the�workplace�and�will�seek�assurance�that�your�workplace�is�a�safe�environment�for�our�learners.
EMPLOYER’S ROLE
� Ensure�the�health,�safety�and�welfare�of�learners�and�bring�your�policy�to�their attention
� Comply�with�health�and�safety�legislation� Inform�the�learner�about�who�is�responsible�for�health�and�safety�matters�within�the company
Provide initial and ongoing health and safety training�in�the�workplace�for�learners
Provide necessary Personal Protective Equipment
Report any accidents concerning learners immediately to us
� Assess�the�risks�to�which�learners�are�exposed�at�work�and�apply�the�general�principles�of prevention
Introduce and maintain appropriate measures to�eliminate�or�control�risks�to�the�lowest�reasonable�practicable�level
� Ensure�learners�are�properly�supervised�by�a�competent person
� Ensure�that�learners�are�covered�under�Public�and�Employer’s�Liability�Insurance
www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 652216 Employer Handbook
Employers Handbook
SAFEGUARDING LEARNERS WITHIN WORK BASED LEARNING
Safeguarding�looks�at�keeping�children,�young�people�and�vulnerable�adults�safe�from�a�wide�range�of�potential�harm�and�delivers�preventative�action,�not�just�reaction.
NECC ROLE
� Have�a�safeguarding�policy�which�NECC�staff�fully adhere to
� Ensure�employers�and�learners�are�aware�of�and support NECC’s safeguarding policy
� To�assist�employers�who�do�not�have�a safeguarding policy in devising and implementing�a�policy�by�providing�a�generic template
Ensure employers and learners are�aware�of�NECC’s�designated�safeguarding representatives
To treat any employer or learner safeguarding suspicions�or�disclosures�with�professionalism�and discretion and to support employers and learners�following�a�disclosure
EMPLOYER’S ROLE
� To�ensure�a�safe�working�environment�for�all�learners�and�a�culture�which�is�committed�to protect learners from potential harm or damage
� To�comply�with�all�safeguarding�legislation�and�to�implement�a�safeguarding�policy�with�assistance from NECC if one is not yet in place
Support learners through any safeguarding issues or disclosures
To report to NECC any safeguarding concerns you�may�have�with�learners
NECC�has�designated�safeguarding�representatives�who�are�trained�to�support�both�employers�and�learners.�Please�feel�free�to�contact�your�Training�Adviser�or�one�of�the�designated�safeguarding�representatives�if�you�have�any�safeguarding�concerns�relating�to�your learners.
Visit�www.necc.co.uk/safeguarding�for�details�of�our�safeguarding�representatives.�For�further�information�on�Safeguarding�please�consult�your�local�authority.
www.necc.co.uk0300 303 6522 Employer Handbook 17
NECC ROLE
To�produce�an�annual�self-assessment�report against Ofsted’s Common Inspection Framework�and�action�plan
To continuously improve provision to provide an increasingly good service to learners and employers
To�prepare�for�regular�inspections�by�Ofsted Work�with�Inspectors�during�inspection
CONTINUOUS�IMPROVEMENT
All�work-based�training�is�subject�to�external�inspection�by�Ofsted.�Inspections�look�at�the�quality�of�training�in�all�occupational�areas.
EMPLOYER’S ROLE
� Provide�us�with�feedback�on�the�quality�of�our�training programmes
� To�take�part�in�discussions�with�Inspectors�during inspections as required
� To�allow�Inspectors�to�take�part�in�discussions�with�learners�during�the�inspection�process
Inspectors�typically�collect�much�of�their�evidence�through�discussions�with�learners�and�employers,�and�therefore�your�views�and�comments�will�form�an�important�part�of�the process.
www.necc.co.uk 0300 303 652218 Employer Handbook
For�further�information�please�contact�NECC’s�Skills�Development�Team�on�0300�303�6322�or�email�[email protected]
NECC�is�an�equal�opportunities�employer.�We�welcome�learners�with�disabilities.�For�further�information�please�ask�for�a�copy�of�our�Disability�Staement.