Q: What is an NVQ?
A: NVQ stands for National Vocational
Qualification. It is a nationally recognised qualification
gained in the workplace.
Q: What is an
Apprenticeship?
A: Apprenticeships include the following basic
elements:
- An appropriate National
Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at either Level 2 or Level 3
- Key Skill qualifications,
e.g. working in teams, problem-solving, communication, application
of number and ICT
- A technical certificate
- And possibly other
qualifications or requirements as specified by the particular
occupation
Q: What is Train to
Gain?
A: Train to Gain is also a Work-based training
programme but aimed at the 25+ age group. The programme
allows the learner to work towards a level 2 or level 3 NVQ
(subject to their job role responsibilities). A member of our
staff will check eligibility once you have has expressed an
interest of undertaking the programme.
Q: Am I eligible?
A: You are eligible for most of our programmes
as long as you meet the following criteria. You just need to have
been living in England for the past 3 years, not a graduate or
taking part in full-time education and you should be working
more than 15 hours per week.
Q: Am I eligible if I am over
25?
A: Yes you are, Seetec are able to support and
provide funding for all age groups. Depending on your circumstances
and qualifications you may already hold will determine which
programme will best meet you and your employers needs. A member of
Seetec staff will advise you of the most suitable programme.
Q: Are there different
types of Apprenticeships/NVQ’s?
A: Yes, there are different types of
Apprenticeships and NVQ’s available. Which Apprenticeship or NVQ is
right for you will depend on your experience and the opportunities
with your employer. Ask your Seetec Adviser for details.
Q: What’s the difference
between NVQ level 1 and level 2?
A: NVQ level 1 is the equivalent to one GCSE any grade, and
level 2 is equivalent to five GCSE’s grade A-C
Q: How long does it
take?
A: There is no set time to complete an
Apprenticeship or an NVQ as they vary widely in content and size.
The length of time taken will depend on the ability of the
individual apprentice and the employer's requirements. An
Apprenticeship will usually take anything from 9 to 24 months.
NVQ’s might take less, but some Apprenticeships can take longer, so
a large degree of commitment on your part is necessary to see it
through.
Q: How much time do I have to
commit?
A: We advise you to have the commitment to
spend at least 1 hour of your own time each week.
Q: How often am I
assessed?
A: Your assessor will visit you regularly at
agreed times.
Q: How do the programmes work?
A: Your employer pays your wages and gives you
on-the-job training which allows you to achieve your NVQ. You'll
also spend time with a Seetec Assessor, gaining key skills. In
addition, you'll study for a technical certificate, which will give
you further knowledge and understanding of your job. The amount of
time you'll spend studying varies and will depend on your chosen
Apprenticeship and your chosen profession.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: This is dependant upon age. In all cases,
your employer may be required to contribute towards the cost of
training. But you as an individual will not. Please contact
us for further information.
Q: Where does the assessment take
place?
A: All the assessments are carried out at work,
mostly as you do your daily job.
Q: Is there any day release?
A: No, not for assessments, however you may be required to
attend sessions to help you achieve your technical certificate or
sit Key Skills tests.
Q: Who will assess me?
A: A specially trained, fully qualified Assessor who has
considerable experience in the industry and who has helped many
others achieve these qualifications.
Q: Will I have to do any
writing?
A: Some. You will be asked to complete answers to questions
about how you do your job and/or write about things that have
happened and therefore develop your report writing skills.
Q: What if my writing skills aren’t very
good?
A: Don’t worry, if you prefer we can always use a Dictaphone or
our Assessors will help you without any embarrassment.
Q: What sort of person is accepted on an
Apprenticeship/NVQ?
A: Applicants need to be: Serious, committed, aware of your
responsibilities to both yourself and your company, prepared for
further study, realistic about the amount of work you may have to
do, happy to work as both part of a team and an individual, able to
use your own initiative.
Q: Will I fail?
A: You don’t fail an NVQ…you might not achieve if you refuse to
cooperate with the Assessor, or leave the programme without letting
us know where you are going. Your Assessor carries on assessing
until you have proved you are competent within the national
standards of the NVQ.
Q: Can I continue if I change
employers?
A: The programme you undertake is designed for you as an
individual, not your employer. Therefore the programme
follows you. As long as you notify us, your new employer is
happy to support you and you remain in the same occupational
area. You do not have to start from scratch again, you
continue where you left off.
Q: Why should I bother?
A: Why not? You have the chance to gain a nationally recognised
qualification that recognises the skills and knowledge that you
have acquired whilst doing your job.
Q: What qualifications do
I get when I've finished my Apprenticeship/NVQ?
A: You'll get a package of qualifications when you finish your
Apprenticeship - a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), a
technical certificate, and Key Skill qualifications.
Apprenticeships incorporate either an NVQ Level 2 or an NVQ Level
3. You will receive an NVQ certificate when you achieve your NVQ.
Train to Gain learners will receive an NVQ certificate only.
Q: What choice of Apprenticeships/NVQ do I
have?
A: At Seetec the following Apprenticeship/NVQ programmes are
available. If your chosen occupational area doesn’t appear, please
ask, we may be able to provide it for you, or point you in the
right direction to someone who does.
- Customer Service
- Business Administration
- Warehousing
- ITQ
- Logistics
- Contact Centres (Call
Centres)
Q: How do I get started?
A: You must complete your Apprenticeship/NVQ to
get the qualifications, so you need to make sure that you're
serious about your chosen career and can commit yourself to a
period of training and study.
Complete the application form supplied by Seetec, hand it back
to your employer to return to us and we will do the rest. You
will be contacted within 10-14 days to complete the enrolment
procedure, which will be followed by your first visit by your
assigned Assessor within the first month.