Work based learning allows you to gain qualifications and skills in the workplace. There are several types of programme, including:

Entry to Employment (e2e)

If you don't feel ready for work or training, e2e can be a good starting point - and you don't need any qualifications to join.

It's a flexible programme so what you do may vary but it can include:

• Trying out different work activities

• The chance to gain qualifications up to Level 1

• Activities to help you gain skills and become more confident

You attend e2e for between 16 hours and 40 hours a week, depending on your learning needs and on what you want to do afterwards.

If you think e2e may be right for you, talk to your Personal Adviser.

Apprenticeships

On an Apprenticeship you are based with an employer while you study for qualifications through a training provider. In many cases you have a ‘real job’ while you work towards:

• Qualification at NVQ level 2
• Key skills qualifications
• Technical certificates

The entry requirements can vary, depending on the employer or training provider.

Advanced Apprenticeships

These operate in a similar way to Apprenticeships.

The key differences are:

• You are always employed by the company concerned

• You are trained for a higher level job e.g. technician or supervisor

• You study for qualifications and key skills at Level 3

• The entry requirements may be higher (often GCSE grades A*-C)

• They can lead to certain higher education courses such as Foundation Degrees

Apprenticeships/Advanced Apprenticeships normally last 1-2 years, but some take longer.

Work areas

Apprenticeships/Advanced Apprenticeships are in a range of work areas e.g. Care, Business, Engineering. Some of these are competitive so you may need a back up plan.

You can find more details on the websites www.applysheffield.org.uk and www.lscdirections.co.uk  

For national information, use www.apprenticeships.org.uk  or the Apprenticeships Helpline on 08000 150 600.

If you find a job, the employer could set up an Apprenticeship for you – the website www.apprenticeship.org.uk has a section for employers.

	Emma's Story At school, Emma wanted to become a motor mechanic and in Year 10 went on a work experience placement at a local garage. That helped her decide that the motor trade was the one for her! When she left school with 9 GCSEs, she registered with a training company. After going for several interviews she was successful at the sixth attempt. Emma started work as a motor mechanic on a Modern Apprenticeship. After 5 months she was advised to try paint spraying. She found she really liked it and transferred to the Accident Repair department, where she is now responsible for respraying cars with damaged paintwork. Since she started a Modern Apprenticeship she has been very successful and was the first female in the UK to pass the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) NVQ level 2 in Paint Refinishing Preparation. She is currently working towards the NVQ level 3. Emma is happy paint spraying at present, but is aware that estimating for insurance companies or supervisors or managers posts could be open to her, as well as a range of other options, in the future.

See Financial Support for details about pay and allowances.

For information about what is on offer in your local area look at Learning Options - Work based learning. Also see your Personal Adviser in school, they will have up-to-date information about the opportunities available and how to apply for them.

For more detail about Work Based Learning opportunities and who provides them go to www.lscdirections.co.uk

Apprenticeships and other training options

Time Off for Study or Training

If you go into work and have not already got qualifications to NVQ level 2 (5 GCSE’s grades A-C or equivalent), you will be entitled to paid time off to study or train for a qualification up to Level 2.

For more information about opportunities in employment and training and Time off for Study, see your Personal Adviser in school.

Remember

When you leave school, register with your Connexions Centre at Star House after your official leaving date (Friday 29 June 2007) - we have details of all employment and training vacancies available. Look also at the Opportunities section.

Applying to work based learning

You need to contact the training provider (details on training provider pages) to find out how to apply. You may also be able to speak to the provider at the Routes 16 exhibition in November.

If your school is taking part in Apply Sheffield, you will be able to apply to a number of training providers through this website – see below.  Otherwise you should use the provider’s own application system. This will probably be a paper-based application form but some providers (e.g. CITB, Carter and Carter Group PLC) ask you to apply through their own websites.

Apply Sheffield

www.applysheffield.org.uk

New from 2006-7

The following schools are introducing Apply Sheffield, a new website, for applications to colleges, sixth forms and certain work based learning:

City                     East Hill                      Firth Park       Holgate Meadows

King Ecgbert        King Edward V11     Myers Grove       Newfield

Parkwood

If you are from one of the above schools you will be using the Apply Sheffield website to apply to a number of training providers.

You can log on to the Apply Sheffield website, www.applysheffield.org.uk to search for learning and training opportunities that interest you in Sheffield and surrounding areas. The website allows you to browse for a range of courses and work based learning opportunities. You can use the website to find out what’s available and what the entry requirements are for each opportunity.

When you have made your decision and are ready to apply, you will be able to create and send your applications online using your own private login. Your Connexions Personal Adviser in school will issue you with a user name and password if this is available to you. 

Once you have applied online using this website, you will be able to check the progress of any applications you have made.

For further information or advice on how to use the website, contact your Connexions Personal Adviser in school, or in the community.