Programmes Explained

Here is an explanation of the programmes that can be found as part of the ‘Training Search’ on the home page.

Pre-Employment

Pre-employment training is designed to help people move towards work. It includes one or two-year-long study programmes – such as BTECs or other vocational qualifications that provide industry-specific vocational skills – and shorter programmes to help people prepare for work.

Pre-employment training programmes may be work-based or in the classroom, or both. They are offered by private training companies, colleges or welfare-to-work programmes and often include work experience, introductory occupational skills, help with English and maths, and writing a CV and interviewing skills.

Pre-employment programmes can lead directly to work, or on to apprenticeships and degree-level education.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships enable employers to develop the skills of their existing workforce, or to recruit and train new employees. They combine working with studying to enable people to develop skills and gain qualifications in a specific field.

As an employer, you must pay the apprentice at least the minimum wage, and you can get government funding to cover some of the cost of training and assessing your apprentice. Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 or over.

There are various levels of apprenticeship, from Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSE passes) up to degree level. The level that is right for your business depends on the type of job roles that you have available.

If you are thinking about recruiting an apprentice, or encouraging one of your current employees to complete an apprenticeship, you can find further information on the government’s national website.