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Frequently Asked Questions

Please find below the answers to some frequently asked questions about apprenticeships, we have broken these down into sections to provide information for everyone.

If you do not find the answer to your question below, please get in touch with us and we will clarify any queries.  

 

-General

What are apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes that are designed to help employers train people for specific roles whilst filling skill gaps. They can be completed by existing or new staff. 

What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?
With employers wanting to hire experienced people, an apprenticeship is the best way to kick-start a career. You will receive nationally recognised qualifications as well as valuable workplace skills to succeed in your chosen career. As an apprentice, you will also have all the benefits of a permanent employee and avoid the debt associated with going to university.
Who can do an apprenticeship?

Anyone in England over the age of 16 can enrol on to an apprenticeship, whether employed, unemployed or leaving school. All applicants must be able to provide evidence of right to work details.

I have a disability, can I apply for an apprenticeship?
Yes, Hawk Training is committed to supporting all applicants and providing additional support where needed.
What is the length of an apprenticeship?

The minimum length for an apprenticeship programme is 12 months, however some may take over 2 years depending on the level and programme.

Who pays for the apprenticeship?

The government alongside the employer will cover all apprenticeship costs and dependent on company status in regards to the apprenticeship levy, the financial contribution expected from the employer will vary.  Read more about the Apprenticeship Levy.

What sectors do apprenticeships cover?

We offer apprenticeships in Business Administration, Team Leading and Management, Customer Service, Learning and Development, Trade Business Services, Childcare, Warehousing and Storage, IT Users and Improving Operational Performance. Click here for more programme information

How much do apprenticeships pay?

All employers must pay at least the National Minimum Wage for apprenticehowever, our employers normally pay wages within the range of £150 and £430 per week.

How do Hawk Training apprenticeships work?

Apprentices are employed on a full-time basis (approximately 40 hours a week) where they fulfil daily duties as set by managers. We at Hawk Training assign the apprentice a tutor that arranges visits every 4-6 weeks at the apprentice workplace to support the learner in every aspect until programme completion. 

What qualifications do apprenticeships offer?

All of our programmes offer nationally recognised qualifications dependent on the sector such as:

 

Team Leading and Management - Team Leader/Supervisor or Operations/Departmental Standard Certificate and CMI Level 3 or 5 Diploma (Optional)

Business Administration - Level 2,3 or 4 Certificate in Business Administration

Customer Service - Apprenticeship Standard Certificate and Level 2 Award in Employee Rights and Responsibilities

Learning and Development - Level 3 Certificate and Level 2 Award in Employee Rights and Responsibilities

Trade Business Services - Level 2 Diploma and Level 2 Award in Employee Rights and Responsibilities

Childcare - Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People's Workforce (Early Years Educator) and a Level 2 Award in Employment Responsibilities and Rights in Health, Social Care or Children and Young People's Settings

Warehousing and Storage - Level 2 Standard Certificate or Level 3 Diploma and Level 2 Award in Logistics Employment Rights and Responsibilities

IT Users - Level 2 or 3 Diploma and Level 2 Award in Employee Rights and Responsibilities

Improving Operational Performance - Level 2 NVQ Diploma and Level 2 Certificate

All of our apprenticeships also offer Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English and Personal Learning and Thinking Skills.

What are apprenticeship levels equivalent to?

Intermediate Apprenticeships (Level 2) - 5 GCSEs pass grade A* - C or 9 - 4

Advanced Apprenticeships (Level 3) - 2 A level passes

Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4 & 5) - Foundation degree and above

What happens once an apprenticeship is completed?

The aim is ultimately for an apprentice to secure a permanent position with the employer and this is subject to performance throughout the apprenticeship. Individuals may progress on to the next level of apprenticeships whether it be at their current workplace or in a new role. Alternatively, you may sign up for a university as completing an apprenticeship does not affect this.

Can apprenticeships be furloughed

You can carry on with your apprenticeship training if your employer puts you on furlough.

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Employers

What is the 'Apprenticeship Levy'?
The apprenticeship levy came into effect in England in  April 2017 and is a hypothecated tax that employers with an annual wage bill of over £3,000,000 have to pay. The contribution expected to be made is 0.5% of the annual wage bill and these funds will only be available to spend on apprenticeships or staff training. Read more about the apprenticeship levy.
I am an apprenticeship levy payer, how much it will cost me?
As an apprenticeship levy payer, all programme costs will come out of your levy pot. The government will give you a £15,000 allowance to offset against your levy payment and the contribution expected from you will be 0.5% of your annual wage bill. This will be payable through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and may only be used for apprenticeship or training costs. You may access your levy funds via The Apprenticeship Service. If you take on an apprentice aged 16-18 you will be entitled to an incentive payment of £1000. Levy funds cannot be used to pay salaries.
I do not pay the apprenticeship levy, how much will an apprenticeship cost me?
If you are a non-levy paying employer you will be expected to make a 10% contribution towards the apprenticeship cost. This can be paid upfront through a bank transfer or in monthly instalments through the 'go cardless' system, the remaining 90% will be covered by the government.
What is the '16 - 18 incentive'?
If you take on an apprentice aged 16-18 you will still have to contribute towards the programme cost depending on your levy status but you will be entitled to a £1000 incentive payment. The payment is paid in two £500 instalments in months 3 and 12 of the programme.
Can I put existing staff on an apprenticeship?
Yes, existing staff members may enrol onto an apprenticeship programme as long as their job role is relevant to the qualification.
How will my staff/apprentices be taught?
We deliver work-based programmes which means that learners will not need to leave the workplace at any point.  Hawk Training will assign the learner a tutor that will arrange visits every 4-6 weeks to catch up and ensure all necessary aspects of the qualification are being met. Workshops, webinars and online learning can also be included.
What is '20% off the job' training?
As part of government policy to raise the quality of an apprentice's learning, a '20% off the job learning' policy applies to apprenticeships. Off-the-job training is defined as learning which is undertaken outside of the normal day-to-day working environment and leads towards the achievement of an apprenticeship. This can include training that is delivered at the apprentice's normal place of work but must not be delivered as part of their normal working duties.
How will Hawk Training support me in recruiting new apprentices?
We will advertise the job description for the role via social media, our company website, our partner network and the National Apprenticeship Service website to attract candidates. After applicants are short-listed we will contact them and carry out telephone screening in order to refer the strongest candidates for an interview. You can also source your own candidates and refer them to Hawk.

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Parents

How much will an apprenticeship cost me?
Nothing! All financial contributions will be made by the employer and the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), where applicable.
Can a young person go to university as well as do an apprenticeship?

No, as an apprentice the young person will normally be employed on a full-time basis (Monday to Friday, approx. 40 hours per week) and expected to commit fully to the programme.

Please note that if a young person has already attended university and received a degree they may only apply for an apprenticeship that is in a different sector.

What qualifications will a young person need for an apprenticeship?

No formal qualifications are required for apprenticeships however employers may ask for GCSEs graded A-C or 9-4.

What will a young person gain?

Apprentices will receive valuable training to succeed in the workplace whilst working towards nationally recognised qualifications. All learners will also be under an employment contract that will provide all employee benefits such as a salary, holidays, pension etc. with the possibility of being offered a permanent position upon programme completion.  Click here to read some success stories.

Will the young person have to attend college or classes?
No, our apprenticeships are work-based programmes, therefore, apprentices will normally work a full-time job (Monday to Friday, approx. 40 hours a week) and our tutors will visit the learner at the workplace to provide support and training. Our office facilities will also be available for workshops and exams for learners to use if necessary.
What can a young person do after an apprenticeship?

Upon programme completion, there is the possibility of securing a permanent role. Progression options will also be available for a young person to continue to achieve higher qualifications whether this be at their current workplace or with a new employer.

Alternatively, a young person can apply for university if they wish to do so.

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Schools

When can students apply for an apprenticeship?

There is no specific time of the year to apply for apprenticeships, they run all year round and are subject to employer needs.

What sectors are apprenticeships available in?

We offer apprenticeships in Business Administration, Team Leading and Management, Customer Service, Learning and Development, Trade Business Services, Childcare, Warehousing and Storage, IT Users and Improving Operational Performance. Click here for more programme information

How old do applicants have to be?

Apprenticeships are available for anyone over the age of 16 and have no upper age limit.

Can someone study full time as well as enroll on to an apprenticeship?

No, apprenticeships are designed to be an alternative to full-time study and learners will be required to work full time, normally Monday to Friday for approximately 40 hours per week.


How to apply?

Visit our vacancies page to view all current roles and apply by filling out our online application form.

Can learners go to university after doing an apprenticeship?

Yes, after completing an apprenticeship anyone can attend university if they want to. Degree apprenticeships are also now available.

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Safeguarding 

What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding relates to the action taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. Safeguarding is aimed at protecting vulnerable adults and children from abuse or neglect.
What is Prevent?
Prevent is a key part of the Government's strategy to stop people becoming a terrorist or supporting terrorism. Early intervention is at the heart of Prevent in diverting people away from being drawn into terrorist activity, Prevent happens before any criminal activity takes place.
How does Hawk Training promote Safeguarding and Prevent?
All of our staff complete programmes and courses from internal as well as external bodies to ensure that we all have an understanding on what these are and how to handle a situation. 
What steps should I take if I have a concern?

At Hawk Training we have a dedicated team to whom you should report any issues or concerns. In order to contact our team you can let your tutor know or you can email us directly at: safeguarding@hawktraining.com.

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Additional Learning Support

Where does Hawk Training stand in regards to those with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) or Additional Social Needs (ASN)?
Hawk Training is committed to supporting everyone in order to succeed within the workplace. This includes learners with additional learning and/or social needs in relation to language, literacy or numeracy skills and medical and mental health issues.
What support does Hawk Training offer?

Dependent on the learning needs, learning support can vary and include:

  • Extra time for exams 
  • Additional workshops/learning sessions
  • One to one support and advice from tutors and our  Learner Support Team