What are Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are a training route, funded by government, for young people who would like to gain valuable work experience and a recognised qualification.

Learners spend 4 days each week with an employer and attend the centre on a day release basis. Apprenticeships allow learners to gain valuable work experience through an employer.

Programmes Available:

Apprenticeships include:

NVQ Level 2 and Technical Certificate in Children’s Care, Learning & Development or Health & Social Care, and Communication / Application of Number Key Skills Level 1

Advanced Apprenticeships include:

NVQ Level 3 and Technical Certificate in Children’s Care, Learning & Development or Health & Social Care, and Communication / Application of Number Key Skills Level 2

An individual, flexible learning plan is drawn up to meet the needs of each learner.

Many learners are employed and receive a wage. Unemployed learners may be entitled to receive Education Maintenance Allowance of up to £30.00 per week, plus all travel expenses.

Who are the programmes suitable for?

Joanne attended De La Salle High School and left at 16, with a desire to enter Nursing. She joined Tamcos on an Apprenticeship programme to develop her skills before entering Nursing.
Renowned for her amazing hair styles and down to earth approach, Joanne applied herself enthusiastically to her studies and gained her framework without difficulty.
In April 2006, Joanne started her training as a Mental Health Nurse with Edge Hill University.

Young people aged 16-24 who would like a practical route to gaining valuable experience and a qualification in the Childcare sector.

Entry Requirements

All applicants will be selected via an interview, where they must demonstrate an enthusiasm for the sector.  An assessment process will be undertaken to determine the most appropriate programme for the applicant.

Course Content:

The course involves attending a day release theory session each week at the centre to gain the knowledge required for the award.

For the NVQ & Technical Certificate in Children's Care, Learning and Development, and Health & Social Care, learners will be required to produce a combination of assignments, case studies and written questions to build a portfolio of evidence.

Practical skills will be developed at your placement, by an assessed qualified assessor, working in a senior position.

Placements are in local nurseries, Care Homes and other Childcare/Care settings.

Key Skills:

Learners on Apprenticeship programmes are required to undertake key skills training. This follows the same pattern as the NVQ training but also includes externally marked, multiple choice tests for:

Application of Number

Communication

Progression:

Some learners gain employment with the employer they are on placement with and continue to progress within their organisations.

Many other learners use the Apprenticeship route as a way of gaining work experience before furthering their career. If you wish to go into nursing the NVQ will help with your application.

Possible future careers include:

• Registered General Nurse
• Nursery Nurse
• Social Work
• Teachers Assistant
• Learning Mentor

Christine left school, without any qualifications and very little confidence, wanting to be a nurse. During her time at Tamcos she gained NVQ level 2 and 3 in Childcare and level 2 Customer Service, at the same time she went to College to get her Maths and English GCSE's.
The confidence and qualifications she gained at Tamcos helped her to achieve a place at John Moores University. At 20 years of age, she is now a Registered General Nurse at Whiston Hospital.