fi tness
apprenticeships
An employer can expect an
apprentice to arrive having
acquired the knowledge
needed for the job
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PHO
will jointly conduct an interview to ensure Level 3 advanced schemes – ideal to the apprentice does not have a mentor
the potential partnership meets both the up-skill existing staff members – can to support them in the fi rst few weeks,”
T
OGRAPHER (T
apprentice’s and employer’s needs. take between 18 and 24 months to Orban adds.
The alternative route – becoming complete. Prior to starting the work Frankham agrees: “A really clear focus
a recognised provider – requires placement, an apprentice is equipped in terms of what all participants need
OP RIGHT):
employers to organise and take full with theoretical knowledge underpinning to achieve is essential, as is having the
ownership of a programme, to provide a specific role, key skills, competency training plan right from the beginning,
on-site assessments by qualifi ed staff, and qualifications, technical certificates and a with an understanding of what the
IOFO
to receive funding directly from the LSC strong commercial awareness, all of employers and apprentices need.
on a contract basis. Although arduous, which eventually lead to an NVQ. “The key to success is to recruit the
T
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❘
one advantage to this route is that being An employer can expect its apprentice right people for the right programme at
A
GENCY
a provider has the potential to generate to arrive having acquired the knowledge the beginning, and to work in constant
surplus income from supplying training needed for their job, and for the partnership with the learning provider,
: DREAMSTIME.COM.
services to other employers. It does individual to be fully functional in the learner and employer to remain
mean, however, jumping through some their new role within six months. “If a focused and to deliver results.”
tough hoops to meet the LSC’s, Ofqual’s programme is run well, an apprentice Lifetime, which works with the NSA
and SkillsActive’s rigid standards. should be contributing to the fi rm within as part of its accredited network of
A plus point, however, is that a short period of time,” says Florence employer-led learning providers, is
PHO
companies that become training Orban, interim CEO of the NSA. also a partner in creating the industry
T
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providers can ensure the qualifi cations For the programme to be a success, framework with the NSA for its £2m
OP LEFT):
they offer are absolutely tailored to it relies on buy-in from all levels: the cut of the government’s new £10m
their needs. This also allows for a clearly organisation, management and staff. Apprenticeship Expansion Programme
mapped out progression route, which Working in accordance with the provider, (AEP). The AEP is aimed at increasing
WWW
can act as a selling point to attract high the employer must put in place strong current apprenticeship numbers to fi ll
.IST
quality, career-driven recruits. mentorship and support. “A programme existing skills gaps. It’s also designed to OCK.COM
won’t work when no-one knows what meet the additional costs associated
what’s involved? to do with the apprentice: when the with expanding apprenticeship schemes,
As a rule of thumb, Level 2 activities at work have not been planned such as training and management costs,
apprenticeships take 12 months while and integrated into schedules or when as well as to pay the wages of a Level 3
apprentice for the fi rst three months to
TAG
help encourage fi rms to upskill staff.
David Way, the LSC’s national
T
he Transforming a Generation business skills and to train NEETs in director of apprenticeships, says: “Given
(TAG) initiative, founded by LA leisure operations and management. the current economic slowdown, it’s
Fitness chair Fred Turok, provides The board is looking to establish important that companies continue
apprenticeships for 18- to-24-year- TAG centres in north, south London training their staff to maintain
olds not in employment, education or and east London to deliver the pre- productivity and a competitive edge.
training (NEETs). The scheme trains training, and aim to open 100 across Employing apprentices is an ideal way
participants to Level 2 and gives them the country within fi ve years. for businesses to position themselves as
the soft skills necessary to get a job. “At a societal level, we cannot leaders for the recovery. The new AEP
Candidates will be delivered to afford to lose this generation because funding will make it easier for businesses
the workplace with the theoretical they fail to fi t a popular social and to do this and provide the opportunity
knowledge, soft skills and motivation educational template. Every young for [the industry] to successfully fi ll its
to work effectively. TAG is also person deserves the right to self- existing skills gaps.”
developing a 16- to-24-month actualisation and self-fulfi lment,” say
postgrad programme to provide core the TAG trustees. caroline wilkinson
healthclub@leisuremedia.com
56 Read Health Club Management online may 2009 © cybertrek 2009
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital
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