FAQs
š¢ Employers
What are my responsibilities when considering job applicants?
One of the most important factors to remember is that you are not receiving the finished article. An apprentice is a starting in a role based on the fact they will get to learn from industry-experienced professionals (and will get paid while doing so).
From our experience, we can teach skills but not behaviours and attitudes, so it's essential to think about the type of person that would fit into your business culture and values.
A large part of our process is to ensure we thoroughly vet and send you the best talent we can find, so it's essential you interview each candidate we pass on.
No apprentice will tick every box.
Does my apprentice have to be 16 - 19?
No.
Apprentices can now be any age as long as they are over 16. This means we work with apprentices of all ages and experiences, meaning they can bring a vast breadth and depth of experience to your business.
The average age of candidates we recruit are usually between 20 - 25 years old.
Do I pay the apprentices directly?
Yes, you are responsible for giving your apprentice and employment contract and paying them directly.
What does 'Off The Job' training mean?
Off the Job training refers to the 20% of the apprentice's time dedicates to their apprenticeship work.
Aside from the fixed training days, we can work with you to optimise the hours your apprentice does this work. As long as you have made us aware of your business needs, we will work with you to plan coaching/ work sessions around your diary requirements.
How much do I pay an apprentice?
We typically do not work with anyone who pays under Ā£14,000 a year.
How long is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship programme lasts between 12 to 15 months, plus end point assessment.
How do I manage an apprentice?
It is a myth that having an apprentice in your team means extra work for your line manager. Any new member of your team ( junior or senior) needs an induction and a period of adjustment for their specific role, and more importantly to learn about the business. An apprentice, like managing anyone early in their career, requires guidance. With Safe Space Talent, your apprentice will come with their very own Development Coach to help with this.
Are apprentices employed by myself?
Yes. They are on our apprenticeship training programme, but they are like any other employee, with a work contract and pension. In this respect, they are like any other employee.
What are the costs of taking on an apprentice?
All apprenticeship programmes have their funding decided by the ESFA. Levy employers will have the cost deducted from their levy account. Non-levy employers will have 95% of the costs to be paid by the government, with you supplying the extra 5% as a co-investment fee. You can see the fees for the courses we offer here.
Additionally, there is the cost of the employee, including salary, National Insurance and pension contributions. Typically, we don't work with anyone paying under Ā£14,000 annually.
š§āš Apprentices
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a job with a mix of hands-on experience and on-the-job training whilst you work.
You are treated like all other employees and given a contract, salary and holiday entitlement.
You works towards a nationally recognised qualification, whilst also receiving hands-on experience and professional training from experts within your chosen industry.
What are the benefits of completing an apprenticeship?
- You are paid a salary whilst learning throughout your apprenticeship.
- You gain nationally-recognised qualifications.
- You receive hands-on experience & training from professionals.
- You are job-ready for your industry once you complete your apprenticeship.
- You'll significantly improve your soft skills such as communication and teamwork.
- It opens the door for future progression.
Do I pay for my apprenticeship?
No, there are no costs for you to start an apprenticeship. You will also be paid by your employer whilst you learn.
What is the duration of Safe Space Talent apprenticeship?
Our apprenticeships last between 12 - 18 months plus the End Point Assessment (EPA). EPA usually takes 1 month but can take as long as 3 months.
How old do I have to be to enrol onto an apprenticeship?
To become an apprentice, you need to be aged 16-64 years old and have left full-time education.
Where is the apprenticeship training completed?
Any training delivered by Safe Space Talent will be delivered remotely with a live tutor.
Training delivered by your employer will delivered in line with normal working practices, i.e. if working in office, it will likely be in office. However, this varies between employers and the specific training.
How much will I get paid?
This depends largely on your employer. However, the apprentice minimum wage is Ā£6.40 an hour for the first 12 months and then increased to the National Minimum Wage depending on your age.
Typically, we work with employers looking to pay at least Ā£14,000 annually.
What hours will I work?
An apprentice has to work between 30 - 40 hours per week, generally working 37.5 hours, working 9 AM- 5 PM, but this can vary depending on the employer and role.
If I have a degree, can I still complete an apprenticeship?
Yes, as long as your degree is not in direct conflict with the apprenticeship. For example, if you have completed in a degree in Marketing, you cannot complete an apprenticeship in Multi-Channel Marketing.
If you are unsure if your degree conflicts, please get in touch.
Do I get holidays and time off?
You will receive a minimum of 20 days of paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays. Depending on your employer, you may receive additional holidays.
What happens after the apprenticeship?
Once you have completed your apprenticeship, there are a few opportunities available to you, such as:
- Your employer may offer you a full-time position
- Your employer may want you to progress onto further training
- You may want to move onto another employer, taking your knowledge, experience and qualifications with you
What if an apprenticeship is not for me? What can I do?
Apprenticeships are just one route of many and they're certainly not for everyone. There are multiple options available to you such as:
- University
- Full-time work
- Traineeships
- College
If you are still in education, don't hesitate to talk to your career advisor about what options are available to you. If you are not in education, here are few organisations that will be able to offer further guidance:
Where do I go if I have personal problems?
If you are having personal problems, we would recommend you go to one of the following people:
- Your line manager
- Your Development Coach
- One of our Designated Safe Guarding Officers
Why do I have to do BKSB assessments?
English and Maths will underpin your learning and development throughout your apprenticeship. To ensure that you are working at the highest level and getting the most out of your course with Safe Space Talent, we ask all learners to sit their assessments in both English and Maths to make sure all apprentices are consistently at Level 2, the required level for your course.
Although we appreciate that you may have previous qualifications, the BKSB assessments ensure that gaps in learning or required revision can be addressed alongside your Development Coach, and that you can continue to thrive in your holistic approach to learning.
What do I need to bring in my induction?
Your coach will go through the apprenticeship in detail, show you our systems and answer any questions you may have. It would be great if you have your National Insurance Number to hand.
What if I don't have my GCSE certificates?
If you don't have GCSE certificates, your options to provide evidence of your results are:
- Ask Safe Space Talent to check the Learner Records Service (LRS), as they may be logged here.
- Request a reprint from the awarding body. This is usually a cost of Ā£50 per certificate. You will only require Maths and English for a level 3 or 4 apprenticeship.
Alternatively, you can study and sit the Functional Skills Level 2 English and / or Maths tests alongside your apprenticeship.