Learner’s Guide to Apprenticeships - Anderson Stockley Accredited Training Ltd (ASA Training)

The Learner’s Guide to Apprenticeships

Discover how an apprenticeship can shape your future, combining hands-on experience with learning, the benefits it brings for your career and personal growth, and the dedicated support we provide to guide you at every stage of your journey.

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What Makes Anderson Stockley Accredited Training Ltd the Right Choice?

Anderson Stockley Accredited Training Ltd (ASA Training) is a Grade 2 Ofsted-rated provider with over 20 years of experience delivering high-quality apprenticeship training. Since 2000, we have been supporting learners to develop the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need for long-term career success.

We understand that work and life can be busy, which is why our training is designed to be flexible around you and your employer. With start dates available throughout the year, we work closely with you to plan training schedules that fit seamlessly around your role and minimise disruption in the workplace.

From your very first interaction with ASA Training, you will be supported by a friendly and knowledgeable team who are committed to your success. You are never just another learner to us, and we are with you every step of your journey.

Our team of industry specialist educational practitioners is passionate about supporting apprentices to achieve their qualifications in full. We are proud of our high, timely achievement rates and our consistently strong learner and employer satisfaction results, which remain above the national average.

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are government-funded training programmes that are 100% work based. After the completion of the apprenticeship, individuals will achieve a nationally recognised qualification whilst gaining real-life experience in a working environment.

Who are they for?

Apprenticeships are open to individuals of all ages, aged 16 and over, who are not in full-time education. They are ideal for both new recruits entering a business and existing staff members seeking further development.

How does an Apprenticeship work?

At ASA Training, we offer flexible training delivery that allows individuals to learn at times that suit their personal and professional commitments. Every learner is given access to a range of online resources, including revision tools tailored to their specific qualification units and practice exam questions to support exam preparation.
Following sign-up and induction, ASA Training will work collaboratively with both the learner and their employer to plan and agree on a schedule of appointments that supports progress and achievement.

What are the New Apprenticeship Standards?

The new apprenticeship standards are modernised training frameworks designed to better align apprenticeships with the needs of employers and the evolving job market.
Unlike the older frameworks, these standards focus on the specific skills, knowledge, and behaviours (KSBs) required for particular occupations, ensuring apprentices are fully prepared for their chosen careers.

Key Features of the New Apprenticeship Standards:

Employer-Led Design: Develop in collaboration with industry experts and employers to meet real workplace needs.
Clear Competency-Based Training: Apprentices learn the exact skills and knowledge essential to their job roles.
End-Point Assesment (EPA): At the end if the apprenticeship. apprentices complete an independent assessment to demonstrate their competence and readiness for the role.
Flexible and Tailored: Training can be customised to suit different businesses and individual learner needs.
Higher Quality Outcomes: Focus on developing well-rounded professionals equipped with practical skills and workplace behaviours.

How Apprenticeships Work: From Recruitment to Completion?

1. Recruitment Stage:

The journey begins when an individual is recruited either as a new employee or an existing staff member looking to upskill. Employers and training providers work together to identify the right apprenticeship standard based on the job role. The apprentice then completes an initial assessment and induction to ensure they are ready to start their learning journey.

2. On Programme:

During this stage, the apprentice receives training and develops the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required for the role. This includes a mix of on-the-job learning and off-the-job training, such as workshops, online resources, and practical tasks. Regular reviews and progress checks ensure the apprentice is on track to meet the apprenticeship requirements.

3. Gateway:

Once the apprentice and their employer believe all learning and training components have been completed, the apprentice enters the Gateway stage. This is a readiness check, where the training provider and employer confirm that the apprentice is prepared for the End-Point Assessment (EPA). Any final evidence or portfolios are completed at this point.

4. End-Point Assessment (EPA):

The EPA is an independent, rigorous assessment designed to test the apprentice’s competence across all areas of the apprenticeship standard. It can include practical tests, interviews, presentations, or exams, depending on the apprenticeship. The EPA is conducted by an external assessor to ensure impartiality.

5. Completion and Certification:

After successfully passing the EPA, the apprentice completes their apprenticeship. They receive a certificate from the relevant awarding body, confirming they have met the national standards for their occupation. This certification is recognised by employers across the industry and can open doors to further career opportunities or higher-level apprenticeships.

What is Off-The-Job Training?

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.

Learners must complete 20% of ‘off-the-job training’ towards their qualification. This could include: lectures, role-playing, simulation exercises, online learning, manufacturer training, practical training such as mentoring, shadowing, industry visits and attendance at shows/conferences/competitions. This could also include time spent writing assignments and assessments.

This does not include: English, Maths, progress reviews, on-programme assessment, or training which takes place outside the apprentice’s paid working hours.

What to expect from ASA Training?

To conduct regular reviews and assessments, involving the employer to keep them informed of the learner’s progress throughout the training programme.

To offer support, guidance, training, and expertise on all Health and Safety matters, including accident prevention and investigation, Equality and Diversity, and Safeguarding.

To provide advice and assistance as needed to ensure the apprentice meets all requirements outlined in the apprenticeship standard.

Coordinate with the apprentice and practice managers to schedule appointments and exams efficiently.

Carry out direct workplace observations of the apprentice to gather evidence for their apprenticeship portfolio.

Deliver functional skills tutoring in Maths and English to support the apprentice’s development where required.

Keep the employer updated on the apprentice’s readiness to undertake their End-Point Assessment (EPA).

What will we expect from you?

To take responsibility for your learning and learning materials.

Inform us as soon as possible if you cannot attend an appointment. E.G. If you are sick.

Inform us if there are any important changes in your circumstances. E.G. If you move house.

Complete all work that is set by your assessor on time and to the standard required.

Supply a sick note if a period of sickness exceeds seven consecutive days.

To attend all appointments and exams regularly and punctually.

Behave in accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Act and Health & Safety Procedures.

To act within one’s own level of competence, as per the job description.

Follow the employers’ agreed ways of working, policies and procedures.

Allocate time to study and complete the work required for the qualification.

Communicate with the training provider assessor to ensure work plans are discussed and agreed upon.

What can you expect from the employer?

To provide a contract of employment.

To provide time in your paid working hours for training, assessment and reviews.

To support the Apprenticeship requirements and process ensuring you complete ALL elements required for the apprenticeship.

To pay you, the Apprentice, for the hours you spend working and those you spend studying during your working hours.

To ensure you are earning at least the National Minimum Wage for an Apprentice and you are employed for at least 30 hours per week.

To support you to ensure you spend at least 20% if your time completing ‘off the job training’.

To provide you with a workplace mentor who will work with you in surgery, to help guide and support you.

To ensure you are given time during the working week to complete the 20% off the job training.

The Learner Recruitment Journey

The process of hiring an apprentice and how we help

Funding is available for eligible learners, subject to standard eligibility checks.

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