Apprenticeships are all about gaining work-based training and practical knowledge and also achieving a recognised academic qualification.

Once you have completed an apprenticeship, you will have a nationally recognised and respected qualification. At Ridgemond Training we offer the following apprenticeship courses:

Typically the apprenticeships at Ridgemond take 16 months to complete, although the course can be structured to your needs. Our apprenticeship courses are programme led and therefore the majority of your learning will take place at the Training Centre, where you will learn both trade and classroom skills. After six months on the course, Ridgemond will help to find work placements, where you will start to gain real workplace experience.

There are four main components in an Apprenticeship, these are;

• Practical Skills.
• Trade Knowledge.
• Functional Skills.
• Employer rights and responsibilities.

Apprenticeships aim to provide practical skills for specific trades. These practical skills are assessed through CQF diplomas or NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications). NVQs are made up of units and each units covers a practical skill that you need to learn do the job properly. Once you have completed the Apprenticeship course the NVQ level two will be evidence that you have excellent practical skills in your specific trade.

Trade Knowledge is assessed through technical certificates such as a CAA (Construction Awards Alliance) diploma. These focus on the knowledge and understanding needed to complete practical skills well. They also provide wider information about the trade so you know why you’re doing something as well as how to do it.

Once you have completed the Apprenticeship course you will be able to demonstrate your trade knowledge by achieving a CAA level 2 Diploma in your specific trade.

Functional Skills are essential skills that help you to succeed. By learning functional skills such as Maths, English and ICT you will be better equipped to do your job properly.

This component of the apprenticeship programme teaches you all about the world of employment, with information on:

• Your rights and responsibilities, as a worker.
• How different companies work within their specific industry.
• Public law and policy, how it impacts on the industry.
• Health and Safety; how to be safe while you are learning.

By taking part in an apprenticeship programme you can open the door for higher education and gain qualifications that are recognised all over the world.

To find out more about Apprenticeship Courses at Ridgemond call 01438 842200 or click on the links or email info@ridgemondtraining.org.uk