Promoting Young People in Social Care through Apprenticeships

1. October 2010 we help to improve social care standards Promoting young people and apprenticeships in social care

2. Aim of session • Dispelling ‘myths’ around young people working in care • Take a look at apprenticeships -what they are, the benefits, how to access them

3. Busting the ‘myths’ about Young People • No legislation that prevents young people working in care • Are allowed to do personal care • Are allowed to do moving and handling • Are covered by your insurance and Employment legislation • Do sometimes bring knowledge and experience with them • 16 - 18 year olds can and do work in care

4. What is an Apprenticeship? • Employment (employer has to pay a minimum salary of £2.50 per hour) with' on the job 'training • Completing a recognised training programme supported by Government funding • Involves an NVQ (level 2 or 3), a technical certificate (knowledge), and key skills (Communication & Application of Number), plus ERR (Employment Rights and Responsibilities) • A range of apprenticeships available, e.g. care, business admin, hospitality, catering, cleaning

5. Key to a successful apprenticeship… You need…. • An apprentice (interested person) • An employer (who will showcase care work, offers a supportive environment and is willing to invest) • A training provider (quality training, reliable and flexible to meet employer and learner need)

6. Benefits of employing an apprentice.. • Skills shortages are one of the biggest threats to our sector – ageing workforce, so need to attract young people and ensure they have the right skills • Opportunity to harness fresh talent • Cost effective - learn on the job • Makes good business sense

7. Benefits of employing an apprentice.. Survey of UK employers (by Learning and Skills Council January 2009) • 92% said apprentices better motivated other staff and increased job satisfaction • 81% said employing apprentices generated higher overall productivity • 74% said apprentices were more loyal, remaining at company longer than non-apprentices

8. Can all employers have an apprentice? • An apprenticeship should be a positive experience for young person (and the employer!) • Training Provider works with Employer - check H & S, and organise training programme, assessment, support in workplace (mentor), progress reports • Contract between Employer, Apprentice, Training Provider to ensure achievement

9. How to find an apprentice…. • Talk to your local Job Centre Plus and / or the National Apprenticeship Service • Use the free online Apprentice Vacancy Matching service • www.apprenticeships.org.uk • Ring your local Apprentice Training Provider

10. Can you help to recruit and retain apprentices? • Spread the word about young people and apprenticeships…. • Become a Mentor in your own workplace….

11. Plenary… • And finally…..how did you get on with finding the answers to the quiz? • Any more questions?

12. Contact Details Rachael Ross Telephone: 07815 429170 Email: rachael.ross@skillsforcare.org.uk York Office: Telephone: 01904 461050 Fax: 01904 461059 Email: yorkshireandhumbermail@skillsforcare.org.uk www.skillsforcare.org.uk/yh

13. www.skillsforcare.org.uk