They are nationally recognised and approved work-based training programme which combines both on and off-the-job training with the support of both your line manager and an approved training provider.
Apprenticeship levy funding is available to fund apprenticeship training subject to levy budget approval, meaning no cost to you or your department.
Skills England, an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions, provide and maintain the required standards for all apprenticeships. You can search for all apprenticeships that are available by occupational group or search for specific detail of any apprenticeship that is available or in development.
Check out the different types of apprenticeship standards on the Skills England website.
Personal development review (PDR) - development goals
Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to learn new skills both on and off the job. By working closely together, the line manager and employee can understand the suitability of an apprenticeship route, it is important the apprenticeship aligns with both individual and business requirements.
By reviewing the knowledge, skills and behaviours in contrast to existing qualifications and job role, will help to facilitate a development discussion with employee and line manager about areas of strength and skills gaps. This will also highlight whether the apprenticeship provides the stretch and challenge necessary to acquire substantive new skills which is a requirement of the funding.
Existing employees approved to undertake an apprenticeship will remain on their current terms and conditions.
How to apply for an apprenticeship
This section outlines the process. See application guidance for further information.
- Employee and line manager discuss individual development needs through their personal development review (PDR) and consider whether an apprenticeship would be available and appropriate taking into consider both individual and business needs.
- Employee completes the apprenticeship application form with line manager support.
- Once the employee has submitted the application form, the line manager will be emailed the application form and requested to approve or decline.
- Upon approval, the application will be forwarded to the grade 15 or above manager to consider and discuss with the leadership team (if appropriate). They will need to approve or decline the application.
- Application form is then submitted to the organisation development team for review and check against available apprentice levy spend.
- An email will be sent to the line manager and employee regarding the outcome which will prompt a development discussion for next steps.
- Upon approval, the procurement of a training provider can start.
Procurement of a training provider
- We will confirm to the line manager if a procurement process needs to take place or if Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service (DACES) are the training provider.
- We will work with the line manager throughout the procurement process.
- The procurement of the apprenticeship training provider will be completed via the council's tender process, the dynamic purchasing system (YPO). Procurement can take between 2 and 6 weeks. If you have any special requirements that need to be included in the procurement framework template / specification, please email dcc.apprenticeships@derbyshire.gov.uk.
- In cases of procurement, the organisation development team recommend training provider(s), with the line manager confirming the final selection if multiple options are available.
- Line manager is put in contact with the training provider to discuss suitability and potential start date.
- Training provider to conduct skills scan assessment with apprentice.
- Line manager to finalise start date of apprenticeship with the training provider and arrange induction.
Contact us
Contacts for queries or further clarification, email dcc.apprenticeships@derbyshire.gov.uk.