Inverclyde Council Modern Apprenticeship ProgrammeJune 2013

The Modern Apprenticeship (MA) Programme gives you a job for a fixed period of time that lets you work towards a nationally recognised qualification. These qualifications are designed to give you the skills and knowledge to do a real job with appropriate responsibilities. The areas Inverclyde Council currently support include:-

  • Business Administration
  • Customer Service
  • Life Science (school technician)
  • Youth Work
  • Sustainable Resource Management
  • Information Technology
  • Health & Social Care
  • Leisure
  • Facilities Management
  • Hospitality & Tourism (based within relevant companies)

A brief description of these vocational areas isgiven later in this document, however further detailed information on the units covered by these qualifications can be found on the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) website.

How do they work?

An MA employed by Inverclyde Council is treated as an employee and in addition to this will take part in training which allows them to achieve a Level 2 or 3 Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ). This training can include a variety of methods such as:-

On-the-Job where a supervisor works with you to develop key skills such as working in teams, problem solving, communication and using new technology. It also includes visits from an assessor who will monitor your technical knowledge and understanding of the job.

Off-the-job where time is spent studying at a FurtherEducationCollege, or Training Provider, which gives you more technical knowledge and understanding of the job.

Portfolio Building this is time given to you gather and log evidence of your day to day work which proves your competency in your chosen area of the MA programme.

How long does an MA last?

Depending on the SVQ Level studied and the chosen area, it can take between one and two years to achieve an MA. You will be supported and encouraged to apply for any suitable vacancies that may arise within Inverclyde Council during your MA programme.

How do we recruit?

Inverclyde Council MA’s are advertised via Greenock Telegraph, Skills Development Scotland, Inverclyde Community Development Trust, Jobcentre Plus, and on the Inverclyde Council website.

When you see an MA advertised you should have a good look at any additional information that is provided about the role, as it will give you some ideas about what you need to tell us in your application form.

If your application is selected, you will go to the next stage of the recruitment process which is the interview stage. To be successful at interview you will have to have done your homework, as during recruitment we receive a large amount of applications for each post advertised.

If you want to be successful in your application to join Inverclyde Council’s MA programme it is important you do some research:

-What does the Council do?

-What Services does the employing department provide?

-What do apprentices do?

The internet is a great place to find information:

-Inverclyde Council website provides information about its services and departments.

-College websites give technical information about MA’s.

-Enter the title of your MA into a search engine to find out a range of information

How much will I be paid?

Level 2 MA’s receive £2.68 per hour if aged 16-19

Level 2 MA’s receive £5.03 per hour if aged 20 -24 years

Level 3 MA’s receive £6.29 per hour

What kind of people are we looking for?

To help you to be successful in your application you will need to demonstrate in your application form, and at interview if you progress to that stage, that you:

  • Have a good standard of secondary education, with a minimum of 2 standard grade awards, OR relevant work/skills experience.
  • Have an interestin and knowledge of your chosen vocational area.
  • Have the ability to work hard to achieve attainment of your qualification.
  • Have good IT skills
  • Are committed to giving excellent customer service
  • Can communicate clearly
  • Have ability to show initiative and can work as part of a team

Modern Apprenticeship Vocational Areas

Business Administration

Inverclyde Council delivers a variety of services to the local community and administration is a pivotal aspect in the delivery of these services. Based within a busy office environment, the apprentice will work with experienced colleagues in ensuring that day to day office work is completed to a high standard. Apprentices will be responsible for word processing documents, minute taking and other general administrative needs. This will provide the apprentice with a high standard of training in the systems and requirements of an office within a large organisation.

Customer Service

This apprenticeship will be based within the Inverclyde Council Contact Centre and will offer an opportunity to deal with all aspects of customer service within the local authority. Apprentices will deal with customers as a first point of contact and therefore excellent communication skills will be required. Training on all systems will be provided and the apprentice will gain excellent experience in representing the local authority in a customer service environment.

Life Science (school technician)

Based in one of the secondary schools in Inverclyde, the apprentice will work in a school laboratory within the science department. Working alongside experienced science technicians, the apprentice will deal with preparatory work in terms of providing the equipment required to deliver the general curriculum. The apprentice should have a keen interest in science, specifically Chemistry, and will work towards the SVQ in Life Sciences, with day release at StowCollege once a week.

Youth Work

Engaging with our local young people is an important part of Inverclyde Council’s strategy in terms of making our local area a better place to live for all our citizens. Facilities are provided in various areas of Inverclyde and this apprenticeship will offer a valuable insight into working with and gaining the trust and respect of the young people that use our services. The apprentice will be expected to work with and encourage young people to increase their confidence and express their opinions.

Waste Management Advice

As a responsible local authority, we are committed to ensuring that waste is disposed of cleanly and efficiently. Apprentices may be based within an office environment learning about the management of waste disposal. Alternatively, the apprentice may be located in an area in which waste is disposed of. This is a relatively new area being offered at modern apprenticeship level and it would provide the apprentice with excellent experience in a growing and important area.

Health & Social Care (Children and Young People)

Care of children and young people is provided in a variety of ways, particularly nurseries and day care centres. This represents not only a valuable part of a child’s upbringing but also allows parents the opportunity to work, knowing that their children are being cared for in a safe and friendly environment. This apprenticeship will be based in a relevant child care facility. The apprentice will be responsible for assisting with the day to day care of children, assisting with delivery of care plans, gaining insight into the particular health and safety requirements when caring for children, as well as working with helping children flourish. This would suit apprentices with an interest in the care and development of children and young people. Membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme will be required.

Health & Social Care (adult care)

Inverclyde Council delivers a variety of services aimed at people who have care needs. These services include supported housing, day care centres and many more. This apprenticeship will be of interest to young people with an interest in caring for vulnerable people. Based within one of the services mentioned, the apprentice will work alongside trained staff in delivering practical and emotional support to service users, whilst working towards the Level 3 SVQ in Health and Social Care. PVG membership will be required.

Facilities Management

This is an exciting opportunity to work in one of the many facilities operated by Inverclyde Council. Each centre has its own distinct client base and local community need and the apprentice will we be trained in how to work with the users of these services as well as meeting and exceeding their expectations. This would be an ideal opportunity for an apprentice who enjoys working with other people. Team work and pride in the delivery of work would be valuable attributes to have in this field. The apprentice will learn how these services operate, as well as being taught the value of health and safety within places of public use, particularly responding to and reporting incidents and emergences.

Hospitality & Tourism (based within relevant companies)

If you enjoy working with people, delivering high quality customer service and pride yourself on being someone who could be an ambassador for the hospitality that Inverclyde has to offer, then this is the opportunity for you. Based within companies throughout the area, you will be responsible for providing excellent customer service. You will gain hands on experience in how to effectively communicate with customers, meeting and exceeding their expectations and dealing with/resolving complaints. This is a role which will provide the apprentice with excellent training in leadership within the hospitality industry.

Vehicle Mechanic

Based within our Roads and Transport Department, learning mechanical skills and working within the mechanics section. Duties include diagnosing non-complex system faults, identifying vehicle needs, vehicle maintenance, health & safety, and customer care.