The ‘Bigger’ Picture
An explanation of Apprenticeships and NVQs
Apprenticeships are way of doing training which combines the hands-on experience of working with the qualifications you get through studying. They’re made up of a Framework of three different elements – Technical Certificates, NVQs and Key Skills – each focusing on different aspects of your development, practical and theoretical. Together they make up a perfectly balanced programme of training, designed to help you become the best you can be.
Apprenticeships are available free for 16-24 year olds who have not already been through higher education, whilst there is often government funding for people aged over 25 to complete the NVQ element as a separate qualification. So, the chances are you could be gaining top quality qualifications without spending a penny! JHP offers Apprenticeships and NVQs in the following subject areas - click on the area you are most interested in for more details:
The Three Elements
Technical Certificates
Technical Certificates are vocationally related qualifications aimed at developing your skills and knowledge within your chosen vocational area. Complementing the other Apprenticeship elements, TCs focus on the theory of your job role, helping you acquire valuable insights and skills that you’ll be able to put into practice every day at work.
Technical Certificates are taught by qualified JHP staff through a programme of off-the-job training. But don’t worry - the time away from your job is designed to cause the least disruption to both you and your employer, and you won’t have to give any of your evenings up!
Acquiring qualifications to industry standards, equipping you with practical skills – a Technical Certificate could be your ticket to standing out in the workplace.
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)
As the most practical aspect of an Apprenticeship, the NVQ’s main aim is to assess your knowledge and experience within your chosen vocational area. You’ll be achieving a nationally recognised qualification through completing a series of units, each demonstrating that you’ve got what it takes to succeed in a different area of your job role.
NVQs are assessed in the workplace by JHP Assessors, who make regular workplace visits in order to monitor your progress. Rest assured, you’ll receive a high level of support and guidance throughout your qualification - gaining confidence as your expertise grows with practice.
In addition, your local JHP Centre may offer online methods of completing your NVQ. As an alternative to building a paper-based portfolio, eNVQ allows you to upload work onto the internet, providing effective email communication and a hassle-free route to achieving your qualification. Ask your Centre for details.
Key Skills
Key Skills are skills that you use all the time, whatever your job role. Common to all Apprenticeships, they’re transferable to any position you’ll work in and are essential in everyday life. There are six Key Skills Qualifications, which can be achieved at different levels depending on the qualification you are undertaking. These include Communication, Application of Number, Information Technology, Working with Others, Improving Own Learning and Performance and Problem Solving.
Some more important details...
There are two different levels of qualification you could undertake:
- Apprenticeships, incorporating an NVQ Level 2, are equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades A-C
- Advanced Apprenticeships, including an NVQ at Level 3, are equivalent to two A Levels
Taking into consideration your job role and past experience, JHP Training will help you decide which training programme is the right one for you. In addition, our Assessors will be on hand to provide advice and guidance to both you and your employer, throughout your time with us.
Click here to register your interest