1. Business Growth Through Apprenticeships
Tony Pitchford – BCS Key Account Manager - Apprenticeships
November 2017

2. Business growth through apprenticeships
What do the new apprenticeship standards look like?
What apprenticeships are available in the IT and Digital Industry?
How to get started as an employer
How does this help my business?

3. Meet Alex….
First Apprentice in England to complete the new IT & Digital Standards
Graded ‘outstanding’ through independent assessment by BCS
Exemplary record in work, reflected by his employer’s reference
Left school with no GCSEs – only a couple of BTECs (incl. IT). Found a drive and passion for learning through an NVQ in business and went into IT
Presented with his certificate by Andy Burnham, major of Manchester, at Smarter Business Tech Live Nov 2017
En route to an on-site job for a client, downloaded an instruction manual for a Bulgarian-made laser rig. Ran it through Google Translate and corrected it. Used this to help him complete the job. ed manual to client, manager and manufacturer for future reference.

4. How do I find my own Alex….?
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

5. Getting started Define the role Find a provider
Agree the standard, additional content and timescale
Negotiate the price and EPA
Start the recruitment process

6. Apprenticeships in IT & Digital
Infrastructure Technician (level 3)
Network Engineer
Software Developer
Software Development Technician (level 3)
Digital Marketer (level 3)
Cyber Intrusion Analyst
Cyber Security Tester
Cyber Security Analyst
Unified Communications Technician
Unified Communications Trouble-shooter
Data Analyst
IS Business Analyst
Technical Salesperson (level 3)
Level 3 = 2 A-Levels (approx.)
Level 4 = 1st year of a degree/HND (approx.)

7. The new apprenticeship standards
Around 28,500 apprentices on new standards
Infrastructure Technician is one of the most popular standards
1,560 starts
75% are registered with BCS
BCS – the Chartered Institute for IT is an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO)
Over 60 colleges, training providers and employer-providers working with BCS
The first end-point assessments in IT & Digital were assessed by BCS

8. Training for growth Fill skills gaps
Low cost/zero cost recruitment
NMAW salary option – Currently £3.50 per hour
Access to a non-IT graduate market
All ages and experience levels
Gain accreditation and skills in your teams
CPD for existing staff
ROI on the investment
Designed by employers
BCS membership (%) and RITTech registration

9. How does it work? 10% contribution to training
Apprenticeship Levy
Non-Levy companies
Salary bill of £3m+
Monthly contribution through PAYE
Ringfenced
24 month deadline
10% top-up
Payment is direct to provider
Contract with EPAO (e.g. BCS) from Sept 2018
10% contribution to training
90% funding contribution
Negotiate rate with provider
Payment evidence required up front
Contract with EPAO (e.g. BCS) from Sept 2020

10. The role of the employer
Employ the apprentice
Sign the Apprenticeship Agreement
Allow the apprentice a breadth of experience
Provide a detailed reference/statement
Progression/full employment opportunities

11. What will the apprentice do?
Summative Portfolio
Vendor / professional certificates
BCS Knowledge Modules
Standard & Occupational Brief

12. Summative Portfolio
Interview
Project
Employer
Reference
Assessment

13. … definition, please!
Summative Portfolio – a collection of evidence and reports based on real work undertaken by the apprentice. It should be a summary of the very best work they have produced.
Employer reference – a detailed reference explaining who the apprentice works with, how they approach tasks and their behaviour in the workplace.
Synoptic Project – This is often a simulation of a typical work-based task set by the EPAO. Projects enable the apprentice to demonstrate:
the application of knowledge and skills to meet the project outcomes
the approach to planning and completion of the task
the application of the relevant behaviours
Interview – arguably the most important aspect of the process. Assessors from the EPAO review all the information provided above with the apprentice.

14. Building apprenticeships into your growth strategy
New starts
Skills
Levy

15. Useful links BCS Apprenticeship site National Apprenticeship Service
Tees Valley Learning Provider Network
The Apprenticeship Levy
Levy paying employers – The Digital Account Service
ALL Apprenticeship Standards

16. Get in touch! Tony Pitchford AMBCS
Key Account Manager - Apprenticeships
BCS Learning & Development Limited
First Floor, Block D, North Star House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1FA Tel: +44 (0)  |  Direct Dial: +44 (0) (x7452)  | 
@tonypitchford
tonypitchford