Our Organisational Development Specialist, Liam supports our apprentices from start to finish and has answered some of our frequently asked questions about apprenticeships.
What’s the process around applying for an apprenticeship at Abri?
There are two routes you can take. The first option is if for apprenticeship vacancies advertised externally on our website. Anyone can apply for these and follow the application process which is the same as applying for any other job in the organisation.
The second option to become an apprentice is to do it through upskilling. If you're in a current position and you're looking to upskill or develop your skills in your role then you can get in contact with myself, and we can run through what sort of apprenticeship vacancies would suit. After the enrolment process, sourcing a provider and line management approval, the apprentice will spend four days a week learning on the job, and one day a week in classes at college or university.
If someone doesn't know what apprenticeship they want to do, but they know they want to take the next step and develop further, we can direct people to the Institute of Apprenticeships website. Here, colleagues can have a look at what they might want to learn, and we’ll see what we can do to support them to reach their goals.
As a housing provider, we naturally have a range of trade apprenticeships, including apprentice electricians, gas engineers, carpenters, or plumbers – to name just a few. Opportunities in other areas of the business include business analysis, business admin, graphic design, management, employment support and chefs, people development and so much more.
What’s the journey as an apprentice like?
Typically, apprenticeships last between 1 to 5 years depending on the level of the award. Depending on the programmes your learning might take place at a college, in block releases or completely virtual sessions. The team will source a provider and programmes that suits you best. Over the course of the apprenticeship, you’ll be learning alongside working on the job. Usually, you’ll spend 20% of your time of working time in training. You’ll get a wide range of opportunities to develop and network throughout Abri and our work doesn’t stop once you join us as an apprentice. We’re passionate about providing an environment and the support that enables our apprentices to thrive before, during and after.
We're starting internal bimonthly coaching sessions, meaning we'll have a coaching support session every other month for all our apprentices to join if they wish. This can contribute towards their 20% off the job training.
What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?
There are so many positives to an apprenticeship. Firstly, you get to put all your learning into practise in real time, which helps you gain and develop a variety of skills alongside training. Another great benefit is there is no learning agreement required due to programmes being funded by the apprenticeship levy that we pay into as an organisation.
At Abri, we believe it is our responsibility to give apprentices enough time to study and complete coursework throughout the work week, allocating the right amount of time to work and learn. Your line manager or the apprenticeship team are here to support you throughout if you feel you are juggling the balance. Just like other employees, you’ll have the same entitlements such as pay, holiday and pension contributions, as well as a whole host of extra benefits that you can read here! And if you’re an existing colleague, your salary won’t be affected if your apprenticeship is helping you to develop in your role.
Whilst completing an apprenticeship, you will not encounter fees such as student loans, even if you are completing a degree level apprenticeship you will not end up with the same amount of debt as a university student would, despite ending up with similar qualifications.
Apprenticeships at Abri
It's more straightforward than people think. It’s an easy process. After applying or getting in touch with me, I help them find a programme, we get them enrolled and we support them throughout the journey with coaching sessions. We can step in where needed to chat to line managers and we provide a high level of support for our apprentices. We run an annual event each year for them during National Apprenticeship Week as well for networking and listening to any concerns.
The great thing about an apprenticeship is that it’s an opportunity to gain skills and experience as you learn. That’s why at Abri we’re less concerned about your experience, or what you’ve studied at school and college, but instead we’re looking for passionate people that share our values which you can find here!
