Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships Frequently Asked Questions
in Cumbria

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Important Note for Employers

If you're not a school looking for Teaching Assistant Apprentices please see the Employers' FAQ

Teaching Assistant FAQ

1. How long does the Apprenticeship last?

   Learners can progress at their own rate and if they are well motivated, well supported by their workplace mentor, have access to suitable evidence and complete work set for them within the agreed timescales, there is no reason why they cannot complete their Apprenticeship within 12 – 15 months. If you are then willing to continue supporting the learner, they can then progress onto an Advanced Apprenticeship which can last a further 12 – 18 months.
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2. What will the Apprenticeship cost?

   There is no cost for the training programme. The school will be responsible for paying £80 per week to Cumbria County Council (CCC) Learning Support Service (LSS) which will cover the cost of wages paid to the learner.
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3. How much work will be involved for my staff?

   The employer should not be faced with any more work than that they would give any new employee. They will be expected to give the new apprentice a thorough induction at the start of their training and be available to answer questions during the early stages of employment. We will expect each employer to appoint a named 'Workplace Mentor'. The Workplace Mentor will be responsible for providing day to day guidance to the apprentice during their time on programme, spending about five minutes every two – three weeks when our NVQ Assessor visits the apprentice to carry out assessment and meeting with the NVQ Assessor for about 15 - 30 minutes every 10 weeks to review their progress.
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4. How long will the apprentice be away for off-the-job training?

   The apprentice will be required to attend our training centre for one day every two weeks throughout term time. There may also be a requirement for the apprentice to attend short block release workshops during employer holiday periods but you will be advised of these in advance.
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5. Will we be required to deliver any of the training?

   Much of the informal learning will take place during their time in employer working with their colleagues and the children. Formal, planned and structured learning will delivered by RWP when the apprentice attends their workshops.
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6. Who employs the apprentice during their Apprenticeship?

   All the apprentices will be employed by Cumbria County Council Learning Support Service.
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7. Who pays the apprentices' wages?

   Cumbria County Council Learning Support Service will pay the apprentices wages. You will however be invoiced by LSS monthly for support costs. Support costs are currently £80.00 per week.
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8. Can we terminate the Apprenticeship contract if things do not work out?

   You can withdraw from the Apprenticeship agreement at any time throughout the programme by giving CCC LSS one weeks written notice of your intentions.
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9. Will I be able to choose the apprentice?

   All applicants are interviewed by RWP Training and CCC LSS prior to undertaking a comprehensive initial assessment. Learner profiles (CVs) will be sent to you so you can choose which ones are suitable and advise who you would like to interview. You will decide who you wish to appoint.
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10. If we know someone or already employ a young person aged 16 – 18, can we register them on the Apprenticeship programme?

    The programme is open to any young person aged 16 – 18 who meets the minimum entry requirements.
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11. Can I pay more that the minimum £80 per week?

    If you wish to employ the apprentice yourself instead of going through CCC Learning Support Service, you can pay the apprentice a greater amount. If you take this option, you will also be required to issue the apprentice with a fixed term contract of employment for the duration of the Apprenticeship. Alternatively, you may wish to top up the £80 wage by making a contribution to the apprentices' travel expenses. Apprentices aged 16 – 18 are exempt of the minimum wage but apprentices aged 19 and above qualify for the minimum wage after the first twelve months of their Apprenticeship.
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12. What happens to the apprentices at the end of their training?

    When the apprentice completes their training they will no longer be your responsibility. They will however be actively seeking permanent employment as a qualified Teaching Assistant and you should consider carefully whether or not they would be an asset to your School. If you do decide to employ the apprentice as a part / full time member of your staff, it will be necessary for you to make your own contractual arrangements with the individual concerned or seek assistance from LSS.
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13. Will I be required to employ the apprentice when they complete their Apprenticeship?

    No, see number 12.
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14. Is there much paperwork or administration involved?

    At the start of the programme, there will be a number of forms to complete prior to taking on the apprentice. Staff from RWP or CCC Learning Support Service will be available to help guide you through the process.
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15. Will the apprentice be CRB checked before they commence their Apprenticeship?

    Yes, all apprentices will be CRB checked after you have interviewed them and prior to being employed by CCC Learning Support Service.
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16. Will visiting Tutors / Assessors be CRB checked?

    Yes, all staff employed by RWP Training have been CRB checked prior to employment.
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