As an Employer What's in it For me?

IDEA offers a comprehensive service to employers

• undertaking business and skills requirements assessment and capture
• brokering the delivery of high quality skills development through world class delivery partners
• delivering innovative business solutions
• evaluation services which assess the business impact of skills development

IDEA offers a unique skills escalator from Apprenticeships, through Foundation Degree and Undergraduate and Post Graduate provision. Qualificatory outcomes are underpinned by world class providers, whether universities, colleges or private sector providers and give individuals the tools to succeed in the economy of the future.

Recruitment is currently being focused on the IDEA Apprentice Scheme; the first step on the skills escalator.

For details on the courses available within the skills escalator please click on one links below:

The IDEA Apprenticeship Scheme

How does an Apprenticeship work?    
Delivered in partnership with IDEA, apprenticeships give individuals the opportunity to complete on the job training enabling them to gain skills and qualifications while being employed. Apprenticeships give individuals the opportunity to gain the experience necessary for their career progression.

Apprentices are required to complete both a Level 3 Technical Certificate and a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in order to complete their apprenticeship ‘framework’ thus receiving their Advanced Apprenticeship in IT Professionals certificate.

Unlike many apprenticeship schemes, the IDEA apprentice: works and studies with other trainees; benefits from input from IT professional staff and expert tutors from Suffolk New College; studies at state of the art facilities at Adastral Park; and is able to carry out work based study through work placements, projects and case studies with a range of ICT employers.

Course Delivery & Content      
The Technical Certificate uses a variety of ways to complete assessment including: coursework; presentations and group work. There are several assignments during each year and all coursework is assessed by the tutors with continuous feedback enabling students to improve during the programme. Study is completed on a day-release basis (typically one day per week).

For the NVQ, apprentices build a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their performance and knowledge. Observations and assessments are conducted in the work place by a qualified assessor who as well as assessing will advise and guide apprentices through the qualification. This process will be audited by internal and external verifiers.

Those required to complete functional skills will work with their NVQ assessor on an individual basis.

Apprentices also have the opportunity to study additional professional qualifications, for example CISCO accreditation, delivered at Adastral Park.

Further information about IT Professional Apprenticeships is available from the National Apprenticeship Service.

Criteria for Apprentices           
Anyone over the age of 16 can become an apprentice. Applicants typically have five GCSEs (A-C) including English and Maths.  Whilst IDEA may be able to work with those who don’t meet the entry requirements, they may find the course more challenging and, as such, preference will be given to those with the required qualifications.

As an employer there are three ways in which you could bring an apprentice into your organisation:

• develop the skills of a member of your existing staff by enrolling them onto an apprenticeship;
• consider when looking to fill an existing vacancy if it could be suitable for an apprentice;
• recruit a new member of staff to help in developing your business and succession planning.

Benefits to your Organisation  
There are many benefits to organisations recruiting and developing staff through apprenticeships. The career paths for successful IT Professional apprentices range widely within the IT sector, including IT technician, web/software designer, product developer, helpdesk technician, IT Trainer, network planning & management and business analyst.

Apprenticeship programmes are tailored to suit the needs of your organisation. This means apprentices learn the skills required quickly and contribute to the business almost immediately. Apprentices will have further chances to develop their skills with opportunities provided by IDEA supporters and a Federation of employers who share the desire to see apprentices succeed. This can include: work experience, mentoring, networking opportunities, structured visits and real-work case studies to support learning and achievement of elements of the NVQ. Through the work of the Federation the experience of the apprentice will be broadened and deepened bringing benefits to both the individual and the employing organisation.

The list of benefits for recruiting apprentices is extensive and includes: reduced recruitment and retention costs and increased productivity while instilling your company values in young people.

Costs to the Employer 
Apprenticeships are government sponsored programmes. IDEA receives a grant to cover training costs for apprentices under 25 at time of enrolment. As an employer you will be responsible for employing the apprentice and providing a salary. The Government minimum is £95 per week (based on a 35 hour working pattern). Any costs beyond this, for example purchasing text books or sponsoring travel to events made available through the scheme, are at the employer’s discretion.

Employer Responsibilities      
You will be responsible for employing and paying the apprentice’s wages, providing support and ensuring that apprentices are able to collect evidence required for the NVQ. You will also need to release your apprentice from work to complete their Technical Certificate. You will be expected to comply with legal requirements in relation to Health & Safety at Work Regulations, Discrimination, Equal Opportunities, Employment rights etc. IDEA will help and support organisations if required in complying with these regulations.

As an employer you will also be asked to provide a work-place mentor. This could be the apprentice’s line manager or a relevant colleague in the organisation who can offer advice and support in a pastoral role.

Timescale
The apprenticeship will normally take between eighteen months and two years to complete with apprentices progressing at a speed appropriate to them and the work they are completing. Applicants joining the scheme who already have an appropriate Level 3 Technical Certificate will only have to complete an NVQ which can normally be achieved within twelve months.

The IDEA Undergraduate Scheme

Further details coming soon, please email undergraduate@ideawebsite.co.uk to register your interest

IDEA Post Graduate Scheme

Further details coming soon, please email postgraduate@ideawebsite.co.uk to register your interest