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FAQs - All

Where do I obtain a Training Credit?

Training Credits are available from your local Careers Service Office from June onwards. For information on your local Careers Service Office visit www.jobcentreonline.com

The appropriate Training Credit should be identified as follows

  • Training Period: 260 weeks
  • Funding Category: Level 2/3
  • Group: 4
  • NDAQ: 4.1
  • SOC ID: 5241/5249 (Electricians)
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What are Key/Essential Skills?

These are essential if the ETT Apprenticeship Programme is to be successfully completed. The NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation programme requires Essential Skills in Numeracy - Level 2, Literacy - Level 2 and ICT - Level 1. Study and assessment at your local College is necessary to achieve the Essential Skills qualifications. By gaining Key/Essential Skills qualification, apprentices can demonstrate the ability to perform more effectively at work. They enable apprentice to develop skills that are vital to their employment and personal development.

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Who needs to undertake Essential Skills?

Those who have achieved A/AS Level or GCSE Grade A* - C in English or English Literature, Mathematics of ICT or have achieved Key/Essential Skills at a level required within their NVQ Framework, within five years prior to starting the ETT Apprenticeship programme, are not required to undertake the corresponding Essential Skill qualification at Level 1 or 2.

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How do I get paid?

Your employer is responsible for your wages. Wage rates are determined by the Joint Industry Board (JIB) for the Electrical Contracting Industry. Normally, an employer will increase your wages on successful completion of each stage of training.

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What is a Training Credit?

To secure a place on the Electrical Apprenticeship you must obtain a Level 2/3 Apprenticeship Training Credit from your local Careers Service Office. An individual Training Credit, which contains a unique trainee reference number, is necessary to facilitate the entry of each applicant's personal details onto the Department for Employment and Learning computerised Trainee Management System and in turn to generate the funding payable to ETT at the various staged intervals.

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What is required of an apprentice?

Essentially the completion of the Electrical Apprenticeship is achieved by gaining an NVQ Level 3 Certificate. On route to this the apprentice may also be required to undertake one or more Key/Essential Skills qualification. Successful completion of the AM2 is also an essential requirement. It should be noted that AM2 on its own does not constitute qualification as an Electrician. For full details on the Electrical Modern Apprenticeship Programme please refer to the Employers Guide, a copy of which is available to download.

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Is there any financial support available to me?

An employer support grant is available for up to £2000 will be made available to you. This is provided in two stages - £700 will be paid on successful completion of Year 1 and the balance of £1300 will be paid on the successful completion of the Full Modern Apprenticeship Framework (Year 4).

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Do I really have to pay an apprentice for attending College as part of the "Off the job training programme"?

The simple answer to this question is "yes". You are obliged to pay wages for attendance at all scheduled College based training. Wage rates should be in line with the JIB determination see www.jib.org.uk for more details.

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Who registers the apprentice with JIB?

ETT is responsible for registering all 1st year apprentices with JIB. A completed JIB Training Agreement is necessary for JIB registration purposes.

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I need some information on wages and advancement of my apprentice to the next stage of entitlement. Where can I obtain this?

Wage details are available on the JIB Web site. Advancement of apprentices from one grade to the next is based upon achievement of qualifications. Your apprentice is obliged to provide, with evidence of this achievement in form of certificates before advancement to the next pay level is granted. You do not need notification from the JIB in order to address the area of pay and advancement; it is based upon achievement in line with the training programme. Details of these are available in the Employers Guide.

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What happens if I lose my employment?

Let ETT know as soon as possible if this happens to you. Unfortunately, this does occasionally happen. However, in most cases apprentices start and complete their apprenticeship with the same employer. We will try to help you secure a new employer by posting confidential contact details on the Vacancies section of the Website.

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I'm experiencing some difficulties with my employer. What can I do?

We are here to help you and you should inform us of any difficulties that you might be experiencing as soon as possible. In most cases, we will be able to advise and discuss matters with you confidentially. However, sometimes it may be necessary to involve others and we make sure that you understand this before you disclose any information to us. We are often able to discuss difficulties with your employer and resolve any issues that you might have. There is a greater chance of doing this if matters are reported sooner rather than later.

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I've fallen behind with my College studies. What can I do?

Keeping up to date with your studies is very important; the course programme is very demanding and it is vital that you endeavour to maintain progress in line with rest of the class. If you fall behind or are experiencing difficulties with any aspect of "Off the Job Training", then you should discuss this with your designated ETT Industry Training Officer as soon as possible. ETT Industry Training Officers are available to support and assist you where possible, and may in some circumstances be able to arrange for additional tuition to bring you up to date. Once again, there is a greater chance of recovery if you discuss any difficulties or concerns with ETT Staff as soon as possible.

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I'm due to do my AM2 Skills Test soon. I think I need some further help. Is there any available?

ETT will provide some AM2 preparation courses for you to attend in the lead up to your test date. The emphasis of these courses will be on Inspection & Testing. We hope to provide these courses in your locality. Details of the refresher courses will be posted out to you and also made available in our News section .

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I'm experiencing some other difficulties at College.

Sometimes problems may arise at College that you might like to discuss with someone. Please feel free take the opportunity to speak with an ETT Industry Training Officer. We are here to assist and support you at College in whatever way that we can.

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Who sets the ETT Entry Criteria?

Entry Criteria has been determined by the Department for Employment and Learning and the Electrical Contracting Industry. (view specific entry criteria).

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Who is responsible for paying the apprentice?

All apprentices will be in paid employment from day one. The Employer will be responsible for paying the apprentice for both on and off-the-job training. The Joint Industry Board (JIB) is responsible for the determination of apprentice wage rates. See www.jib.org.uk for more details.

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Who pays the training fees?

ETT pays for all registration, examination and tuition fees. As well as this, all first year apprentices are provided with a comprehensive outfit of Personal Protective Equipment - Helmet, Overalls, Safety Glasses, Safety Boots. Accredited CSR Health and Safety training is also provided by ETT.

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When does the Electrical Apprenticeship commence?

The Electrical Apprenticeship commences Monday 8th September 2008. The closing date for receipt of Registration Forms is Friday 29th August 2008. Once all the entry criteria has been met, ETT will issue a Start Notification to both the successful applicant and their Employer. The first week of the programme is College-based for the purposes of registration, essential induction covering the structure of the programme and the requirements of the NVQ Portfolio, as well as CSR Health & Safety training.

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