Building Your Future: 10 Stages of an Apprenticeship
Embarking on an apprenticeship is a journey made up of several key stages. A typical apprenticeship involves 10 distinct phases, each playing an essential role in your development and progression. While some stages are more in-depth than others, every step is crucial to your overall success. In this article, we explore the 10 stages you need to be aware of.
Stage 1 – Enrolment
The first stage of the process is enrolment. Here, you are required to provide details about yourself and may be asked to complete additional assessments. This ensures both employers and training providers have all the information needed to tailor support throughout the apprenticeship.
Stage 2 – Induction
Following on from enrolment is the induction stage. This is an exciting time as you will meet your colleagues for the first time and find out more about the business. Any resources or equipment needed to undertake the apprenticeship will be provided at this stage, along with full instructions on how to set up and log into platforms needed to complete training.
Stage 3 – Training
After enrolling on your apprenticeship, you will reach the training stage. Here you will be supported by your line manager and colleagues to develop new skills and knowledge through reading, activity and project-based learning. This may include some simulation and role-play whilst skills are developing. You will complete on-the-job training whilst being provided with learning opportunities from your training provider. This stage is where work and output for the apprenticeship start.
Stage 4 -Evidence Collection
After training comes the evidence collection stage. Here, you will make notes on learning and complete specific project work to then be assessed by a line manager or training provider. At this stage, information needs to be digested before being stored in the personal apprenticeship file. This allows for reflection and skills development later in the process.
Stage 5 – Reviews
After collecting evidence, you will move on to the review stage. This involves reflecting on the apprenticeship journey so far, identifying what has worked and areas where an employer or training provider can offer more support. Reviews are confidential, formal discussions between yourself and your line manager to assess progress and take any action required.
Stage 6 – Assessments
You will be continually assessed throughout your apprenticeship so that you can demonstrate learning and development. Colleagues, line managers and training providers will monitor progress whilst on the job to assess whether more support is needed. The assessment may be documented and stored in the personal apprenticeship file which can be later referred to as evidence.
Stage 7 – Feedback
Following the assessment stage, you will be given constructive feedback. This is your chance to understand what new learning needs to be focused on for the coming weeks. At this stage, active listening and questioning skills will be developed significantly.
Stage 8 – Gateway
After receiving feedback, you will be assessed for gateway suitability. This will take place towards the end of an apprenticeship. Training providers will discuss this with you three months before it takes place so you can be fully prepared. When you enter the gateway stage, you will have already demonstrated the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to be competent in your job role. The employer/apprenticeship provider is effectively giving you the green light to be competent in your role.
Stage 9 – Final Assessment
At the final assessment stage, a culmination of all apprenticeship learning is discussed, knowledge is checked, and skills are monitored. Line managers are pivotal in sharing progress and assessing if standards for the apprenticeship have been met. The assessment will be carried out by an independent assessor to make sure quality is verified.
Stage 10 – Certification
Certification is the final stage of an apprenticeship and where you will complete your course. If you’re successful in passing your final assessment, you will receive a paper copy of your achievement. This is the apprenticeship certificate.
For all things apprenticeship-related or if you have any queries, please contact us via email at info@apprentice-employment.co.uk or visit our website.
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