Vocational education and training (VET): apprenticeships

Mini workshop on 2016 Erasmus+ UK priority area

Case Study: Lincoln College

Lincoln College 1. Largest FE College in Lincolnshire 2. Offers programmes from Entry to Level 5 3. Judged as Outstanding in 2011 4. Programme Area Construction and Technology

judged as Outstanding 5. Is the umbrella organisation for Lincoln UTC,

Gainsborough and Newark Academies and 3 colleges In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Apprenticeships at Lincoln College 1. Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeships 2. Specific liaison with CITB and Siemens 3. Apprenticeships available in Bricklaying; Bench and

Site Joinery; Pluming; Fabrication and Welding; Motor Vehicle; Electrical and Electrical Installations; Engineering. Hairdressing; Beauty Therapy; Business and Business Admin; Catering.

EU Funded Mobility Projects 1. Commenced in 1998 with Alfa College – The

Netherlands 2. MCAST in 2006 -Malta 3. Richard von Weisacker – Germany 2009

Level 3 Health and Social Care and Childcare full-time students and apprentices have been the participants in these projects

Other European Funded Projects 2013-2015 Comenius Project working with Alfa

College The Netherlands; Berufskolleg Werther Bruecke C, Germany and Instituto Tecnico Statale G Caruso, Sicily, Italy – ‘Virtual Trade, Real Savings’ with Level 3 Business

Studies students. 2014-16 Key Action 2 Project working with colleges in Belgium, Ireland and Finland – Making Guitars from Sustainable Materials with Level 3 Musical Instruments Making students

Mobility Projects for Apprentices • Initial work through Training Bridge and ‘In Went’, now

Key Action 1 • Working’ partnership with Krieshandwerkerscaft –

Coesfeld from 2007 • Exchange of apprentices • Off job training in Germany with Pictorous and Richard

von Weisacker Colleges • Total of 50 participants since the beginning in 2008

The Guild of Crafts - Coesfeld

Participants 2015 • Level 3 Apprentices – Construction and Engineering

Pluming, Bench and Site Joinery, Motor Vehicle • Ages – 17-25 • Accompanying Vocational Staff • VET Staff

Challenges • Introduction of ECVET • Apprentice dietary needs • IT failure • Apprentice withdrawals from the project

Benefits for Apprentices • Compare and contrast vocational training and practice

in the work place with specific emphasis on H&S, Equality and Diversity and Culture.

• Achieve competence and record using ‘one-file’. • Gain independent living skills. • Learn another language for use in work and socially. • Gain an understanding of a different European

culture. And concept of being European.

Jak Flatters and Ryan Guppy Participants March 2015

• Barry and Peggy High Scholarship Foundation Apprentice Award East Midlands

• Managed by the CITB • Identified as ‘Shining Stars’ • Ryan will progress to HNC • Jak will progress to a Level 3 Apprenticeship • Will compete for the Merlane Trophy • Prize of £1500

Benefits to Lincoln College • Reflects and supports the Government’s priority to

recruit more apprentices. • Trainer of choice for employers in a range of

vocational areas in the East Midlands • Enables staff CPD. • Sharing of ‘best practice’. • Liaison with employers. • Reflects a European and International prespective

What the Employers Say The Work’s Department Lincoln Cathedral ‘It is an excellent example of two major organisations in Lincoln working together to enhance heritage crafts’ ‘The German apprentices have a very professional approach to the training, have been enthusiastic and keen to make the most of the opportunity’.

Managing the Project • Read all ECORYS documents carefully. • Complete and submit applications before the deadline

in case of IT failures etc. • Establish good working relationships with your

ECORYS Liaison Officer • Enthusiastic staff team members and senior

managers. • Supportive employers. • Effective recruitment and selection process.

Managing the Project (cont.) • Training schedule established at the onset. • Establish good working relationships with host

partners. • Check all apprentice accommodation. • Where possible ask to use the same employers for

the placement. • Recruit the ‘right person’ to deliver language training

Managing the Project (cont.2) • Strong ground rules during the placement. • Manage all aspects of ‘Safeguarding’ – insurance,

travel details, apprentice personal details, in line with own and host institution.

• Agree with hosts monitoring procedures. • Have a detailed list of contacts and emergency

number. • Ensure that a named person/s in home institution

have all the details of the project.

Questions?

Next Steps

Erasmus+ is the European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport. The Erasmus+ UK National Agency is a partnership between the British Council and Ecorys UK.

Contact Details

0121 212 8947

erasmusplus@ecorys.com

www.erasmusplus.org.uk