Question 1

How does an Apprenticeship work?

Accepted Answer

An Apprenticeship is defined as: 
"A paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences. Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification."

https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/what-is-an-apprenticeship

In reality this means that the Apprentice, their employer and the training provider share the responsibility of ensuring the apprentice has the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to work effectively. 
The Training provider delivers the core off-the-job training
The Apprentice works hard to develop their knowledge
The Employer supports the Apprentices learning and ensures they gain the experience they need through on-the-job training

Question 2

Is the Apprenticeship Professionally recognised?

Accepted Answer

Yes

Employers and the Rehabilitation Workers Professional Network (RWPN) recognise the apprenticeship as a requisite for working as a Vision Rehabilitation Specialist and for joining their Professional Register.

Question 3

How much does the training cost?

Accepted Answer

The off the job apprenticeship funding for this Standard is £17000.

These costs are funded directly by the Education and Skills Funding Agency via Employer Levy Funding.

Question 4

How long is the apprenticeship training?

Accepted Answer

Based on an Apprentice being employed full-time (35 hours pr week), the off-the-Job training is for 24 months.

Question 5

Is there help with funding for small, organisations?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

If you do not pay into the Governments Levy Scheme, – the Government will pay 95% of the off-the-job training fees.

You will need to pay just 5% of your Apprentices training costs.

Question 6

How do I apply for funding?

Accepted Answer

Levy Payer – If you are a local authority or employer that pays into the Government Levy fund, you will have a team managing the fund who will be able to advise you on how to secure funding.

Non Levy Payer – If you are a small organisation (not paying into the Levy) you will need to set up a Levy Account and request the funding – information on how to do this can be found at: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/employers/funding-an-apprenticeship-non-levy#

Question 7

Who delivers the training?

Accepted Answer

All training staff  on the Vision Rehabilitation Training Apprenticeship programme are qualified and practicing Vision Rehabilitation Specialists' and/or have Lived Experience of a Visual Impairment.

These experts bring the variety and reality of their day-to-day experience to their training sessions

Question 8

What level is the training?

Accepted Answer

This Apprenticeship is a Level 5 programme.

Level 5 training is traditionally the Second Year of Higher/Further Education, such as a Foundation Degree / Dip He.

Question 9

How much Off-the-Job training is an Apprentice entitled to?

Accepted Answer

20% of the Apprentices working week is reserved for Off-the-Job Training.

Based on a standard employment contract of 35 hours a week an apprentice will have 7 hours per week allocated to Off-The-Job training

Question 10

How is the training delivered?

Accepted Answer

On-line training - We have a bespoke online training platform for the apprentice to access their learning and to store all their work

Learning - Utilising a ‘tried and tested’ Active Learning methodology, apprentices develop the practice skills they need to function as a proactive member of the team

Weekly Work - The apprentice is guided through the programme with weekly worksheets that develop their knowledge, skills, and behaviours and evidence their development

Workshops - Everything that is considered a classroom activity we deliver via TEAMS. In-person training focusses on active hands-on work.

Question 11

Where is the In-Person training delivered?

Accepted Answer

There are no prolonged periods away from the workplace

Year 1 - 1 day focussed face-to-face training sessions are delivered in the centre of London

Year 2 - 1 & 2 day focussed face-to-face training sessions are delivered in the centre of London

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