1. How to apply

Applicants can apply for an Apprenticeship direct to the EDF or by talking to their careers (Connexions) personal adviser. Applications are then acknowledged by the EDF by letter.

2. Are all applicants interviewed and if so where/how does this happen?

A short interview and an aptitude test is carried out shortly after receipt of the Application. The EDF Ltd will then endevour to find a suitable employer, when this has been achieved a formal interview will be arranged at the potential employers' premises or at the EDF offices in Slinfold, Horsham.

3. Does training take place at the work place or at other places as well?

For NVQs training and assessment is 100% in the workplace. Apprenticeships include more training and assessment covering key skills and technical certificates and require day release at a local college. Colleges used are Crawley, Brighton, Hastings and Northbrook.

4. Can a training programme be started at any point in the year?

There is a period between September and mid-November when Apprentices can start their college training. NVQs take place in the workplace with training and assessment provided by the EDF all year round. Apprentices can start with their employer at any time.

5. How much do apprentices normally get paid?

Employers are encouraged to follow Engineering Employers Federation guidelines starting at £150 per week.

6. Are all apprentices employed from the start by their companies they train with?

Yes.

7. What help is there in finding a job?

The EDF search for vacancy opportunities with employers and then match suitable candidates to the vacancy. Employers who contact EDF directly are also supplied with candidate information. Direct applications from potential candidates receive immediate acknowledgement and are advised that EDF will contact local employers on their behalf.

8. Do you keep lists of current job vacancies?

Yes. Available on the EDF website.

9. Are training programmes available to those people that are already employed?

Yes.

10. Are applicants referred by Connexions Personal Advisers considered for training programmes?

Yes.

11. Is it possible for applicants to be kept on a waiting list if a place on a training programme is not immediately available?

Yes.

12. How should employers make contact?

Employers can make contact by phone, e-mail, web site or in writing. We will talk to the employers about their training and recruitment requirements and either help them to recruit new staff or train their existing employees.

13. Is there any charge to employers?

For apprenticeships the employer pays the NVQ registration fee and a significant contribution to the cost of a technical certificate.

14. What other services are offered?

Range of one-day courses to 3-day residentials covering management skills, fork lift truck driver training, NVQ's for adults in-company. Also some aspects of HR consultancy, employee surveys and management and organisational development for employers.

15. Are there any special entry requirements for the apprenticeships available through this organisation?

Yes - please take note of all vacancy role descriptions.