1. How to apply

Applicants can apply for an Apprenticeship or Advanced Apprenticeship with YMCA Training by talking to their Connexions personal adviser, YMCA Training then telephones or writes to the applicant with an interview time and date. Or contacting YMCA Training direct on 01323-738175 or 07825-454969 and speak to Cathy.

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

All applicants are interviewed and initial assessment carried out. Applicants are interviewed either at the workplace (if already employed) or at a local Connexions office, or at one of the YMCA Training sites in Eastbourne or Hove. YMCA Training also carries out a taster week at Easter for Child Care at Eastbourne. If the applicant has not got a job or workplace then YMCA Training will help the applicant to find a suitable placement.

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

Most training takes place in the workplace, although occasionally it may be necessary to attend training sessions in YMCA Training centres, or a more convenient venue may be arranged.

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

Yes

5. How much do apprentices normally get paid?

Employed Apprentices should expect to receive a minimum of £80 per week, or non-employed apprentices could claim Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

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

Government funded apprentices can be employed or unemployed.

7. What help is there in finding a job?

A YMCA Training Adviser can give advice on filling in forms, interview techniques, etc

8. Do you keep lists of current job vacancies?

YMCA Training would refer applicants to the Apprenticeship Matching Service.

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

Yes (subject to eligibility).

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

Yes (subject to eligibility).

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 telephone (01323 738175 or 07825 454969), email (c.gunstone@ymcatraining.org.uk) or in writing (YMCA Training, Banavie Stables, Wish Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4NX). 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?

Training is government funded. Extra charges could be incurred if learners exceed the agreed time for delivery (i.e. candidates do not complete within the agreed timescale).

14. What other services are offered?

Under the Train to Gain contract NVQ’s are available to those aged over 19, subject to eligibility. In addition Basic Skills of either Literacy and or Numeracy can be completed before signing up for an Apprenticeship award.

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

Applicants to YMCA Training are required to take a BSA Initial Assessment prior to beginning training.