1. How to apply

We encourage Applicants to contact us direct if they are interested in our Gas, Electrical or Plumbing Apprenticeship programmes. Call or email Sarah who will guide you through the application process and arrange for you to attend an interview at our training centre in Burgess Hill.

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

All applicants are invited to attend the Mid Sussex Apprenticeship Centre in Burgess Hill for an interview and entry assessment which is made up of 3 test papers – numeracy, literacy and aptitude – and a practical exercise.

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

As a general rule Apprentices attend the Mid Sussex Apprenticeship Centre in Burgess Hill one day per week for off-job training and four days per week with an employer in the workplace gaining the essential on-job training and experience. There will be extended periods of off-job training throughout the apprenticeship programme which will be arranged with employers as required.

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

Yes, although this will usually be subject to demand and availability of places on any chosen apprenticeship programme. Occasionally we receive an application from an individual who has existing industry knowledge and/or may have already completed part of an apprenticeship programme at another training provider - in these circumstances there may be an opportunity to start on programme at a more advanced stage. We would encourage you to contact Sarah to discuss further.

5. How much do apprentices normally get paid?

The Government has set £95 per week as the minimum wage for all Apprentices. However in our experience apprentices on a Gas, Electrical or Plumbing programme are generally paid a salary that reflects their skills, experience, age and ability – all of which should increase during the 3 year programme.

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

Apprenticeship programmes are Work Based Learning training schemes meaning that learning takes place both ‘on-job’ alongside your employer and ‘off-job’ at Steve Willis Training. This combination of learning provides an excellent way for Apprentices to apply classroom based theory in a practical hands-on way in the workplace, and therefore to successfully complete an apprenticeship every learner has to have employment in their chosen industry. However we know that it can be difficult for some apprentices to secure suitable employment and so we provide a 12 week period (from start of programme) where we will work with you to find an employer whilst you commence the ‘off-job’ training at the Mid Sussex Apprenticeship Centre.

7. What help is there in finding a job?

Our Apprenticeship Team will assist learners in securing suitable employment - usually we have a list of potential employers who have expressed an interest in taking on an apprentice from large national companies to sole traders. Prior to commencing on scheme we encourage applicants to seek employment independently - we know that prospective employers like to see that the applicant is actively engaged in this process.

8. Do you keep lists of current job vacancies?

Yes, these are made available to applicants seeking a job.

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?

We welcome all contact from Employers whether they are looking to recruit an apprentice or are already employing a person they would like to put through an apprenticeship programme. Please contact Michelle Fraser (Training and Development Advisor) who will be delighted to discuss your specific business requirements – 01444 870860 or email michelle@stevewillis.com.

13. Is there any charge to employers?

Apprentices aged between16 - 18 years old will have their training programme fully funded by the Government (providing the applicant meets the criteria.) Apprentices aged between 19 – 24 years old there are no guarantees of Government funding and where funding is available it will only meet up to 50% of the training costs so additional charges may apply. Apprentices aged 25 years old will not receive any Government funding and therefore the applicant and/or employer will have to meet the costs of the training programme. However we do not want possible charges to discourage any applicant from training and would suggest that you contact us to discuss your circumstances.

14. What other services are offered?

Advanced Apprenticeships in Electrical and Plumbing. A wide range of short courses for the plumbing, gas, electrical and refrigeration industries. Please contact us for further details on our comprehensive course programme.

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

Steve Willis Training considers many factors when deciding on an applicants suitability for an Apprenticeship, and do not necessarily apply a strict entry criteria based solely on exam results. We take into account applicants strengths and achievements to date alongside dexterity and practical competence. If you want a career in the Building Engineering Services Industry – Gas, Electrical or Plumbing – then call Steve Willis Training for a dedicated apprenticeship programme.