1. How to apply

Applicants can apply for an Apprenticeship direct to Chichester College or through a careers (Connexions) personal adviser. Once the application has been received the the college will contacts the applicant and invite them to attend an information session and interview.

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

All applicants can have an interview. This can happen at College locations (Chichester, Brinsbury, Selsey, Littlehampton, Midhurst and Bognor) or at the most convenient Connexions Office or, if the applicant is employed at the employer's premises.

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

All Apprentices have some off the job training, this can be in the form of day release, block release or twilight classes held either at College or at the employer premises.

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

Yes.

5. How much do apprentices normally get paid?

Employers are encouraged to pay the rate for the job for the relevant industry and must pay a minimum of £80 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?

Chichester College can assist applicants with their job search, but cannot guarantee employment. They offer workshops including CV writing, interview techniques and letter writing. Applicants are notified of any current vacancies on the Natational Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service and informed how to apply. Application forms and CVs are held on file and applicants are encouraged to send out speculative enquiries to employers if there are currently no vacancies in their chosen occupation. Alternatively a member of the Workforce Skills Team may send out CVs to employers, but Chichester College must have the applicant's consent to do this. Employers who contact Chichester College with a vacancy are matched up with the list of current applicants and CVs are sent out accordingly.

8. Do you keep lists of current job vacancies?

Yes and we have a list of companies who are receptive to employing apprentices.

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. Chichester College 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?

Currently there is no charge for Apprenticeships

14. What other services are offered?

There are many other training services available to students and employers. Take a look at the web site: www.chichester.ac.uk and www.apprenticeships.org.uk

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

Applicants will have to complete initial assessment test for literacy, numeracy and in their chosen subject area. This is to ensure that students have the ability to be successful in their apprenticeship.