Interested in employing an Apprentice?

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to grow your business.

If you would like us to help you advertise to fill a new position, please contact us for details on how we can help you with our free recruitment service.

We offer apprenticeships in:

• Arboriculture (Level 2)
• Animal Care (Level 2)
• Horse Care/Equine Studies - Equine Groom (Level 2) and Senior Groom (level 3)
• Horticulture; - Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative (Level 2) or Horticulture and Landscape Supervisor (Level 3)
• Land-based Service Engineering Technician in partnership with CNH (Level 3)
• Sports Turf
  • Golf Greenkeeping
  • Sports Turf Operative (inc football, rugby, cricket)
• Veterinary Nursing (Level 3)

Contact apprenticeships@writtle.ac.uk or 07885 220477 for more information

What can an Apprentice do for your business?

Apprenticeships provide real, measurable business benefits. They bring productive, enthusiastic and loyal people into your business and help you to demonstrate your commitment to investing in your staff. 80% of companies who employ apprentices agree they make the workplace more productive, whilst 88% of employers who employ apprentices believe that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce. For more information visit the Apprenticeship website

You don't need to be a large company to take on an Apprentice; we work with a variety of companies, from micro up to large public sector organisations.

What commitment does an employer need to make?

An apprentice will be your employee and will need a contract of employment for at least the duration of the Apprenticeship. On average our level 2 Apprenticeships take around 14 - 20 months and the level 3 Advanced Apprenticeships around 20 - 30 months; however the time scale of an Apprenticeship is flexible and will depend on the Apprentices prior experience and the course they are enrolled on.

• Wages - Employers are required to pay an apprentice a minimum wage. However learners over 19yrs must be paid the national minimum wage when their second year of study starts.
• Health, Safety and Safeguarding - Companies will need to comply with current Health & Safety Regulations. Our staff will carry out an on-site inspection and work with you to ensure the apprentice works in a safe environment.
• Support - As an employer you will need to work alongside Writtle University College staff to provide a supportive environment for your apprentice. This includes releasing your apprentice to attend College when necessary and being involved with their on-site progress reviews every 10 - 12 weeks.

Apprenticeships at Writtle University College

We offer you the opportunity to complete an Apprenticeship in any of the following areas:

• Agriculture: livestock, arable & mixed farming
• Animal Care
• Environmental Conservation; Park Ranger, Estate Worker, Conservation Officer
• Equine Studies
• Floristry
• Horticulture; Landscaping, Greenkeeping, Groundsmanship, Parks, Gardens and Green Spaces
• Veterinary Nursing

Recruitment Service

Many employers contact us with a potential apprentice already in mind; this could be an existing member of staff who needs training to progress to a new role or a volunteer / casual worker who the company feel would be an asset to their company as an apprentice.

However, if you are looking for a new member of staff Writtle University College can help manage the recruitment process on your behalf, or assist your existing HR department at every stage of the recruitment process. Your vacancies will be advertised on the National Apprenticeship Service and Writtle University College websites, as well as our dedicated Apprenticeship Facebook page. Services we can offer include:

• Receiving applications on your behalf
• Shortlisting suitable candidates
• Inviting candidates to Interview
• Providing sector specific staff to conducting interviews with you

Innovative Delivery Methods

Writtle University College are pleased to offer our apprentices the opportunity to use our E-portfolio system through Smart Assessor. This has advantages for both our apprentices and their employers. The system enables apprentices to access and manage their Diploma portfolio online or through the new phone app. Learners can easily submit photo or video evidence, track their progress, access teaching resources, check assessor feedback on work and contact their Training Officer.

Employers are also provided with secure login details to view their apprentice's progress, provide witness statements regarding their apprentice's work and contact their Writtle Training Officer, allowing them to be more involved with their apprentices study and progress.

Industry Experts

Apprenticeships and work-based training are delivered by a highly skilled team of trainers/assessors with extensive industry experience in their specialist sectors. This gives employers piece of mind that training and learning is being delivered by an expert who understands the needs, pressures and sometimes unique requirements of the sector.

Short Courses for Industry

Writtle University College are able to offer our apprentices discounts on our commercial short courses, including vital competence and legislative training. Click here for more information the latest courses available.

If you are an employer interested in recruiting an apprentice, please contact Vicky Hitcham or Kristy Burgess on 01245 424255.