Construction Industry Apprenticeships

Client FAQs

Fequently asked questions

How much does a programme cost?
Where has this programme been run?
How does the training programme work?
How do you find candidates?
How do successful candidates know what to do?
What happens with apprentice in the early days?
What is JBT’s ongoing role while the apprentices on site?
What Human Resources functions do JBT undertake?
How do JBT get an apprentice into follow-on employment?
Do JBT stay in touch with apprentices once the site placement is over?
How do JBT keep the client updated on progress?

 

How much does a programme cost?

This depends on the number of apprentices and the number of training weeks. The overall funding is often dictated by individual Section 106 agreements on Employment and Training. To obtain an individual costing please get in touch and we will run through the costings with you and prepare a free no obligation proposal, based on your requirements.

Each programme’s funding is split, 70% for apprentice wages and 30% for managing the programme.

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Where has this programme been run?

To date we have managed over 60 programmes across most of the London and surrounding boroughs.

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How does the training programme work?

Our model is not just about managing the site placement, although this is of course the central element and what we receive payment for from our clients. To get an apprentice through to the ultimate goal of going into employment, we do a great deal of work both before and after the site placement.

Once a programme is given the go ahead, JBT will meet with the site management team agree the trades and timings that will complement the site programme of works. JBT will also undertake a Health and Safety appraisal of the site.

Next job is to find the apprentices to fill the placement(s).

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How do you find candidates?

Finding apprentices that fit the criteria specified, for a given project, involves;-

  • Contacting the local Job Centre Plus Offices
  • Liaising with the local council / housing associations, etc. who may have potential candidates.
  • Visiting local colleges, attending local job fairs, etc.
  • Checking our database of Expression of Interest forms
  • Advertising vacancies through apprenticeship portals
  • Interviewing potential candidates
  • Checking references, with college tutors and former employers, if applicable.

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How do successful candidates know what to do?

Once selected, we induct the successful candidate into the programme. The apprentice is invited into our offices for an induction day, which covers:-

  • Explaining the terms and conditions of employment
  • Explaining the contents of the Employee Handbook
  • Explaining timesheets, and other HR related administration documents
  • Providing them with site-diaries, so they are ahead of the game with their on-site assessment requirements
  • Outlining the apprentice’s responsibilities; who they report to, site behaviour, absence & lateness notification, etc.
  • Explaining the formal JBT site review procedures
  • Explaining the pastoral care we will give them, including the independent Employee Assistance Programme we automatically enrol them into.
  • Checking the apprentice’s documentation;
  • Supplying them with tools and personal protection equipment for their chosen trade.
  • Answering any questions they may have
  • Finally, wishing them good luck

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What happens with apprentice in the early days?

Once the JBT Induction has been completed JBT initially:-

  • Personally introduce the apprentice to site staff.
  • The apprentice will undergo a site induction by site staff
  • JBT Provide initial pay loans; most are unemployed and may not have the funds to attend site in the early stages.
  • Enrol the apprentice into selected colleges / training providers for them to undertake their apprenticeship framework studies.
  • Pay college fees, when necessary.

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What is JBT’s ongoing role while the apprentices on site?

JBT’s ongoing role is about good communication, we keep in regular formal and informal contact with not only the apprentice, but also with their designated on-site supervisor, the site management team, their college tutors and their NVQ assessors

  • Carry out apprentice formal site reviews with their supervisors, to check their technical progress as well as their commitment levels
  • Aside from the formal reviews JBT keep in regular contact with the apprentice, site staff, college tutors, training providers and NVQ assessors
  • Ensure that colleges undertake the relevant on-site assessments.
  • Ensure that the apprentice attends college and performs the on-site requirement to satisfy their assessors, e.g. keeping their site diaries up to date, taking portfolio pictures of their work, etc.
  • Ensure the site staff are aware of what the apprentice should be doing in terms of their framework

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What Human Resources functions do JBT undertake?

JBT carry out not only the standard and legally required duties, we place a huge emphasis on pastoral care. JBT are often dealing with people who have not worked before, may have difficult backgrounds to overcome or plain have a lack of confidence.

  • Carry out Human Resource duties, checking time keeping, attendance, time sheet submission, sick certification, holiday entitlement, etc.
  • Payroll administration. Wages and subsidised fares are paid monthly
  • Providing pastoral care (possibly the key factor for successfully getting apprentices through the programme, qualified and into work). Including enrolment into the Employee Assistance Programme (a confidential 3rd party 24/7 service for a range of personal issues.
  • Deal immediately with any issues, which may arise with the apprentice, site incidents / personal issues
  • Follow disciplinary procedures when necessary

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How do JBT get an apprentice into follow-on employment?

JBT have an 80% plus record of people completing the programme, with all those completing getting into sustainable employment.

  • If the apprentice has not finished their qualification at the end of a site placement we endeavour to place them on another programme.
  • Work with the developers, site sub-contractors and external firms to try to secure employment for the apprentice.
  • Ensure that new employers support any outstanding learning commitments the apprentice may have
  • Once employment is secured, we assist the apprentice to ensure they receive a decent pay rate.
  • Assist those who want to go self-employed with HMRC requirements.

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Do JBT stay in touch with apprentices once the site placement is over?

JBT remain in contact with ex-apprentices to see how they are faring and assisting them, if they have any issues. To date we have; found new jobs for them if, e.g. their new employer is not treating them fairly; chased up, on their behalf, if colleges have fallen down on their remaining responsibilities; paid remaining college fees, to get them through.

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How do JBT keep the client updated on progress?

JBT have good reputation of working closely formally and formally with developers, housing associations, local councils and any other stakeholders involved with the project.

  • Attend site meetings to provide feedback as well as to learn from site staff how the build programme is progressing and any changes to initial plans and timings.
  • Provide monthly programme status reports to client developers and their partners. The report summarises progress and includes an up to date case study for each apprentice.
  • Provide an End of Programme report.
  • Prepare ad hoc management information the client may need, for internal management / board meetings, etc.
  • Get involved in PR that the client would like us to do e.g. attending their events, facilitating photoshoots, preparing in-depth case studies, being interviewed for, or preparing copy for publication on-line, in newspapers, magazines, etc.
  • Use social media to provide news
  • Publish regular newsletter.

Coming Soon – ability to login and get reporting on-line.

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