Apprenticeships

Agriculture or Horticulture Professional Advisor Apprenticeship Level 6

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What is the Agriculture or Horticulture Professional Advisor – Level 6 Apprenticeship?

The Level six Agriculture or Horticulture Professional Advisor Apprenticeship is designed to provide businesses and students with the latest scientific thinking, knowledge and skills to deliver a holistic approach to farming and agriculture in the UK.  

At the end of this thirty month course a graduating apprentice will be able to support farmers and growers maximise their crop yields utilising the best possible methods, enabling them to adapt to new regulations and policy to develop the best agricultural strategies for their businesses. 

The Level 6 Agriculture or Horticulture Professional Advisor Apprenticeship is essential for anyone who is serious about a career path in agricultural consultancy or investing in training up the next generation of cultivation experts.

What is the 10 Things about the Level 6 Agriculture or Horticulture Professional Advisor Apprenticeship that will convince you of it’s value:

Content:

  1. Learn About Agriculture And Horticulture On The Job
  2. Agriculture And Horticulture Driven By Scientific Knowledge And Research
  3. Relationships And Networking In The Agriculture And Horticulture Sector
  4. Communication
  5. Personal Development As You Become An Agriculture Or Horticulture Advisor
  6. Learn Management Skills
  7. Agriculture And Horticulture Policy And Legislation Made Easy
  8. Commercial Business Knowledge
  9. Environmental Challenges And Problem Solving
  10. Digital Systems
image shows a tractor in a field harvesting wheat from an aerial perspective
Tractor in field harvesting wheat – copyright Tomas Hertogh, unsplash.com

1. Learn About Agriculture Or Horticulture On The Job

From day one an apprentice will be interacting and getting on the job experience alongside professionals on farms, glasshouses, estates and in nurseries as well as learning from scientists, research companies and independent consultants to see first hand what modern crop growing is.

Extensive time is spent in the outdoors and on site working with plants, flowers and crops as hands-on learning is emphasised and real world experience is prioritised over theoretical understanding and classroom time, making it the perfect course for nature lovers.

Agriculture or Horticulture apprentices learn on the job. image shows scientists with plants under UV lighting
Scientists with plants under UV lighting – Copyright ThisisEngineeringRaEng, unsplash.com

2. Agriculture And Horticulture Driven By Scientific Knowledge And Research

This apprenticeship is led and directed by the latest research and insights being discovered and developed within the agricultural sector and how these new techniques are maximising yields and profit whilst minimising environmental impacts. Apprentices will find themselves at the frontier of land management as they are exposed to precision farming, scientific research and experimental farming. 

Continual professional development during the apprenticeship will ensure that apprentices have the most up to date knowledge and the skillset to continue pursuing new understandings after graduation, share expertise with their colleagues and seek out innovative solutions, implementing them at cost.

Agriculture or Horticulture apprentices learn in a data and scientific driven environment. image shows man with agricultural engineering machine in a field
Man with agricultural engineering machine in field – copyright ThisisEngineeringRaEng, unsplash.com

3. Relationships And Networking In The Agriculture And Horticulture Sector

A core part of becoming an agriculture or horticulture advisor is the ability to build trust with farmers, growers and relevant stakeholders through accountability and delivering on agreed objectives. Apprentices will learn about the agricultural sector’s values and culture and how to navigate life amongst tight knit communities, overcome local problems and challenge outdated practices without confrontation. 

The interpersonal skills that an apprentice develops will enable them to quickly build a network of clients, navigate conversations with professional bodies and identify hierarchical structures and decision-makers within organisations so they understand who to reach out to on different issues.

Agriculture or Horticulture apprentices will build relationships and network. image shows a greenhouse full of tomato plants
Greenhouse full of tomato plants – copyright Zand Photography, unsplash.com

4. Communication

Apprentices will be continuously exposed to scientific theories and will be working with complicated data sets so it is essential that they are equipped to explain complex concepts and ideas in an accessible way to a range of people. Alongside this training in complaint management procedures and protocols and utilising the correct communication channels is provided so that apprentices can resolve business problems and connect with clients in the most effective and professional way.

As an apprentice builds confidence in themselves during their training they will be able to facilitate and chair meetings on relevant issues with relevant stakeholders and help communities reach collectively agreed outcomes.

Agriculture or Horticulture apprentices will gain communication skills. image of three AI faming robots in a field tending to plants
Three AI farming robots in a field tending to plants – copyright James Baltz, unsplash.com

5. Personal Development As You Become An Agriculture Or Horticulture Advisor

This apprenticeship will enable students to understand their preferred working and learning styles so that they can be more efficient with their time and are actively encouraged to seek out feedback to help them develop their professionalism. Time management skills will also be developed so that apprentices can plan effectively for the short, medium and long term whilst gaining a flexible mindset so they can overcome any unforeseen obstacles or challenges and re-prioritise tasks when necessary. 

By the end of the apprenticeship skills such as self-reflection and evaluation will be second nature to an apprentice who will be able to identify successes and areas for improvement and how best to achieve goals and optimum outcomes on projects.

image shows a man watering in a commercial greenhouse
Watering in a commercial greenhouse – Zoe Schaeffer, unsplash.com

6. Learn Management Skills

Through self-development apprentices will be able to recognise different ways of working and preferred methods of communicating, enabling them to facilitate the best working environment and training for others. Apprentices will also be able to support a wider team to meet deadlines and manage workloads and help more junior co-workers create personal development plans, sharing their knowledge, expertise and best practice with them. 

Apprentices will learn how to employ active listening, ask appropriate questions and influence others in order to gain relevant information and reach the best solution for the farmer or grower and guide stakeholders to the most effective outcome.

  • Agriculture or Horticulture apprentices will learn management skills. Image shows field of rolled hay bales
Field of rolled hay bales – copyright Nick Fewings, unsplash.com

7. Agriculture And Horticulture Policy And Legislation Made Easy

Through integrated learning, apprentices will gain comprehensive understanding of policies and legislation that affect the agricultural sector and how any national or international changes will impact the nature of their work. This is essential learning as a large part of an adviser’s career is to provide guidance on  best practices and how farmers and growers can maximise yields whilst complying with legislation, regulations and environmental policy. 

Health and safety and risk analysis is incredibly important for an advisor to understand thoroughly as industrial chemicals will be a part of their work, from storing materials correctly to being able to read labels and symbols to providing necessary reports, apprentices learn all aspects of this so that they can do their job safely, protecting themselves and others.

image shows seedlings being tended by a horticulturalist
Seedlings being tended by a horticulturalist – copyright Joshua Lanzarini, unsplash.com

8. Commercial Business Knowledge

Commercial business management skills for running farms and nurseries alongside financial land management will become second nature to apprentices as they learn during the course. Graduates will be able to calculate costs, negotiate and understand the financial implications of their advice and decision making and how it can impact on farmers and growers. 

An apprentice will gain a working knowledge of how to deliver on business outcomes in appropriate time-frames without compromising business values or culture whilst remaining GDPR compliant.

  • Agriculture or Horticulture apprentices will learn commercial business knowledge. image shows man in white coat with tray of plants
Man in white coat with tray of plants – copyright ThisisEngineeringRaEng, unsplash.com

9. Environmental Challenges And Problem Solving

Uncontrollable variables such as the weather, seasonality and climate change are inevitable challenges that an agricultural or horticultural advisor must attempt to mitigate whether through working with nature or taking steps to move crops into controllable environments such as glasshouses. 

An example of the type of work an apprentice might undertake to overcome poor crop growth might involve taking a soil sample and analysing it in a laboratory environment to understand pH, soil type, erosion and nutrient deficiencies. The apprentice will explore if the soil can be treated to improve harvests or if a different type of crop should be grown instead, weighing up the pros and cons to advise the farmer or grower appropriately.

Apprentices will explore how to overcome major pests that threaten UK crops and minimise damage whilst avoiding the development of pesticide resistant strains of weeds, insects and diseases, a difficult balance to find.

Agriculture or Horticulture apprentices will learn about environmental challenges. Image shows a lavender field with a red telephone box
lavender field with red telephone box – copyright Abhishek Banik, unsplash.com

10. Digital Systems

Digital systems such as Management Information Systems have become an integral part of modern farming and enable agriculturalists to record and analyse data to make scientific decisions and implement strategies based on the results. An apprentice will be able to deliver the best solutions for farmers and growers through their understanding of these digital systems, producing comprehensive reports for clients that deliver tangible results, improving yields for everyone.

Image shows a tractor farming with a ploughing attachment in a field
A tractor farming with a ploughing attachment in a field – copyright Luke Thornton, unsplash.com

What next?

If you are keen to read about this apprenticeship in more detail and learning about entry requirements  we recommend checking out this page on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website where they break down key skills and knowledge that students will learn.

We wish you the best of luck with your apprenticeship journey!

Why a Florist apprenticeship might be for you

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florist apprentice working

Becoming a florist is a career that can be both rewarding and fulfilling. Not only do you get to work with beautiful flowers and plants, but you also have the opportunity to bring joy and happiness to others through your creations. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in floristry, one option to consider is a level 2 florist apprenticeship. In this article, we will explore the benefits of doing a level 2 florist apprenticeship and why it may be the right choice for you.

What is a Level 2 Florist Apprenticeship?

Let’s first define what a level 2 florist apprenticeship is. This apprenticeship is a work-based training program that allows you to learn and work in a floristry business while gaining a formal qualification. It is typically a 12-18 month program and provides a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning. Now let’s take a look at the benefits of choosing this pathway:

1. Gain Hands-On Experience

One of the main benefits of doing a level 2 florist apprenticeship is the hands-on experience you’ll gain. You’ll be able to work in a real floristry business, learning from experienced professionals and getting a feel for what the job is really like. This experience will be invaluable as you move forward in your career.

2. Learn from Experienced Professionals

As mentioned, you’ll be working with experienced florists who can teach you the ins and outs of the industry. This includes everything from flower care and handling to design techniques and customer service. Learning from those who have been in the industry for a while can give you a leg up in your career and help you develop skills that may take longer to acquire on your own.

3. Gain a Formal Qualification

Another benefit of doing a level 2 florist apprenticeship is the formal qualification you’ll receive at the end. This qualification is recognized by the industry and can help you stand out to potential employers. It also shows that you have a certain level of knowledge and expertise in the field.

4. Develop Transferable Skills

Floristry is a career that requires a range of skills, including creativity, attention to detail, and customer service. By doing a level 2 florist apprenticeship, you’ll develop these skills and more, many of which are transferable to other industries. This means that even if you decide to pursue a different career down the line, the skills you’ve learned will still be valuable.

5. Career Progression Opportunities

Finally, a level 2 florist apprenticeship can open up career progression opportunities. Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you may be able to progress to a higher level apprenticeship or move into a supervisory role within the business. Alternatively, you may decide to start your own floristry business, and the skills and knowledge you’ve gained will be invaluable in that endeavor.

Reflection

In conclusion, a level 2 florist apprenticeship is a great option for those looking to pursue a career in floristry. It provides hands-on experience, the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, and a formal qualification at the end. Additionally, the skills you’ll develop are transferable to other industries, and there are plenty of career progression opportunities available. If you’re interested in floristry, a level 2 apprenticeship is definitely worth considering.

flower bouquet made by an apprentice doing the level 2 florist apprenticeship

Level 3 Blacksmith Apprenticeship

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Are you looking for an apprenticeship that will provide you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in a trade? If so, an apprenticeship in blacksmithing could be the perfect fit for you. Blacksmithing is an ancient craft that has been practised since the Middle Ages and is still a highly valued skill in many industries today. An apprenticeship in blacksmithing provides an opportunity to gain the skills and qualifications needed to become a qualified blacksmith

What is a Blacksmith Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid job where you gain on the job training and work towards an qualification. Blacksmith apprenticeship will be 4 years long and you will gain level 3 qualification at the end. This apprenticeship has funding of £21,000.

Traditional ways of Blacksmith work

What skills, knowledge and qualifications will I gain from a blacksmithing apprenticeship?

You will gain knowledge about

  • Health & safety : Learn about processes and legislation
  • Tools: Learn how to operate equipment, fixed and hand tools
  • Quality: Knowledge of quality standards expected by clients, employers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
  • Materials: Learn about properties and uses of materials used for blacksmithing, such as the effects of heat and working on forgeable metals.
  • Design: Learn about elements and principles of design for drawings by hand and interpret models to clients
  • Context of craft: Learn about work done by notable blacksmiths and artistic movements.
  • Manufacture, conservation and repair of metalwork:  Knowledge of finishing and protection methods and processes

Skills you will gain from this position

  • Maintain health and safety standards for self and others, and identify hazards in the working environment.
  • Interpret and create specifications, drawings, and instructions for metalwork manufacture or repair
  • Produce technical drawings and designs using CAD or by hand.
  • Select appropriate techniques, tools, and equipment for metalwork. To understand manufacturing or repair needs.
  • Efficiently manage a forge or furnace, and use thermal equipment for cutting and joining metals.
  • Use hand-operated machine tools. Also learn bench work for cutting, drilling, shaping, and joining materials.
  • Maintain and prepare tools, materials, and equipment for the job.
  • Construct and fit metalwork in the workshop or on site, including assembly and dismantling.
Blacksmith working with tools

Behaviours that a successful candidate will have

•Ensuring work is carried out safely and wearing proper PPE.
•Quality-focused: work is up to client requirements.
•Professionalism: Work ethic and attention to detail. Be clear in communication and understand the importance of efficiency.
•Self-development: Staying up to date with industry standards and new technologies.

What are the requirements of this apprenticeship? 

 This apprenticeship will last for 4 years. You will need BTEC level 2 Technical Diploma in Blacksmithing or equivalent relevant forge experience.

Level 2 English and maths before EPA(End point assessment) is required to pass EPA.

Overall, the Blacksmith Apprenticeship standard is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about blacksmithing to develop their skills and pursue a career in this rewarding field. Whether you are interested in traditional blacksmithing techniques or modern metalworking methods, this apprenticeship will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. For more information, Please contact our support team

Want to check out benefits of apprenticeship. Read more here...

Want to learn more being a Blacksmith… Click here

Level 3 Apprenticeship: Advanced Credit Controller and Debt Collection Specialist

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Does working in a fast-paced, varied, and target-driven environment sound appealing to you? If so, this article details everything you need to know about a level 3 apprenticeship which could be perfect for you. Read on to find out more about becoming an Advanced Credit Controller and Debt Collection Specialist.

Jobs and entry requirements for the level 3 advanced credit controller and debt collection specialist apprenticeship

Credit management and debt collection is a crucial function found in all businesses as it’s integral to tracking commerce and finance. This level 3 apprenticeship will provide you with the skills to learn both technical and interpersonal skills for the role. There are a multitude of roles you could end up in. For example, you could be involved in setting policies, managing financial risk, managing customer relations, or facilitating sales. Possible job titles include Finance Controller, Credit and Collection Representative, Collections Agent, and Collections Adviser. An entry level debt-collector agent’s salary starts at £23,250 per year. If you end up a finance controller, you could earn up to £91,000, showing there are strong opportunities for career progression.

Sound good to you? Keep reading! Next let’s look at what is required of you to do the apprenticeship. Employers usually set their own entry requirements for their apprentices. So, it’s good to look this up on a role by role basis. However, it is pretty standard that most employers will require you to have level 2 Mathematics and English. An employer may also look to see if you have any previous or relevant experience. This gives you an indication of the type of qualifications you’ll need if you think this is the right fit for you.

Key responsibilities of an advanced credit controller and debt collection specialist apprentice

Another key thing to think about when considering an apprenticeship is what you will be expected to do day-to-day. For this level 3 apprenticeship you will work with internal and external customers. You’ll ensure that business cash flow is maximised, while negotiating fair outcomes for customers. You will advise on credit policies and analyse credit risk. In addition, you’ll manage complex relationships with customers to resolve financial issues. Not only that, but you’ll also apply your knowledge of statutory and non-statutory enforcement solutions to recover debt. As an apprentice, you’ll have a good understanding of legal, regulatory, risk and compliance frameworks. You’ll also get to grips with credit management and the commercial industry. This may seem like a lot of role-specific jargon at the moment, but you’ll learn it all as you go!

An example of having to work collaboratively to solve credit and debt issues as part of the level 3 apprenticeship

Level 3 advanced credit controller and debt collection specialist core competencies

You will be required to carry out duties that will satisfy a number of competencies as part of your job role. Here are some examples:

  • delivering excellent customer service and manage relationships
  • identifying and resolving issues in a professional manner
  • communicating effectively with key stakeholders
  • identifying solutions through negotiation and decision making
  • using a wide range of systems to deliver services to customers
  • working in a team to support colleagues
  • identifying areas and opportunities to improve systems and work practices

Advanced credit controller and debt collection specialist qualifications

After October 2021, if you are a new apprentice, you will work towards the Chartered Institute of Credit Management qualification. You could undertake the following level 3 diplomas in one of the following:

  • Credit and Collection
  • Credit Management (apprentices must pass this qualification by 30th September 2023)
  • Diploma for the Debt Collection Industry (apprentices must have registered before 31st December 2022)

Usually, you can expect to do the apprenticeship for between 18 and 24 months. Upon qualifying you could progress your career in a range of ways. You could become a team leader, a credit and collection manager, or a senior credit risk analyst, for example.

Conclusion

As you can see, the level 3 advanced credit controller and debt collection specialist apprenticeship is a varied role. You will learn many interpersonal and technical skills which will provide a range of job opportunities for your future. So, if you are looking for a job that sits within a legal, financial and accountancy framework, then this level 3 apprenticeship may be the one for you. Your apprenticeship is just the start of your career!

If you want to explore other apprenticeships within the legal, finance and accounting sector, then check out our blog post on a level 3 insurance practitioner apprenticeship. Comparatively, take a look at our level 3 financial services apprenticeship post.

You can also find out more about all things apprenticeships on our social media channels. We post the latest updates, answer your questions, and connect like-minded apprentices together. Follow us on Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Dos and Don’t of using Ad Intel

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Are you looking for the ultimate guide to using Ad intel? This is a great tool for researching the global competitive advertising market for both Ad spend and creatives. But you might find it hard to use the platform. We have come up with Dos and Dont’s help you navigate the way around the platform. Continue reading to find out more!

What is the database?

This a data base that allows you to run selective reports and adds media channels, new dates, brands and spending across the time that is suited. It requires planners, to research and gain exposure on competitors for client requests.

Please see Apprenticetips for more information on using digital tools and overall apprenticeship research. Find at ApprenticeTips.com

DO

Use Ad Intel for in-house planning, buying and media decisions. This will include building in-house reports to understand the competitive market.

Don’t

Another key point is not to share the data, in a raw format – it will lead to it being manipulated in another way.

DO

Also, Feed data into dashboards or reports for client use.

Don’t

Generate reports with any spot level granularity. Including reporting by channel, publication or sharing data outside the business.

DO

But, do use your own login at all times. This is to save copyrights and people taking credit for your work.

Don’t

Lastly don’t, share any data on your own websites without permission.

Why this matters?

These Dos and Don’ts allow you to be the best researcher you can be for your business and solve your client requests. Being a good researcher helps meet business goals and pushes your company to: Better understand your customers, design new business opportunities and identify problem areas.

To use these Dos and Don’ts head onto the Ad Intel website to become a pro at Ad Intel UI UK (nielsen.com)

Conclusion

In summary, we hope this gave a good overview on the sharing guidelines of Ad Intel. By following these tips, you will be showing a better understanding on Ad intel and can take what you have learnt back to your business and show your clients you are a research expert!

Creative Production Manager Level 7 Apprenticeship

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Man overseeing creative production

What is a Creative Production Manager?

The role of a Creative Industries Production Manager involves taking responsibility for the organizational aspects of production schedules and budgets. We need someone who can balance creativity with efficient time and budget management, because of the nature of this role, it involves working in various production areas, such as film, TV, commercials, VFX, post-production, animation, and live performance art. You will be required to flex between departments. As well as, supporting the creative team’s vision by managing resources, scheduling production, and solving problems that may arise.

How can an apprenticeship propel you towards a career as a Creative Production Manager?

Undoubtedly, completing an apprenticeship can open the doors to an exciting career. Our Level 7 program covers essential production management skills and knowledge within the creative industries.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you will have the chance to specialize in the following key creative production areas: Production Accounting, Film, TV and Short Form Production, VFX, Post-Production and Animation, or Live Performance Art Production. Choosing a specialization will enable you to gain specific skills and knowledge tailored to your chosen field.

The apprenticeship provides practical experience through on-the-job training and work-based learning. A qualified training provider and employer offer guidance, support, and supervision throughout the program.

Once you have successfully completed the apprenticeship, you will possess the essential skills, knowledge, and experience needed to work as a Creative Production Manager in various industries. With this expertise, you’ll be able to manage production resources, prepare schedules, manage budgets, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and provide progress reports to senior management.

For those interested in learning more about the apprenticeship, please refer to the assessment plan.

Entry Criteria

While there are no specific entry requirements for this apprenticeship, previous experience in technical theatre, production coordination, or production accounting is desired.

You will not be required to have English and Mathematics to gain entry therefore it will be expected of you to have achieved this prior to the End Point Assessment.

Alternatively, British Sign Language qualifications can be used as a substitute for English qualifications for those who use it as their primary language, it is important to us that everyone has a fair chance because we understand intelligence comes in any form.

In addition, apprentices without level 2 English and Maths must achieve this before taking the end-point assessment. If this is not obtained, consequentially the apprentice will not be able to complete the apprenticeship.

Responsibilities of each role

The creative production industry offers many career paths to explore. Our program values versatility and recognizes each apprentice’s unique strengths and interests. We allow our apprentices to specialize in the area that aligns with their passions and goals because we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. So, let’s explore the exciting job roles that our apprentices can aspire to. Please see below.

Picture shows split screen of job roles

These roles include Production Accountant, Production Manager, Stage Manager, Line Producer, Post-Production Supervisor, Post Producer, and Bookings Manager.

  • As a Production Accountant, you will be responsible for managing the financial control of the production.
  • A Production Manager oversees all operational and logistical aspects of production.
  • A Stage Manager coordinates all aspects of live performances, including rehearsals and technical elements.
  • A Line Producer manages the day-to-day operations of production to ensure it stays on schedule and on budget.
  • A Post-Production Supervisor oversees the post-production process.
  • A Post Producer manages the post-production process from start to finish. Alongside this, they will be working closely with the creative team to ensure the final product meets their vision.
  • Lastly, a Bookings Manager manages the bookings of personnel, locations, equipment, and other resources required for production. This includes negotiating rates, managing contracts, and ensuring all resources are available when needed.
If you are interested to know more about each job specification, please click here

Desired Knowledge and Behaviours

It’s important to us to maintain a high level of professionalism and creativity. In other words, we need a candidate that will meet our expectations.

Professionalism:

To maintain the credibility and reputation of creative industries’ production management. The ideal candidate must possess integrity, honesty, and reliability. Additionally, they must uphold ethics and display respect when dealing with others.

Moreover, possessing adaptability and flexibility are crucial qualities for meeting key production deadlines because of the varied tasks, it is important for the right candidate to already have this foundation embedded as it enables positive adjustments to change in work priorities and patterns because of these qualities you can actively ensure successful completion of the apprenticeship.

The candidate should display resilience and proactivity in their role. They should be tenacious and proactive in positively dealing with setbacks during production.

Creativity:

Creative thinking is paramount because we need to push the boundaries a little bit therefore the ideal candidate must be able to also conceptualize creative ideas and have a creative vision. Additionally, they must be able to analyze problems and use initiative and innovation to provide creative solutions and opportunities for production.

Conclusion

For aspiring creatives who seek to establish themselves in the dynamic field of creative production, our Level 7 apprenticeship program offers comprehensive training and expert guidance.

With a focus on ‘on-the-job learning’, this program equips you with the essential skills needed for success, all while earning a wage.

We understand that this apprenticeship might not fit what you are looking for, so please check out our site on ApprenticeTips for more creative apprenticeships. Alternatively, browse through our site for a wider range of apprenticeships.

We’d love to hear your feedback and keep you up-to-date with our latest offerings.

Please stay in touch via Linkedin, Twitter or Facebook.

Alternatively, subscribe to our newsletter.

Level 3 Water Treatment Technician Apprenticeship

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A man, water technician, in a white helmet points to something, while another man in a yellow helmet is holding papers.

Are you looking to start a career in Engineering and Manufacturing? Are you a self-starter and a great problem solver? If so, then a Level 3 Water Technician Apprenticeship might be for you.

What is a Water Technician?

Water Technicians are responsible for the development, installation and maintenance of water treatment programmes for the water systems of industrial and commercial buildings such as schools, hospitals and hotels. As a Water Technician you will be expected to ensure the quality of water is suitable and safe for specific uses e.g., for food production, drinking and washing, preventing and minimising health risks such as microbiological contamination and scale formation.

Within the Water Technician Apprenticeship there are different roles you may undertake. This may include: a Water Treatment Technician, Water Treatment Equipment Technician, Legionella Risk Assessor, Water Treatment Operations Supervisor. There will be some aspects of these roles that are similar and some that differ.

What are the entry requirements for this apprenticeship?

To apply for a Water Technician apprenticeship, the typical requirements are 3-5 GCSEs at grades A-C (including English and Maths) or equivalent.

What is required of a Water Treatment Apprentice?

As a Water Treatment Apprentice you should have a willingness to learn new skills and demonstrate the ability to be professional and respectful of others. In addition, you should be a self-starter and be willing to make independent decisions and develop solutions and improvements to work practices. Another core skill is to be able to work safely and to supervise the safety of others, as well as be receptive to feedback.

Water Treatment Apprentices will also learn the appropriate water treatment for specific water systems and be able to treat them. As well as, but not limited to, giving presentations and demonstrations to customer/site personnel regarding treatment recommendations and creating reports.

What technical knoweldge will you learn on a Water Technician apprenticeship?

Some of the technical knowledge all Water Treatment Technicians will be required to know are:

  •  The Chemical reactions involved in the corrosion and scaling processes in water systems.
  •  The cell structure of waterborne microbes and the interactions with biocidal products used to control them.
  •  The concepts of flow and heat transfer in water systems and how they affect water treatment processes.
  •  Ion transfer technologies, including resin and membrane based systems, used to change water quality.

The importance of health and safety

As a Water Technicians you should be able to keep yourself and others safe by understanding, complying and implementing statuary health and safety regulations and contribute to improving safer working conditions.

What technical tasks will you prepare and perform?

As a Water Treatment Technician you will:

  • Gather system data to enable the correct selection of operational resources that may be required e.g. access equipment (ladders, scaffold or cherry picker).
  • Complete work task risk assessments and develop work plans and method statements for the task(s) involved.
  • Ensure the suitability and correct operating condition of resources and equipment for the work tasks involved. This can include test equipment, chemical dosing equipment, water pumps and other specialised equipment.

You will also perform the:

  • Identification of suitable sampling and application points in a water system
  • Assessment of relevant test parameters and sampling plan for specific water systems
  • Performance assessment and evaluation of water system conditions and operations utilising specific monitoring equipment
  • Application of water treatment programmes to specific water system types e.g. cooling towers, steam boilers, heating and chilled systems etc.
  • Interpretation of test results and development of treatment programme improvements and recommendations

Undertaking an apprenticeship can be a great alternative to college or higher education.

For more information and to apply for the Level 3 Water Technical Apprenticeship check out www.apprenticenow.com.  

If a Water Treatment Technician isn’t for you, but you’re still interested in career in Engineering and Manufacturing, why not check out the Level 3 Digital Engineering Technician Apprenticeship.

Email Marketing Tips For Digital Marketing Apprentices

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Email marketing on computer

Have you felt struggled trying to create an email marketing campaign? Email is a complex aspect of marketing. The landscape always changes. We have listed our top tips on how digital marketing apprentices can improve their email campaigns.

Choose the right email marketing software.

Email marketing is a powerful marketing tool, so it is important to make sure that you are using the right software to improve your marketing campaign. Email marketing software’s include tools that are able to increase your audience, segment your lists and provide reports to grow your business and earn more revenue. Below is a list of 10 free email marketing campaigns to help you save both time and money:

Promotions aren’t everything.

While the ultimate goal of email marketing is to grow your business, you need to realize that promotions are not the core of email marketing. The most important aspect of your email marketing must be to establish and nurture healthy relationships with your customers. It is these healthy relationships that will result in customers providing lifetime value and act as the driving force of your business’ growth.

A/B testing is a must.

Always test important elements in your campaigns to help you constantly improve your campaigns. A/B testing, also known as split testing, is a way of working out which of two campaign options is the most effective in terms of encouraging opens or clicks. In an A/B test you set up two variations of the one campaign and send them to a small percentage of your total recipients. Half of the test group is sent to Version A, while the other half gets Version B. The result, measured by the most opens or clicks, determines the winning version. This is then sent to the remaining subscribers.

Preview your emails before sending.

As every subscriber is important to you, using previews will help you find the optimal format and layout for different platforms. You want to avoid any mistakes in your campaign

Experiment with send times.

Experimenting with send times is a great way to get to know your audience. Try sending email campaigns at different times and see what email receives the most engagement. Over time, you should start to see patterns and be able to pinpoint what works best for your email marketing.

Email marketing best practice

Have a personalised message.

Personalisation is one of the most important elements you need to strive to nail in every campaign. However, many people have misunderstood personalisation to mean addressing a subscriber by name. While that is part of it, there’s more to personalisation such as:

  • Being relevant
  • Sending timely emails
  • Anticipating your subscriber’s needs

Add GIFs to your email campaigns.

Adding GIFs to your email is a great way to grab your subscribers attention, point them toward an action you want them to take, or keep them scrolling to make sure they get your whole message.

Pay attention to subject lines.

Subject lines are one of the most important aspects of email marketing. The subject line of an email is the single line of text people see when they receive your email. This one line of text can often determine whether an email is opened or not, so make sure it’s optimized for your audience.

Keep on doing tests on your emails.

Testing your email campaigns is important because it ensures that your campaign looks the way you want it to. This way, you know how the campaign will display on different browsers or email clients. Furthermore, testing lets you figure out what’s working with your campaigns and what’s not.

Conclusion.

In summary, email marketing is an effective marketing method when it is done correctly. By following these tips, digital marketing apprentices will be ready to create amazing email marketing campaigns.

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Ways to be powerful at work in a security role!

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By Devya Joshi

People working at a venue, which likely requires security.

You want to do work where you can thrive and earn cash. Do you want to know the Ways to be powerful in your work environment for L3 security role? You will thrive when you are able to hold your own power. Here are ways to be powerful in your work environment for L3 security manager role! Your own internal power will allow you to persevere in the L3 security first line manager role. This blog will go through what the role entails, requirements to manage others and dominate in the workplace. Read on and see if this apprenticeship peaks your interest. Regardless, you will get great ideas for your career path.

Lady who is a security manager.

What is a security first line manager

A security first line manager is someone who ensures that the work environment is safe and manages the security force. Since security is important to our safety, there are many sectors you can work in. The windows of opportunity are available in sectors such as: Event security, department of transport, transport and border security etc.

Requirements and mindset

Shows importance of mindset and having strong core values.

The requirements for the L3 security role can be best summed up as being able problem-solve, effectively communicate, handle conflict, make decisions, be able to assess risks and take the appropriate solutions. In order make a start on the requirements mindset is key. Without the foundation of having strong core values, you will have more of a rollercoaster ride. Whether you write a quick note on your wall or make a mantra, sing empowering affirmations, write in a journal for 5 mins or any creative, effective method that floats your boat, it will remain in your subconscious mind. Thoughts and beliefs within our subconscious mind that are empowering will allow us to be calmer in situations, which is a massive requirement in this job. Additionally, it will allow us to be resilient. This applies to any role; however, it is needed for roles which require you to manage others because we can decide our response to any situation.  

A great way to practise your mindset is through roleplay and being aware of your feelings regarding different situations.

Whilst you ponder on potential scenarios and become mindful of your thoughts towards them, I will take you through the skills required, method of assessment and at the end summarise the message of this blog, as well as a key takeaway for you.

Main skillset

Ability to plan, organise and manage environment and safety hazards.
  • Ability to plan and organise so that you are effectively able to use your resources without any safety hazards like injuries that abide with security standards.
  • Managing your environment. This would include the site to ensure there is sufficient security and protecting valuable assets of customers.
  • Ability to analyse- Utilising analytical skills to assess a security-related issue or to reflect on previous scenarios
  • Understanding of applying health and safety practices within security

Method of assessment

Assessment will give a chance for you to capture work you are proud of in a portfolio.

Assessment will be a mix of practical and written. You will be given the chance to capture your work you are proud of in a portfolio, which will be helpful to you in future roles.  The work you do in your role can be done as a video, audio or in a document.

The following evidence can be captured within the portfolio:

  • Presentations.
  • Feedback received from stakeholders, line manager, customers, peers etc.
  • Reports
  • Products relevant to performance or artefacts from your work during the role

The apprenticeship is 18 months long and you will be given a synoptic project to do after the portfolio, where you will be creating improvement plans and risks assessment, then implementing them. Finally, you will have an interview where assessors will ask about your projects and role.

Summary

Summary of most effective ways to be powerful in the workplace through mindset and affirmations.

Overall, the most effective ways to be powerful in the workplace is to  strengthen your inner power through mindset and affirmations to tackle and manage high pressure situations in a security environment. Managing and organising others as well as yourself is one of the most important skills. The apprenticeship is 18 months long, where you will capture evidence of some of your projects, along with doing a synoptic project and then an interview.

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The Future Of Digital Marketing Technology: How To Grow With It

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In a world where technology is constantly growing and evolving you can be at the centre of it all. Design, build and implement campaigns across a variety of platforms. Develop skills, learn new technologies and explore the Metaverse with a Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship.

Digital Marketing Technologies 

Marketers who adapt to newer technologies are able to personalise, engage, and connect with their audience. Developments in system technologies help marketers become better at targeting and predicting the behaviours of their industries consumers. During your apprenticeship you will be recommended technologies to learn and understand. Applying effective secure and appropriate solutions whilst using a wide variety of platforms and user interfaces to achieve marketing objectives. Interfaces mean by which the user and computer system interact. In accordance with the occupational brief the apprentice will be able to demonstrate the use of three digital technology tools over three different platforms or user interfaces to meet objectives.

Examples technologies and tool:

  • Social Media – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok etc. As well as social media management tools. Examples include Sprout, Hootsuite and Later.
  • Design Tools – Creating content for advertising using platforms such as Canva, Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
  • Email Marketing Tools – Using written communication skills in the form of newsletters to encourage brand engagement. Common tools include Mailchimp, Sender and Iterable.

The Importance Of Research 

Market research goes hand in hand with digital marketing. Gathering consumer preferences, identifying trends, brand research and social listening. This can help your business eliminate the risk of targeting the wrong audience. This can save your company thousands of pounds when creating paid advertisements. During your apprenticeship you will take and interpret given topics both short and long term and make recommendations and report on the summary of findings to create a strategy. Throughout you will be conducting research sometimes without even realising you are! You will develop technical understanding of the following principles:

  • Search Marketing
  • SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
  • Metrics
  • Pay-Per-Click

Analysing Data

Digital analytics measures and evaluates the success of digital marketing activities. You will analyse digital data from various sources like websites, mobile apps, and social media to provide a vision of how customers are behaving in relation to your company. Through analytics you will obtain an insight into the areas where there may need to be improvement. In line with the occupational brief the apprentice must be able to analyse data and create reports by selecting three appropriate tools. This can include:

  • Website Data – this identifies who is coming to the company’s site and their activity while they’re there. This can be obtained through Google analytics. Google analytics lets you explore your audience such as demographics, location, retention, and the device in which the user searched on.
  • Social Media analytics – Data gathered from social channels measures the performance of actioned based decisions through social media. Companies with business accounts have access to information such as accounts reached, accounts engaged, impressions and profile activity. Tools such as Hootsuite, Sprout and Later can also be used to gather data.
A Group of People Discussing Charts

Digital Marketer Assessment

Technical knowledge and understanding are formally assessed at relevant times during your apprenticeship. The EPA (End Point Assessment) includes an assessment of all requirements of the standard. The following assessment methods are summative portfolio, synoptic project, employer reference and an interview. This displays all the knowledge, behaviours, and technical competencies you have learnt through your apprenticeship. 

Conclusion

As you can see, the Level 3 Digital Marketer apprenticeship includes various technical aspects. With technology constantly evolving it has the power to predict your consumer’s next move. I hope this blog gives you an insight into the technologies you will learn during the apprenticeship including analytics, research, and social media tools.