apprenticeship information

Level 5 – Rail & Rail Systems Apprenticeship

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Rail & Rail Systems Engineer Apprentices learning in a hands on environment

A Level 5 – Rail & Rail Systems Apprenticeship could set you on the right tracks for the future. Check out this post to find out everything you need to start a Level 5 Rail and Rail Systems Apprenticeship now…

The ideal Rail and Rail Systems Engineer works as part of a multi-disciplinary team, but with personal responsibility and accountability for projects related to their specialist area. They can work in multiple railway worksites or in technical offices. They have a strong understanding of how the railway works as a whole and are able to assess the impact of their work and its interfaces with other teams. This includes an understanding of conventional rail or high speed rail, or both. They are responsible for the provision of rail specific technical engineering knowledge relating to a specific aspect of the railway. Specialist areas include rail specific civil engineering, rail track, rail signalling and control, rail systems & integration, rail traction and rolling stock, rail telecommunications, network and digital and rail electrical, mechanical and building services. Regardless of specific role, the Rail and Rail Systems Engineer Apprentice should ensure the railway runs smoothly on a day to day basis and to provide rail specific engineering knowledge across their own organisation to ensure this is the case. This includes supporting work relating to the integrated safe design, construction, installation, maintenance, renewal, or decommissioning of assets and equipment, to provide a safe and reliable railway.

Key Duties

  • Planning, processing, maintenance and production of railway assets and equipment.
  • Rail specific input to operational processes.
  • Taking proactive actions and decisions to avoid railway asset, equipment, process and systems failures within their area of influence.
  • Working across the Organisation to identify areas for rail system improvement.
  • Supporting or supervising individuals and teams in the delivery of Rail Engineering and Rail System tasks within their designated discipline
  • Providing and sharing specialist knowledge across the Organisation and ensuring that the impact to the railway of any changes is identified.

Core Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge

  • Safe and Professional working practices including rail specific legislation, regulation (e.g. Common Safety Method Risk Assessment(CSM RA)), industry procedures, safety and quality requirements, risk management and environmental impact of rail construction work and rail equipment.
  • The scientific, technical, engineering, mathematical and design principles and practices relating to their area of expertise in the context of how the railway works as an integrated, complex system, including an appreciation of all specialisms.
  • How to contribute effectively to the delivery of rail specific engineering solutions, applying project management principles, asset, risk and quality management and assurance systems, processes and techniques.
  • How strategic decisions are made including financial planning, budget control, commercial impacts, contractual obligations, supply chain management and resource constraints within a railway / regulated industry.
  • How teams work effectively; supporting individuals/teams to contribute to high performance within a safety critical sector and understanding how the specialist rail areas link together and their dependencies.
  • How to attract, recruit, develop and retain people including organisational change theory and performance management techniques within the safety critical rail sector.

Skills

  • Keep themselves and others safe by demonstrating safe working practices.
  • Apply a range of technical skill sets within their area of expertise or discipline in order to support railway research, development, design, procurement, logistics, planning, delivery, quality assurance, inspection, testing, installation, commissioning, maintenance, life cycle management, decommissioning and environmental compliance.
  • Deliver Rail & Rail Systems Engineering solutions effectively including planning, resource allocation, and management and delivery to the required specification.
  • Provide input to technical, business planning, finance and commercial meetings.
  • Use creative thinking and problem solving techniques to challenge rail and rail systems engineering assumptions, make new proposals and build on existing ideas.
  • Lead and support single discipline teams. Able to work effectively and collaboratively, individually and as part of a team.
  • Manage relationships with a range of stakeholders. Able to apply collaborative working techniques.
  • Problem solving and continuous improvement tools / techniques in a railway context.

Behaviours

  • Communication and influencing skills, choosing an appropriate means for the audience and the situation, checking for understanding and considering and building on ideas of others.
  • Professionalism, dependability, determination, consistency, resilience, honesty and integrity. Accepts and exercises personal responsibility within a safety critical sector.
  • A self-disciplined, self-motivated and motivational approach to work, managing time effectively to ensure levels of commitment are understood and delivered.
  • Safe working practice, without close supervision, to approved rail industry standards. Identifies and takes responsibility for own obligations for health, safety, and welfare issues.
  • Collaborative working, being aware of their actions and the impact they may have on others, maintaining effective relationships with rail colleagues, clients, suppliers and the public.
  • A focus on quality, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Continuous Professional Development; receptive to giving and receiving constructive feedback, willing to learn new skills and learn from mistakes. Identifies, undertakes and records CPD necessary to maintain and enhance competence.

Entry Requirements

Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their Apprenticeships in conjunction with their chosen provider(s). Apprentices without Level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and Maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3, and British Sign Language qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for those whom this is their primary language.

The typical duration for the Level 5 – Rail & Rail Systems Apprenticeship is typically 24-30 months depending on the previous experience of the apprentice and access to opportunities to gain the full range of competence.

For a full overview of what this apprenticeship program could provide, check out the link below.

Level 5 Rail & Rail Systems Engineer Apprenticeship

For more information on a wide variety of apprenticeships, check out some of our other blogs below or follow us on X for regular updates on new apprenticeship programs as well as tips and tricks for finding and starting an apprenticeship…

Apprenticeships

Compliance And Risk Apprenticeships

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In the fast-paced world of finance, ensuring adherence to laws and regulations is paramount. This is where the Level 6 Senior Compliance and Risk Specialist Apprenticeship comes into play. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of this apprenticeship, ranging from what it entails to salary expectations and entry requirements.

Compliance and Risk professional, Man sits in front of computer with trading and financial data on it.

What are Compliance and Risk jobs?

Compliance and risk are two pillars of financial governance. Compliance refers to the adherence to laws and regulations governing the financial industry, whereas risk management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential threats to a financial institution’s stability. These two aspects are crucial in safeguarding the financial sector’s integrity where there are many professional roles to pursue within the industry.

What Does It Take to Work in Financial Governance?

The financial industry is highly dynamic and demands adaptability and an unwavering commitment to ethical standards. Also, it requires a great deal of analytical and problem solving abilities. In order to thrive in the world of financial governance, individuals need to possess qualities like honesty, integrity, flexibility, and resilience. The Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education defines these key areas:

  • Strategy and Planning: Understanding and implementing strategies to ensure legal compliance and risk mitigation.
  • Delivering Services: Executing risk and compliance procedures effectively.
  • Analysis and Problem Solving: Identifying potential risks and developing solutions.
  • Communication and Influencing: Effectively communicating and influencing stakeholders in compliance and risk management.
  • Teamwork: Collaborating with colleagues to ensure a compliant and risk-free financial environment.

What Does a Finance, Legal and Accounting Apprenticeship Offer?

The Level 6 Senior Compliance and Risk Specialist Apprenticeship offers a comprehensive and enriching experience for individuals aspiring to build a rewarding career in the field of financial governance. In particular, this program is designed to equip apprentices with a diverse skill set and in-depth knowledge. For example, here’s an overview of what the apprenticeship encompasses:

Accountant using a calculator

Specialist Tracks available

One of the notable features of this apprenticeship is the availability of specialized tracks, allowing apprentices to tailor their learning to their specific interests and career goals. These tracks are designed to deepen their expertise in particular domains. Apprentices can choose one of the following tracks:

Financial Crime

The financial sector faces constant threats from various forms of financial crime, such as fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime. The financial crime track delves into the intricacies of identifying, preventing, and mitigating financial crimes, ensuring financial institutions are protected against unlawful activities.

Specialist Risk

Risk management is a fundamental aspect of financial governance. In this track, apprentices gain proficiency in assessing, managing, and mitigating risks specific to the financial industry, ensuring that organizations are well-prepared to navigate uncertainties.

Compliance

This track delves into the core principles of compliance, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulatory guidelines and industry standards. Compliance specialists play a pivotal role in ensuring that financial institutions operate within the boundaries of the law and maintain ethical standards

Compliance and Risks for Smaller Organisations

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have their unique challenges when it comes to financial governance. This specialized track is tailored to address the specific needs and intricacies of compliance and risk management within smaller organizations. Apprentices in this track learn how to implement effective strategies that are scalable and tailored to the resources and scope of SMEs.

Interested in the Financial & Banking Sector?

These specialized tracks not only provide apprentices with the knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen field but also equip them with a competitive edge in the job market. They allow apprentices to focus their learning on areas of particular interest or relevance to their career goals.

Compliance and Risk Curriculum

The Level 6 Senior Compliance and Risk Specialist Apprenticeship boasts a robust curriculum designed to equip apprentices with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field of financial governance.

Level 6 Apprenticeship Duration

A comprehensive program spans an extensive 36-42 month duration, ensuring that apprentices have ample time to absorb and apply the wealth of information provided. The curriculum combines chartered recognition through on-the-job training with recognized educational content, creating a well-rounded learning experience.

Apprenticeship Structure

Apprentices can expect a blend of hands-on training, mentorship, and classroom-based education that aligns with industry best practices. To foster continuous growth, the program also encourages self-learning hours every week, promoting independent study. The dynamic curriculum not only provides a strong foundation but also ensures that apprentices stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, making them invaluable assets in the financial sector.

What Apprenticeship qualifications can you hope to gain?

Upon successful completion of the Level 6 Senior Compliance and Risk Specialist Apprenticeship, individuals could gain qualifications from reputable institutions such as the London Institute of Banking and Finance, the Chartered Banker Institute, or the Institute of Risk Management. Such qualifications are from chartered institutions and will be given alongside a level 6 apprenticeship.

Risk and Compliance Entry Requirements

Aspiring compliance and risk specialists need to meet specific entry requirements to join this apprenticeship. Generally, candidates must have a Level 4 qualification in a related field or equivalent experience. Additionally, they need to be employed in a relevant role, ensuring that they can apply their learning on the job.

Image displays reading glasses resting on a mathematics guidebook used in compliance and risk apprenticeship training.

Compliance and Risk Salary Expectations

The financial sector values compliance and risk specialists for their expertise. Therefore, salary expectations are often quite competitive. The average salary for professionals in this field can range from £40,000 to £80,000 or even higher. This depends on the level of experience and the employer.

Tips for Success:

Embarking on a Level 6 Senior Compliance and Risk Specialist Apprenticeship is a significant step toward a career in financial governance.

• Stay Committed: Commitment is key. Dedicate yourself to the learning process and immerse yourself in the world of compliance and risk management.
• Effective Time Management: Balance your on-the-job training, educational content, and self-learning hours efficiently. Good time management will ensure you make the most of your apprenticeship.
• Seek Mentorship: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from experienced professionals in the field. A mentor can provide valuable insights and help you navigate challenges.
• Stay Current: The financial industry is ever-evolving. Keep up with the latest industry trends, regulations, and best practices to remain relevant and valuable.
• Embrace Challenges: Challenges are opportunities for growth. Don’t shy away from difficult tasks; instead, tackle them head-on and learn from the experience.
• Build a Network of Financial Experts and Apprentices: Networking is vital in the financial sector. Connect with peers, mentors, and industry experts to broaden your knowledge and opportunities. Look around on ApprenticeTips.com for more information!
• Continuous Learning: The apprenticeship is just the beginning. Commit to lifelong learning, as it will help you thrive in the dynamic world of financial governance.

Could you be the next Senior Risk and Compliance Apprentice?

The Level 6 Senior Compliance and Risk Specialist Apprenticeship opens doors to a dynamic and rewarding career in financial governance. As the financial industry continues to evolve, compliance and risk specialists play a critical role in the integrity and stability of financial institutions. By enrolling in this apprenticeship and adhering to the tips for success, aspiring professionals can pave the way for a future marked by expertise, opportunity, and excellence. The Level 6 Senior Compliance and Risk Specialist Apprenticeship is not just a career choice; it’s a commitment to upholding the highest standards of financial governance, safeguarding the industry’s integrity, and thriving in a field that demands excellence.

Are you Interested in another apprenticeship? Why not check out:

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

Digital Marketing Apprentice a Story

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Title image, Level 3 Digital Marketing a real life story

Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship

Are you are thinking about an apprenticeship? Or are you a company wanting to learn more about how an apprentice could help your business? Read on to hear from David, a small business owner running two bakeries in the midlands who employs Jess a Digital Marketing apprentice.

David, tell us why you decided you needed an apprentice for your business?

I run a small business and had never really looked at my online presence. I had a Facebook account but I’m so busy I hardly ever updated it. Customers asked if they could order online and if we have an Instagram account so they can see the latest new products. We also had a basic website; however, we hardly had any visitors, the site was a bit boring. I needed some help!
The reason I chose an apprentice rather than just employing a qualified digital marketeer is that I wanted to help a young person my community too. Our digital agenda could grow and develop with the apprentice.

What is it like having Jess in the business?

One word can describe this, amazing! Jess has been with us for 6 months now and has completely changed the way we work in the digital space. Through her course she has learned social media best practices, including how and when to post on Facebook and Instagram. We have gained more than 5,000 followers in the last few months alone. Jess will schedule social posts using imagery from the bakery on a system called Khoros. On a Monday she will create all the posts for the week to keep customers up to date with available products and special offers.
Due to the increased social presence, we have seen an increase in sales. Customers call into the shop after seeing a new product on Facebook. One morning we even had a queue around the block!

What else does a Digital Marketing apprentice do for you?

As well as the social media side of things, Jess will also write a weekly blog that we publish on our website. This can be talking about an event we are holding, recipes that we share or how we developed a new product. Not only is the blog popular and can be linked to our social media, it has also increased traffic to our website. Jess has mastered SEO on our website and regularly checks that we have the correct key words in our content. When a person searches ‘bakeries in the midlands’ for example, we now appear on the first page of results.

lady and man working in a bakery, lady is using a laptop

What does a typical day look like for your apprentice?

On a day when Jess has learning, she will pop her out of office on, so she has no distractions. In the morning she will have a learning session on a subject such as Google Analytics. This will involve learning, discussion with other apprentices and practical activities.
Then in the afternoon it’s time to put the learning into practice. Jess has set up a small report using Google Analytics so we can see how our website is performing. It will tell us how many people visit a page, how long they stay on the page, pages they look at after reading the blog plus lots more. Because of this analysis we have made changes to the links on our homepage to make sure popular content can be found easily.

Would you recommend employing a Digital Marketing apprentice?

That is an easy yes! Not only has Jess been a help in building the business digitally, but she has also been teaching me a few things too. I now know much more about the digital marketing world than I did 6 months ago. My business is popular on social media, we have 100’s of people a week read the bakery blog and we have seen an increase in physical sales.
On top of all this is has been a real pleasure to give Jess this opportunity and see her grow. I hope to keep her as an employee after her apprenticeship has finished.

If you would like to know more, click one of the links below:
Government Apprenticeship Website
Level 3 Digital Marketing Standards
Digital Marketeer Assessment Plan
Read more Digital Marketing apprenticeship blogs