Frequently Asked Questions
q: Will I be paid for my travel?
a:
Yes, if you do not have access to the company's own transport arrangements
q: When will my pay go into the bank?
a:
Your travel expenses/EMA will go into the bank every Friday, if your travel claim/timesheet is submitted at the end of each week.
q: For my EMA Application, how is the household income worked out?
a:
The total income of adults in your house who are responsible for you is assessed. This is usually your parents or carers, but it could be another family member or adult. If your parents don't live together, any maintenance paid by the parent who doesn't live with you is not included. Basically, if the household income is less than £30,000 you will qualify for some EMA.
q: Will EMA affect our other benefits?
a:
No, EMA gets paid on top of other household benefits.
q: What do I need to do to get my weekly EMA benefits?
a:
As soon as you realise you want to continue in education, you should ask for an EMA application pack. You can get one of these from your school, College, Learning Provider or Connexions Adviser.
q: Will I get a bonus?
a:
Depending on the programme, you may be eligible to receive a bonus.
q: Do I get any holidays and are they paid?
a:
With all programmes, there is entitlement for holidays allocated, again this is programme dependant. For example, an apprentice is entitled to two paid holidays per calendar month.
q: What happens if I am sick?
a:
As long as you telephone before 10.00am and have a genuine reason for your absence we will mark you down as sick however, if a pattern occurs then we will need to review the situation.
q: What happens if I don't like the course I am doing?
a:
With our youth contracts, we run a two week initial assessment which will give both you and us a chance to check whether you are suitable or not, if you don't like the programme we will look into what else is available.
On New Deal contracts, we will refer the situation to your New Deal Advisor to investigate whether we can transfer you onto something else.
q: Who is eligible to complete an Apprenticeship?
a:
The training can be delivered and funded for any young person under the age of 25. However, for a learner to start on an apprenticeship programme, we would expect to assess that learner at level 1. Or you may already hold GCSE grades D-G (or have fewer than 5 grades A-C).
q: What about employees who are aged 25 or over?
a:
In many instances, on a regional basis funding is available through Train to Gain, for anyone over the age of 25 to complete an NVQ in an occupational area. If you would like more information, please contact us.
q: What levels are apprenticeships set at?
a:
Apprenticeships are set at two different levels: Apprenticeships at level 2 (equivalent to five GCSEs at grade A-C) and Advanced Apprenticeships at level 3 (equivalent to two A-Levels).
q: How is the qualification level for a particular candidate decided?
a:
S&D Training carry out a comprehensive Initial Assessment Programme to determine what level is best to suit the individual. Other factors can be included such as previous experience and your current job role where applicable.
q: How long do apprenticeships and NVQs take to complete?
a:
The time it may take you to complete an Apprenticeship or NVQ can vary. Although there is no specific and strict timescale, it is usually expected that it should take you between six months and two years, although we do expect learners to work at their pace.
q: I'm already employed; can I still do an apprenticeship?
a:
Yes, with the approval of your employer. Depending on your age, an employer contribution may be required.