Archive for the ‘Apprenticeships’ Category

A Taste of CAD and Electronics

Monday, August 16th, 2010

Last week I took part in a taster session to see the company and courses from a potential learner’s point of view.

First up was an hour with Ian Ward who teaches CAD courses.
CAD (Computer Aided Design) is used by a lot of people in the engineering industry and architects use it too.

We got shown the basics of the program within the first ten minutes and were then left to decide what image we would like to recreate from 4 images that have already been done.
Once left to our own doing, it became quite apparent that most in the session were quick learners and very computer literate. A few people had previously had a taste of CAD at school but said that participating in the session here was a lot different to school and they really enjoyed the hour spent on the computer. Ian also explained that there are always new versions coming up every so often and the learner’s who start in September 2010 will have the latest version to work on and it is more complex.

Then we went from the computer room through to the workshop and were introduced to Richard Barrett who was taking the Electronics course taster session. We were given a brief talk on the importance of safety and cleanliness when using the equipment we will be using. We were shown a computer motherboard and Richard explained to us that machines solder different pieces onto the motherboard, however when a piece becomes loose or needs replacing, an engineer will actually be soldering it back on, not a machine. 

Once given our task and overalls and safety glasses, we went to the workbench and got familiar with the soldering iron.

 The task was broken down and first we were given a small board, four pins and told to put one pin in each corner of the board. Once the pins were securely in place, we then had to solder two resisters to a small board (it didn’t matter where on the board as long as it was secure.)

First we selected where on the board the resister will be put, and tried to make the wiring on each side as even as possible. Once the resister was in place, we then soldered the two wires in place on the opposite side of the board. Making sure the resister didn’t come loose whilst trying to solder it on was a bit tricky but we all managed it in the end.  We then attached two wires onto the board by first stripping 1cm of insulation off the wire and securing it against one of the 4 pins that we put in previously.   
Once we had all finished the last step, we admired our handiwork and set about clearing up. I do have pictures of the finished product and will upload them when I can =)

Then I went back to the office to get on with my day to day things with a bit more of an insight on both what goes on in the workshop and also how it feels and how things look as a learner.
Overall a very good experience and I would definitely recommend it, even if you do not end up going on one of the courses, it is a good way to see if you actually like the kind of work and learning that will be involved to gain the qualification.

I will be learning more about other departments/industries and will keep everyone updated on my experience.

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University system under the spotlight

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

Stephen Smyth Marketing ManWith the University system currently under the spotlight, now is a timely moment to consider the alternatives. 

Whilst a University education may be the pinnacle for a student, the financial burden on their career in its formative years is such that often the social elements of home and health can suffer. I can speak from experience: I have four children, two of whom are at University and the other two about to embark on their studies.  The bank of Mum and Dad are under severe strain.

However, had these young people chosen the alternative route of an apprenticeship (as did a friend of my daughter), within six months they could have a qualification, including a technical certificate. Not only that, but help in finding a job, where they could continue their training and earn a salary. So instead of running up a debt, they would be earning a salary whilst training and gaining experience.

With around 40% of school leavers attending a University degree course, one has to muse if this is too many, when an apprenticeship offers such an attractive alternative for those minded to have a career where they use their dexterity and skill to manufacture and create something.

I’m not suggesting that one solution fits all. However thinking of my daughter’s situation makes me wince.

Her good friend at school decided to take an Engineering Apprenticeship and started her course with ATG Training in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. My daughter took up a place at Canterbury Christ Church reading English.

Five years later, Jenny is now studying for her Masters Degree and still running up costs with no immediate prospect of paying back those costs.  Meanwhile, Sophie has been at work for five years at a science and technology company, is a star employee and has an income that allows her to have a lifestyle with her own home and car.

Who has made the right decision? Well, both have for their own particular needs. However, this type of information is not at the forefront of young people’s minds when they are faced with decisions at a critical time in their lives. They are not advised by schools and are not really ready for the responsibility that level of decision generates.  

Career Education is the key to help young people and this should start in their early teens.

Stephen Smyth

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Friday, June 4th, 2010

Mark Paxton IT Apprentice

Mark Paxton may only be 17 years old, but he’s already begun his career in IT. His secret? Obtaining a National Vocational Qualification (NQV) Level 2 for IT Practitioners from ATG Training.

When were you an apprentice at ATG?
I started my apprenticeship in September 2009, and it finished at the start of January 2010.

Which apprenticeship did you take?
ICT. I had been interested in ICT for quite a few years before I looked at ATG.

What made you want to take part in ATG’s program?
ATG offered to get me an interview and help get me a job during and after the course.

Is it safe to say the followed through on those offerings?
Yes, ATG helped me prepare for my interview and helped me write my CV. I was offered an interview with ABS Ltd in November 2009, approximately half way through my course, and following that they offered me a placement the week before Christmas. After my placement, (ABS) offered me the job and Level 3 course.

Did you attend an ATG Open Day prior to apprenticeship?
Yes, I was shown around and explained what ATG is and what they do. The most important thing I learned at the Open Day was what the ICT course was all about (what it consisted of and what was required). Based on the visit, I wanted to join ATG because of the short course and the offer of helping me get a job.

What certification did ATG help you obtain?
NVQ Level 2 for IT Practitioners

What was your favourite part about the ATG apprenticeship?
The course was short and expanded my knowledge a lot. I learned General ICT software, hardware troubleshooting and repairing, and customer support.

What did you like most about ATG in general?
I met a few new friends, and the tutors were always happy to help and have a laugh.

You’re now with ABS Ltd. When did you start working there?
I started at ABS Ltd on 4th January 2010, following my weeks placement in December.

What is your position, and what are your duties in this new role?
I’m a Support Technician. I provide software and hardware to support to customers and monitor servers.

Do you think you would have been able to obtain your current position without help from ATG?
No, I would not have known about the position without the help of ATG, as ABS recruits directly from ATG.

Would you recommend ATG to others?
Yep, it’s definitely worth the time, and you will meet new people whilst getting the qualification.

For further information about our apprenticeships, contact 01296 737800 or future@atg-training.co.uk.

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Thursday, May 27th, 2010

Director of Learning and Skills

Just got back from viewing some of our students’ engineering presentations.  It’s very inspiring to see another generation of students adding real value to their employers through vocational products.  What struck me was a theme for productivity improvement.  Most projects involve an improvement in efficiency or a reduction of waste.  These are real savings that will improve their employers’ bottom lines.  It’s the best possible advert for proper vocational training: theory complementing practical application.  Programmes that deliver real, measurable benefits during and after the course.  Well done to the students.  They are proving themselves to be valuable assets to their employers and great ambassadors for a technical career.  Goodness knows the sector needs them.

Sterling Engine demonstration

Sterling Engine demonstration

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Why should I recruit an ATG Apprentice?

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

I want to ask you if you have ever considered hiring an apprentice for your company and explain to you why an ATG APPRENTICE is a WORK READY Apprentice.
One of the common oppositions that ATG receives from employers is that whilst they would be happy to employ an apprentice, they often feel that the initial few months involves a lot of development and support from the employer in order to get the apprentice up to speed in the job that they were hired to do. This leads to many employers seeking other ‘quick fix’ options, such as using recruitment agencies or other expensive recruitment methods to hire experienced (and more expensive) employees.
This is where a WORK READY ATG APPRENTICE has helped change employers opinions. At ATG, an ATG APPRENTICE is treated like an employee whilst they train with us. From day one, they ‘work’ between 3 – 6 months full time, on a Monday to Friday 8.30am-4.30pm week, and spend 3.5 half days physically working on the practical skills required to do the job in their chosen vocation. This practical experience is backed up by a further 1.5 days a week in the classroom, and in most cases, a varied and diverse two week work experience placement.

Ok, I can see that ATG APPRENTICES are trained differently, but why should my business hire an ATG APPRENTICE?

Many organisations shy away from discussing the key element that most benefits their company. The simple fact of the matter is that an ATG APPRENTICE is a cheap, skilled and effective labour supply.
An ATG APPRENTICE is WORK READY. They can already undertake a large number of job duties in their chosen field and will have already gained a good level of qualification (both a technical certificate and an NVQ level 2.) This means that they require little supervision to get them up to speed and then start generating your business an income.
The cost of hiring and then employing an apprentice is considerably more cost effective than hiring a more experienced employee. If you build in recruitment costs, and the enhanced wages that will pay experienced employees, whilst you will usually see a more immediate return on your investment, the medium to long term return on your investment is dwarfed by the return you would get from investing in the development of an apprentice. You will need to spend some of your time developing the apprentice to meet your company’s needs which does have a cost implication, but in the medium to long term, the financial return will be worth it.

So, if I do decide to hire, what are my commitments to the ATG APPRENTICES’ Further education?

 ATG will take care of their further and continued education. All we ask is that you offer them a varied and diverse work experience in a safe working environment and that you allow them a maximum of one day a week over a 14 month period to continue their education in order to further boost their portfolio of useful vocational skills.

What support can I get?

The education of your apprentice is covered by the government. Over a 3 year period, the government will contribute nearly £15,000 to the education of the apprentice.  There are periodic incentives from the government and local charity organisations that will offer financial support to employers who wish to hire an ATG APPRENTICE. Visit our website www.atg-training.co.uk for the latest news on these incentives.

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Improving Efficiency in Apprenticeship Provision

Monday, March 29th, 2010

After attending a LSIS event on the new Apprenticeship Improvement Development Tool. I was pleasantly surprised that the lean tools and techniques from manufacturing industry are starting to be transferred into the education sector. All the components of the apprenticeship framework have been value stream mapped enabling providers to gain a detailed knowledge and understanding of the level of resource needed to support continued growth within their area of delivery, an efficiency review of how staff are deployed against roles and sectors, an indication of any additional resource required to support growth, Identification of current spare capacity through inefficiencies of deployment

Apprenticeship Improvement Development Too is available on the LSIS website from the beginning of April. Can’t wait to see what improvements need to be made to improve the provision.

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The new Induction Standards for a career in Children’s Care

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

If you have designs on working with children and young people, you’ll know that this is an important career. You’ll relish the challenge of playing a valuable role in shaping the lives of future generations and in making this the best possible place in the world for children to live.

Successful people in this field see themselves as professional – right from the start.

So lots lots of enthusiasm, energy and passion is required. You will also need knowledge and understanding of what children, young people and their families need to achieve their full potential.

Perhaps you are new to a role working in children’s services or maybe your work role has changed within children’s services – whichever it is, you can be sure it will be demanding and challenging, yet thoroughly rewarding.

What are the induction standards all about?

The induction standards from the Children’s Workforce Development Council (the sector Skills Council) set out the knowledge, skills and understanding which are essential to improving outcomes for children, young people and their families. All new staff coming into the Children’s Care workforce, should complete the induction standards. ATG Training can help you understand the requirements.

Induction is your first step along a journey of developing your professional skills and understanding your role. Workplace induction is a planned programme of activities to prepare and orient new staff to the workplace.

The Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for the children and young people’s workforce sets out the basic skills and knowledge needed by all people (including volunteers) whose work brings them into regular contact with children and young people. For more information, please contact future@atg-training.co.uk

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Electrical Training

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Electrical Apprentice

ATG has expanded its Electrical Training area and can now accommodate 36 students on its six-month, full-time programme.  With excellent instructor-to-student ratios, ATG Training has a track record of starting apprentices on a career in electrical installation and maintenance.  With ATG’s recruitment cycles,  there are start dates to suit anyone so applicants need not be constrained by the academic year. 

Contact ATG Training to find out how to join this exciting programme.

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ATG Announce New Training Courses or Apprenticeships

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

It’s been a while since I last blogged and much has happened.

Director of Commercial Development

Are we seeing an economic recovery, are we all getting pre-occupied by a new government or indeed the old one hanging on.  What does it all say about the landscape for Skills.  Well we can wait or we can be proactive, if we are not recovering as a country, we will (hopefully) at some point so let’s crack on and make sure we have the right types of things for young people to do so they can contribute to the community and the economy.

ATG training will be moving forward into a very new exciting area this summer, “Motorsports”.  We have thought long and hard about this and what’s better than proving that high performance engineering of which we are known,  has an exciting and challenging arena to be expressed.   We are now taking interest from many young people who want to be the first to experience Motorsports at ATG,  so don’t hang around come and see us, join our Facebook group or just give us a call. http://bit.ly/9W4f1G

Talking of Facebook and the world of social networking, we communicate more and more this way, with our twitter and Facebook pages.  It’s really easy to get a feel for ATG training and its high quality provision and that we are a people business through the Internet, but all that said its so much better (showing my age here) to meet the great staff face to face to see how we can help.

So whoever wins the election and whatever the interest rate, not to high I hope, you can find us being proactive and developing new things and constantly improving our current offer but most all very friendly and always happy to explain how we can help with “Your Future”.

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Young Ladies speak on Childcare Learning & Development Training

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

Bianca Stacey, (18) Childcare Learning & Development

      ‘I first heard about ATG because I was sent a letter about an open day so I decided to go along. I chose the childcare course because it looked interesting. I have really enjoyed the course so far and it has been better than expected.
    
       I really like that you get the experience of being in the childcare setting as well as learning 3 days a week at ATG. Learning in the classroom isn’t boring as we have had fun days (bowling, circus skills) and also people coming in and doing presentations. I find the work quite easy to do but if I get stuck there is always some-one to ask for help.

       I’m glad I came to ATG I have learnt a lot and will miss everyone when I leave’

Jenny Rutland, (18) Childcare Learning & Development

‘I first heard about ATG from my friend who came to this college and told me I should have a look and see what they can do for me. I also heard it on the radio and thought it was interesting and so I phoned up and they were really helpful to me. Now I’m here at ATG with a job and nearly finished my NVQ 2.

I have really enjoyed this course so far, it is very different to other colleges I have been to and I still prefer this college. I have met new friends here at ATG and will stay in contact.

I have already done the level 2 at a different college and didn’t find a work placement so I couldn’t finish off my qualifications, so I came to ATG and I studied it again to boost up my knowledge even further and finally found a work placement to finish of my NVQ2 qualification. I am really happy with ATG they really mean what they say when they will help you find a job they never leave you completely on your own to find a job they guide you in the right directions in finding a job for the future.

The atmosphere here at this college is welcoming and friendly, I really recommend it to everyone who is looking to study something further in their career. It’s a good way to meet new friends and to build up your team work skills. Also, here at ATG, they help to practise for an interview and give you feedback on the things that went well and not so well so you can improve for the time you have a real interview so it goes well.

There is nothing bad about this course what so ever and I would really recommend it to everyone’

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