Starting an Apprenticeship
All you need to know before starting your learning journey.
Embarking on a new course is an exciting journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
To set you up for success, we invite you to join one of our Apprenticeship Inductions. This session will equip you with all the knowledge and confidence you need to thrive in the programme. If you haven’t attended an induction yet – book here. When booking, please ensure you –
1. Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
2. Have been recommended by your Employer
3. Are not enrolled in any other course or attending a College
4. Are available for the entire duration of the programme.
After completing the induction, if you feel ready to take on the challenge, you’ll move on to our Onboarding. This will be conducted through our E-learning platform ABEL-ABLE. Onboarding helps us understand your current level and starting points. Onboarding is an assessment process covering 8 key areas. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask and remember, the only stupid question is the one not asked.
Induction
Congratulations on booking your induction! This virtual meeting with our team is your first step towards an exciting Apprenticeship journey. Discover the incredible opportunities at all levels, and learn why an Apprenticeship is a fantastic choice for your future. Uncover the benefits of being an Apprentice, and explore the knowledge, skills, and behaviours you'll develop. Get ready to commit to a transformative programme and understand what you can expect from us and your company as you embark on this rewarding learning journey.
Personal Statement
Discover your potential and share your journey! Reflect on what inspired you to join this course and the passion that drives your current role. Highlight the tasks that fuel your enthusiasm daily. Envision your future—where do you aspire to be? What dreams do you hold close? Is there a specialised field you’re eager to master? Whether it's specialising in challenges like learning difficulties, mental health, or Dementia, the possibilities are endless. With this qualification, the world opens up—where will your path lead?
Maths Assessment
Alongside your onboarding activities in ABEL, you are required to complete an initial maths assessment, even if you already hold prior qualifications. The assessment is accessed directly within ABEL using your existing login details and forms part of your wider onboarding journey. It helps us understand your starting point and ensure the right level of support is in place as you progress through your programme.
English Assessment
Alongside your onboarding activities in ABEL, you are required to complete an initial English assessment, even if you already hold prior qualifications. The assessment is accessed directly within ABEL using your existing login details and forms part of your wider onboarding journey. It helps us understand your starting point and ensure the right level of support is in place as you progress through your programme.
Side by Side
Alongside your onboarding activities in ABEL, you are required to complete a short e-learning course made up of three modules: 1. British Values 2. Online Safety 3. Radicalisation and Extremism This content is aligned with the government’s Prevent strategy and supports your understanding of safeguarding, safety, and responsible practice. Each module includes a multiple-choice quiz. You must achieve the required pass mark for each module to successfully complete this part of your onboarding. Completion is recorded within the ABEL system.
Enrolment Form
This one is pretty self-explanatory.
This will be an electronic form you will need to complete so we have the correct contact information and any relevant prior qualifications you may have.
This ensures that we have the right contact details for you when we look for your prior qualifications and try to get in touch.
Skills Tracker
IIn this section, you will reflect on your current knowledge, skills and behaviours at the start of your apprenticeship. The scale now ranges from 1 to 10, and lower scores are expected at this stage. This programme introduces new legislation, professional standards and codes of conduct, so higher scores should only be selected if you can confidently explain and apply these in practice. Being honest helps us identify where learning will take place and evidence your progress over time. Most learners begin in the lower to middle range, which is completely normal.ns.
Next Steps
In this section on ABEL-ABLE, you'll find essential resources to drive your success and reach your goals. Download these powerful tools to elevate your development and optimize your course experience. Explore guides that will equip you to tackle assignments with assurance and master the questions within them.
All done?
Well done on completing your onboarding activities — you’re now ready for the next stage of your apprenticeship journey.
You’ll soon be paired with a Vocational Coach, who will support you through your Initial Needs Assessment and help you prepare for delivery. This is where we start to shape your programme around your role, your goals, and your development needs.
The sections below explain what happens next, including your initial meeting and how workshops and reviews will be planned. Remember, support is available throughout your programme — you can also visit our welfare pages at any time if you need additional help or guidance.
Initial Needs Assessment
Once you've completed the Onboarding process through ABEL, one of our Coaches will contact you to schedule your Initial Needs Assessment. This crucial step allows us to tailor the programme to your specific needs. During the assessment, you'll go through the Skills Tracker and discuss any required specialisms for your apprenticeship programme. It will also provide us with valuable insight into your learning needs. The Initial Needs Assessment will map out the next 12 to 24 months of your programme giving you a clear understanding of what's required. This roadmap ensures a structured and personalised learning journey, designed to help you achieve your goals and succeed in your chosen field
Workshops and Delivery Schedule
Once you have completed your onboarding and initial needs assessment, there are a few simple next steps. Please add the workshop schedule to your diary and make sure your manager and relevant team members are aware of the dates. Workshop attendance is mandatory, so it’s important these are agreed in advance. You should also speak with your manager about your tripartite review dates, so these can be planned into your workload and used to showcase your progress. Finally, take some time to explore the Specialism Library in ABEL to ensure the units you select are relevant to your role and provide the correct credits for your award. Your Vocational Coach may arrange a workplace visit at a later stage to support your learning and development.
