Dear Employer,
DESPITE the unprecedented challenges we are facing from Coronavirus it has been inspiring to see how individuals and families, local and work communities respond at a time of crisis.
We wanted to update you today on our new working arrangements and answer some Frequently Asked Questions that you may have.
Oldham College is proud that – in just a short time – we were able to ensure all our Employers and Apprentices continue to be supported through Skype, WhatsApp and various other channels.
All our staff and students have now switched to Online Learning and Remote Working and this includes signing up apprentices and delivering induction for them online. Paper-based resources are also available for learners without online access.
It is vitally important that we continue supporting our staff, our apprentices, our partners and our employers each of whom are facing their own challenges.
The Chancellor has set out a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.
Oldham College encourages you to continue to employ your apprentice and take advantage of the financial support available. Find out more at: https://bit.ly/2JogMGp
There is also guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations in response to the impact of COVID-19 which outlines the changes that the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) is making to the apprenticeship programme during the pandemic.
With the introduction of urgent Government measures to respond to a fast-changing situation, these guidelines reflect arrangements applied at the current time. This guidance is kept under active review and updated regularly with further developments.
There is also further Coronavirus guidance on the Government website for employers and businesses at https://bit.ly/2xXjQXh and for apprenticeship employers https://bit.ly/39fdb7N
At Oldham College we remain totally committed to working with you to ensure that apprentices are safe, healthy and supported over the coming weeks – and that they continue to make progress.
We will provide further updates in the days and weeks ahead. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact any of our team using the contact details at the bottom of this email.
Can employers continue to recruit new apprentices during this outbreak?
Absolutely. We are approaching the school and college leaver season and our recruitment team is working hard to support employers and candidates looking to start apprenticeships. Despite the economic impact of COVID-19 we are determined that the “class of 2020” should not miss out on apprenticeship opportunities.
Can existing employees wanting to start their apprenticeship be enrolled?
Yes. Our enrolment paperwork can be completed online. The launch visit, when we finalise the detailed programme planning and induction, can also take place remotely.
How will training be delivered?
Most of our delivery is already a blend of face-to-face, remote visits, online content and directed self-study. The only change is that visits that were previously face-to-face will now be conducted remotely by video call or telephone. This will mean that the theory side of the training will be the focus for the time being, however – when our campus reopens – there will be additional practical sessions to ensure successful completion.
What will happen to existing training or review visits that are planned?
These will now be conducted remotely rather than face-to-face. Your input will be needed as per the usual process, and the assessor will discuss with you.
What technology do you use?
The best alternative to a face-to-face visit is a video call. Indeed, this can often work better if the supervisor is based elsewhere or if (as is likely in the coming weeks) more people are working from home. We can use Skype, and it is also possible for student visits to take place via telephone. For several years we have used our own digital learning platform, Oldham College Moodle for many of our training materials, recorded webinars and online workshops. Every apprentice has a Learning Assistant e-portfolio account where they and our assessors can see and manage learning and progress. Our assessors are also on hand to help with any problems.
What about classroom sessions and the 20 per cent off-the-job training?
Some of our programmes have scheduled classroom sessions. With effect from March 18 these are all now taking place remotely. Functional skills resources have been posted out to apprentices studying maths and English. Our assessors and tutors are planning topics and resources for each lesson and these will be ready for use via online platforms – or-paper based for those without access to IT facilities – following the usual timetables. You will be given regular updates by the assessor.
Will exams and end-point assessment take place as normal?
Although no formal announcements have been made, we expect planned exams and end-point assessments to be delayed: certainly where they are scheduled to take place later than week commencing March 16. Changes could vary and will depend on the approach taken by awarding bodies and the end-point assessment organisations we use (principally, City & Guilds, AAT, and CMI). We have strong relationships with all of these and will update our apprentices and employers promptly when there are changes.
What if the apprentice becomes ill or needs to self-isolate?
Apprenticeships are designed to work around interruptions such as illness and holidays. Where a longer break (of a month or more) is needed, a formal “break in learning” is possible. Apprentices who are working at home can continue as normal with their apprenticeship.
What if the Oldham College assessor becomes ill or needs to self-isolate?
If the assessor is unable to deliver a session as planned, their line manager or another member of the training team will usually be able to step in. We will let you know as far in advance of the meeting as possible of any change.
How will we review progress if the assessor isn’t coming to the workplace?
Regular progress reviews are a crucial part of each apprenticeship and these will now take place remotely.
Will apprentices be able to complete their apprenticeship on time?
Unless apprentices are unwell for a protracted period (more than a month) or workplace closure means they are unable to put their skills into practice at work (and they cannot work from home) then the period of teaching and learning should finish as planned. If there are delays to exam sittings or end-point assessment, then end dates may be delayed in some cases.
Where face-to-face visits do take place, what guidance has Oldham College given to its staff to minimise risk?
Although face-to-face visits will not be taking place for the time being, our colleagues have been following the NHS guidance. In addition to guidance on what to do if they or a member of their household displays symptoms, colleagues are also washing hands thoroughly immediately before and after all meetings, and we have asked that they do not shake hands.
Who should I contact at Oldham College if I have any questions?
We understand that Coronavirus may give rise to a range of questions and our experienced team is on hand to support you. In most cases, you should initially contact your Oldham College assessor, but we also have a team of specialists available:
For questions relating to apprentice welfare, our safeguarding team call: 0161 785 5555.
Digital & Creative, Management, Horticulture
Workforce Development Consultant.
Contact: David.Morris@oldham.sc.uk. 0161 785 3585
Construction
Business Advisor. – Karen Northend. Contact: Karen.Northend@oldham.ac.uk 0161 785 4052
Hair & Beauty, Business & Paralegal
Business Advisor. Contact: Alison Woodruff. Contact: Alsion.Woodruff@oldham.ac.uk. 0161 785 4050
Early Years and Health
Business Advisor- Neil Bradley.
Contact: Neil.Bradley@oldham.ac.uk 0161 785 4060
Construction
Sector Manager – Perry Cuppello.
Contact: Perry.Cuppello@oldham.ac.uk 0161 785 5454
Team Leader- Belinda Corrigan.
Contact: Belinda.Corrigan@oldham.ac.uk 0161 785 4280
Digital & Creative, Horticulture
Sector Manager- Gillian Sarioglu. Contact: Gillian.Sarioglu@oldham.ac.uk 0161 785 4350
Early Years/ Health
Sector Manager- Joanne Plumb.
Contact: Joanne.Plumb@oldham.ac.uk 0161 785 4335
Hair & Beauty
Sector Manager- Kerri-Anne Chadwick.
Contact: Kerri-Anne.Chadwick@oldham.ac.uk 0161 785 4343
Business and Professional
Sector Manager- Pauline Worthington. Contact: Pauline.Worthington@oldham.ac.uk 0161 785 5497
