frequently asked questions

In order to help you understand more about Acorn Learning & Development and the services we provide, we have compiled answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you have any further queries, please contact our Customer Service Centre on 01633 674 555 or email

• What can Acorn Learning & Development do for your business?
Our first step is to listen to you to gain an immediate understanding of your business, training needs, delivery preferences and budgets. Solutions are then identified and developed, in partnership with you, to satisfy your specific requirements to achieve your goals. We have developed and delivered a range of accredited programmes for national employers that substantially reduce downtime in the workplace.

• What is an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised work-based qualification. It has been designed for individuals aiming to be future supervisors and managers. They are "A fast route for young people to higher level craft and supervisory skills".

• What is involved with the Apprenticeship programme?
The Apprenticeship programmes are based on national standards. To achieve an apprenticeship qualification learners will need to complete an NVQ, additional units a technical certificate, Employment Rights & Responsibilities plus Key Skills.

• How long does it take?
Completion time depends on the learner's experience and on how readily they can demonstrate to their assessor that they can meet the national standards; normally between 12 to 18 months for a level 2, whereas the level 3 can be completed between 18 to 24 months.

• What is an NVQ?
NVQ Stands for National Vocational Qualification. It tests whether an individual is working to particular industry standards. In addition, individuals are tested on the knowledge and understanding they have in order to do their job correctly and safely.

• What are the benefits?

• How will learners achieve their qualification?
A workplace assessor will visit the establishment once a month and will assess learners, each visit lasting approximately one and a half hours. Learners will be observed carrying out their daily duties and will be tested on their knowledge and understanding of the process. They will also be required to generate other forms of evidence such as results of work-based projects and assignments. The more experienced individuals will be able to present existing evidence of competence in the form of "products of work", i.e. pieces of evidence created as part of their normal day's work e.g. porject plans, staff rotas etc.

• What levels of NVQ are there?

Level One	Basic Operative
Level Two	Craft skills (5 GCSE's equivalent) Customer service
Level Three	Supervisory / advanced craft - (2 "A" level equivalent) Customer service
Level Four	Management - (HND equivalent)
Level Five	Senior Management

• What support is available?
Learners will participate in the existing training programme within the company. An industry-trained assessor will visit learners once a month and will assess the evidence they have gathered and observe them carrying out their daily duties. Learners will be issued with appropriate learning resources and an action plan at the end of each visit, which will identify the evidence that must be prepared and the activities that the learner will be observed performing at the next visit. Learners will have access to a help line.

• Who will control your training and learning programmes?
We have implemented training management projects on behalf of national businesses to assist with specific training delivery. Our clients receive personal support from our dedicated customer support team and we are able to deal effectively with the requirements of both single and multi-site operations. Every project and programme is developed with the client - we expedite, you control. The benefits of this approach can be significant in terms of your management focus and resource.

• What about the costs?
We tailor programmes to meet the specific needs of our clients and consequently price packages will vary. We will therefore provide you with an individual quote based on your specific business needs. We have extensive expertise in researching and accessing support funding for businesses, especially where the solutions include nationally recognised qualifications and/or apprenticeships. Many of our clients benefit from solutions, which attract 100% funding assistance.

• Can anybody start an Apprenticeship?
The fully funded programme is currently open to employees of all ages depending on previous qualifications and eligibility, though this can vary depending on the funding bodies' requirements throughout the year, consequently, we would inform you of any changes as they occur. However, they cannot already be engaged in any other government funded programme or still attend School or college, and they must have a National Insurance Number. We will be pleased to cost NVQ delivery where funding is not available*. *some 'match funding' may be available to help maximise your training budget.

• What happens to your existing training programmes?
During the design and planning stage, Acorn Learning & Development integrate your existing training process and materials to ensure that any formal delivery of the chosen development programmes not only runs smoothly but also drives the objectives of your existing training programme. This process will ensure that any programme we operate with you will add value by meeting the pre-agreed needs and objectives of your business and our partnership. Acorn Learning & Development through this development process will integrate your in-house training programmes to national standards set by your industry; this will lead to accreditation of awards such as National Vocational Qualifications / ILM.

• What areas do the programmes cover?
We can arrange for qualified assessors and training advisors to deliver a wide range of programmes at a venue to suit your business. These can be delivered for large or small groups and at times to suit the work patterns of your business.

• How will we fit in with the needs of your business?

Acorn Learning & Development's programmes, as indicated above, are fully customised to meet the needs of our clients. Our product range includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:

National Vocational Qualifications

Within this range of formal qualifications we offer Apprenticeships and straight NVQ programmes.

Occupational Areas

Administration
Customer Service
Information Technology
Management and supervisory
Retail
Hospitality Industry
Manufacturing
Contact Centre
Insurance

ILM Management Qualifications

Introductory Course (Tutor led with work based assignments) Level 2, 3 & 4
Certificate Course (Tutor led with work based assignments) Level 2, 3 & 4

Bespoke training programmes

Programmes within this area could include courses relating to generic key areas of your business, i.e. Customer Service, Time Management and Presentation Skills.

Information Technology

Programmes within this area would include training needs surrounding the common software packages. These would be delivered depending on your needs, either individually or in a group format.