FAQs
Learners
1. If my qualification is funded, does that mean it's free?
2. What courses are available?
3. What is work-based learning?
4. What are the benefits of work-based learning?
5. I don't know what career I want. Should I consider work-based learning?
6. How do NVQ's and Apprenticeships compare to classroom based qualifications?
7. There are lots of training providers around, why should I choose Protocol Skills?
8. How will I know which qualification is right for me?
9. How quickly can I expect to complete my qualification?
10. What is e2e and is it suitable for me?
11. I'm confused, should I become a Placed Employee Apprentice or just apply for a normal qualification?
12. Do I need certain qualifications to enrol on a course?
13. If I become a Placed Apprentice how much will I get paid?
14. Will I have to attend an interview to become a Placed Apprentice?
15. Do I have to take exams at the end of the course?
16. What if I change my mind? Is there a penalty for not completing?
17. What time of year can I start?
18. Do I have to pay anything for my qualification?
19. Can I still go to university if I complete a qualification?
20. Will I have my own tutor?
21. Will I get a certificate when I finish?
22. What is ePortfolio?
23. What are Key Skills and Technical Certificates?
24. What is a Personal Learning Plan?
25. What is a National Record of Achievement?
26. How can I register?
27. I need advice, who can I talk to?
Employers
28. How much does my organisation need to pay for these qualifications?
29. Why should we choose to work with Protocol Skills?
30. What courses would be available to my employees?
31. Are these courses completed during company time?
32. How can this training work alongside our own provision?
33. How is the training managed?
34. Do I need to sign an agreement?
35. How long will the training take?
36. What are the benefits of embarking on work-based learning for my organisation?
37. Should I consider employing Placed Apprentices?
38. Can we offer all our employees a qualification, not just 16-18 year olds?
39. What are your success rates like?
40. What are the benefits of e-Portfolio to employers?
41. Will there be lots of paperwork that needs completing?
42. How do I find out more information on the training you offer?
General
1. If my qualification is funded, does that mean it's free?
Most of the training we offer is funded by the government. If you meet eligibility criteria you may be able to qualify for this support. Please contact us for more details.
2. What courses are available?
We have a wide range of qualifications ranging from foundation level right up to Advanced Apprenticeship. Our diverse range of qualifications means there is something for everyone regardless of the industry you work in. You can view all our qualifications here.
3. What is work-based learning?
Work-based learning is a great way to increase your skills and knowledge within the workplace all whilst getting paid! You can prove to your employer you have what it takes to perform your job role effectively, and as vocational qualifications are nationally-recognised your future employers will realise it too. More detail can be found on the why train? page.
4. What are the benefits of work-based learning?
There are loads of advantages in completing vocational training with Protocol Skills:
• You get to learn while you earn!
• You can put what you have learnt into practice straight away
• Increase your future career prospects
• All our qualifications are nationally-recognised so if you leave your current place of employment you take the qualification with you
• You can learn in a way that suits your lifestyle
• E-portfolio (electronic portfolio) means you don't have to complete a bulky paper based portfolio
• You don't get stuck with university debts
• You can learn from practical experience rather than in a classroom
5. I don't know what career I want. Should I consider work-based learning?
Absolutely! Protocol Skills can offer you advice and guidance to help you decide which employer and qualifications will be right for you. View our contact details here.
6. How do NVQ's and Apprenticeships compare to classroom based qualifications?
An Apprenticeship is equivalent to 5 GCSEs and Advanced Apprenticeships are the same as A Levels. NVQs are nationally recognised and are a combination of structured learning, as detailed on a Personal Learning Plan, and using our web-based learning resource library, and assessment of your current and newly developed tasks within your workplace.
7. There are lots of training providers around, why should I choose Protocol Skills?
Protocol Skills are experts in helping thousands of learners take a step up the career ladder every year, whether that be getting their first job or completing a work-based qualification. We offer advice and guidance to our learners every step of the way and you will be fully supported by your very own Training Assessor throughout your course!
8. How will I know which qualification is right for me?
The qualification that you take will very much depend on your current job role and the duties you carry out. Your employer will often specify a selection of suitable qualifications which, with the guidance of your Training Assessor, you can then review and decide which you would like to complete. These details are all recorded in your Personal Learning Plan.
9. How quickly can I expect to complete my qualification?
Everybody progresses at a different rate so it really is down to the individual but the amount of work you are willing to put in and the level of qualification you are completing will have an effect on this. Most apprentices can expect to achieve their qualifications within 9 - 12 months. If you are working towards an NVQ only, you can expect to achieve your qualification within 4-6 months. However, if you use our ePortfolio you could complete in even less time!
10. What is e2e and is it suitable for me?
e2e or Entry to Employment, is an ideal programme if you left school with only a few or no qualifications, would like to improve your basic and key skills, and/or would like some experience before deciding what to do next. As well as all this, you can get advice on writing the perfect CV, making job applications and attending interviews. More details can be found on our e2e page.
11. I'm confused, should I become a Placed Employee Apprentice or just apply for a normal qualification?
If you already have a job then your employer might be happy for you to complete vocational training with Protocol Skills. You can contact us and we'll assess your eligibility and contact your employer. If you are aged 16-18 and currently do not have a job then becoming a Placed Apprentice is just one of the ways you can work towards a vocational qualification while gaining some practical experience from their placement. You can submit your CV here.
12. Do I need certain qualifications to enrol on a course?
Not necessarily but that will depend on the qualification and level that you choose. More information can be found here.
13. If I become a Placed Apprentice - how much will I get paid?
This will vary between employers but by law all employed Apprentices must be paid at least £80 per week (this will rise to £95 per week from August 2009).
14.Will I have to attend an interview to become a Placed Apprentice?
If you are interested in becoming a Placed Employee Apprentice then yes, there will be an interview process. Protocol Skills will carry out an informal interview to gain an understanding of your career goals and aspirations and once we have found you a potential placement they will also want to interview you to see of you are right for the job.
15. Do I have to take exams at the end of the course?
Some parts of the qualification may need to be completed by testing, either in one of our local training centres or within your workplace, but you will not be required to sit a final exam.
16. What if I change my mind? Is there a penalty for not completing?
If you change your mind you are free to leave your training course at any time you wish and you will not be charged.
17. What time of year can I start?
You can start you work-based training at any time of the year, although this is often at the discretion of your employer.
18. Do I have to pay anything for my qualification?
Our qualifications are government funded so if you meet eligibility criteria you will not have anything to pay. In most cases if you are aged 16-18 the whole cost of your training will be covered by the government. Occasionally employers are expected to contribute towards the cost of training if you are older than this.
19. Can I still go to University if I complete a qualification?
Of course - some work-based qualifications can even count towards UCAS points.
20. Will I have my own tutor?
Yes you will. You will be allocated a Training Assessor as soon as you sign up to a qualification and they will help you choose your units and complete your Personal Learning Plan. Your Training Assessor will be there to offer you guidance and support through every step of your qualification.
21. Will I get a certificate when I finish?
Yes. Once you have achieved your qualification your certificate will be sent out to you.
22. What is ePortfolio?
This is our bespoke ePortfolio which allows you to complete your learning programme online and upload evidence, such as voice recordings and photographs to support your progress. More information can be found here.
Key skills are essential skills that are needed in order to carry out your job effectively and include number and communication skills plus a selection from: Information Technology, working with others, problem solving and improving your own learning and performance. Technical certificates test your knowledge and understanding of the job role and industry you work in.
24. What is a Personal Learning Plan?
A Personal Learning Plan or PLP is completed on an ongoing basis and documents the progress of your learning, targets and achievements.
25. What is a National Record of Achievement?
A National Record of Achievement is a document that allows you to keep a record of your skills, experiences and achievements. Future employers will want to see this when you apply for a job.
26. How can I register?
Call on 08450 071 9011 and we can arrange for a member of our sales team to visit you to discuss your options.
27. I need advice, who can I talk to?
We understand that making decisions about your future can seem daunting but we have a friendly team available to chat through your options with you, offer suggestions and assess your eligibility to qualify for support. Click here for our contact details.
Employers
28. How much does my organisation need to pay for these qualifications?
Most of the training we offer is funded by the government. If your employees meet the eligibility criteria then they may be able to qualify for this support. Please contact us for more details.
We also offer a number of commercial courses in Scotland and Wales that may be applicable to you if your organisation operates in an industry where such qualifications are deemed a legal requirement. We also run a number of CIPD qualifications in the Norwich area.
29. Why should we choose to work with Protocol Skills?
Protocol Skills is proud to be the largest privately owned training provider in the UK, with a 26 year history in delivering first class results. As we operate on a nationwide basis and have over 600 Training Assessors we can offer a seamless service across your entire business. Every year thousands of satisfied learners achieve a qualification across a diverse range of industry sectors with Protocol Skills.
30. What courses would be available to my employees?
We have a wide range of qualifications ranging from foundation level right up to advanced Apprenticeship that cover many sectors including, retail, hospitality and customer service. Our varied range of qualifications means there is something for all your employees regardless of ability, age and job role! You can view all our qualifications here.
31. Are these courses completed during company time?
As learners need to be assessed and observed in their working environment, this will usually take place during working hours. Visits from a Training Assessor will not normally last more than two hours. To ensure learners have sufficient knowledge and understanding to meet the qualification requirements, learners will be able to access our bespoke web-based learning resource library called Ask ELLE. There may also be some occasions where learners are required to visit a local Protocol Skills centre for testing purposes but, where possible, Protocol Skills will try to keep the time required away from the workplace at a minimum particularly around periods of peak trade.
32. How can this training work alongside our own provision?
If your organisation already has an in-house training scheme we can cross map this against industry standards and identify the units of learning your employees need to complete in order to obtain a full qualification. We will try to integrate your own training provision with relevant vocational programmes where possible.
33. How is the training managed?
Protocol Skills will work with you to discuss the requirements of each individual learner and the units that are most applicable to their job role. Each learner will have a Training Assessor who monitors their progress throughout the course. In addition, larger organisations who work with us on a national basis can also be entitled to the following support:
> Management Information reports - issued on a monthly basis, offering complete transparency of learner progress
> Dedicated account management - offers direct support to you and your learners
> Call centre - can launch call campaigns across your business to maximise learner recruitment
34. Do I need to sign an agreement?
Yes. Every time we enrol a learner we need a member of your organisation to complete some paperwork confirming certain details regarding company information and the learner's programme of learning. Health & Safety documentation must also be completed. A Protocol Skills colleague will talk you through this agreement and any paperwork before you sign.
35. How long will the training take?
This is dependent on the individual learner and their desire to complete the qualification. Most apprentices can expect to achieve their qualification within 9 - 12 months, although those using our ePortfolio often complete before these timescales. Learners undertaking an NVQ only programme can expect to achieve within 4-6 months.
36. What are the benefits of embarking on work-based learning for my organisation?
Having employees that have achieved vocational qualifications can have a huge impact on your business. For example:
• Access to funding support (eligibility criteria apply) which enables your training budget to go further
• Increased skills amongst your workforce leading to improved productivity and business success
• Work-based so very little time is required away from the learner's workplace
• Sector specific learning which can be instantly applied
• Committed employees who go the extra mile in providing the best possible service to your customers
• Motivated employees who want to work for your organisation
• Our e-portfolio allows faster progression through qualifications and provides you with the ability to log in 24/7 to monitor learner progress
37. Should I consider employing Placed Apprentices?
Absolutely! Every business can benefit from employing enthusiastic 16-18 year olds. Vocational training provides young people with a clear career path and gives them the skills to turn their enthusiasm into providing the best possible service to your customers.
38. Can we offer all our employees a qualification, not just 16-18 year olds?
Of course. Our flexible training programmes and wide range of industry recognised qualifications are suitable for all your colleagues whether they are aged 16 or 60! Contact us for more information.
39. What are your success rates like?
Our success rates have increased year on year, and currently our overall success rates are 69%.
40. What are the benefits of ePortfolio to employers?
Our bespoke eportfolio allows learners to complete their learning programme online:
• It replaces traditional bulky, paper-based portfolios used by other providers
• As it is online you can log in at any time to check the progress of your learners
• Less time is spent completing paperwork leading to reduced administration
• Electronic communication and the option to upload evidence such as, voice recordings means learners complete their qualification quickly and put what they have learnt into practice sooner than with more traditional routes
You can view our ePortfolio factsheet here.
41.Will there be lots of paperwork that needs completing?
No. Of course there are certain forms that need to be completed as a requirement but we have taken steps with the introduction of our ePortfolio to greatly reduce the amount of paperwork you need to complete.
42. How do I find out more information on the training you offer?
Protocol Skills has a team of representatives you can contact to discuss your requirement s and who can offer you guidance on each of the qualifications we offer. Click here for our contact details.