Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are paid jobs where the employee gains valuable on-the-job experience at the same time as working towards an industry recognised learning program.

Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend on average six hours per week completing a range of other learning activities that contribute to their off-the-job training with a college, university or training provider like Learn Plus Us.

Why Choose Apprenticeships?

University

A university is an institution of higher education that offers a wide range of academic programs and degrees to students pursuing further education. It is typically larger and more diverse than a college and serves as a hub for advanced learning, research, and intellectual exploration.

Why Choose University?

The Choice Is Up To You

Choosing between university and an apprenticeship depends on your personal career goals, financial situation, and preferred learning style. University provides a broader education and potentially higher starting income, while an apprenticeship offers hands-on experience, immediate job prospects, and the potential to earn qualifications with less debt.

Ultimately, both paths can lead to successful careers, and it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully to make the best decision for one’s future. If you would like more information on apprenticeships or on university options, click on the links below.

Introduced earlier this year after the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, Awaab’s Law will force social landlords to fix damp and mould within strict time limits, in a new amendment to the Social Housing Regulation Bill. It will also require around 25,000 social housing managers across the sector to have an appropriate level housing management qualification regulated by Ofqual equivalent to a Level 4 or 5 Certificate or Diploma in Housing, or a foundation degree from the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

“The changes we are delivering today will make sure social housing managers across the country have the right skills and experience to deliver an excellent service and drive up standards across the board.”

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Having received royal assent in parliament, the Social Housing (Regulation) Act Social Housing Managers will be legally obligated to possess one of the qualifications mentioned above in order to continue in their role. Chris Stoker-Jones, Director of Client Engagement & Experience at Learn Plus Us says about this development:

“This is a significant development within the Housing sector and Learn Plus Us is in a perfect position to support housing associations, local authorities and other organisations to meet this impending legislation. Our commitment to providing learning and development opportunities to organisations, individuals and communities to provide impactful change sits right at the heart of this change in legislation. Our apprenticeships and qualifications allow those working in social housing to learn, achieve and excel in their field, whilst at the same time providing their employers with the peace of mind that they have met their statutory requirements.

It is important for Housing Associations to note that apprenticeships can be funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, which is in effect a training or Learning & Development budget to be used to access training that meets the impending legislation. As an approved CIH Study Centre, we offer a wide range of CIH qualifications, which can be embedded within an apprenticeship or offered as a standalone training programme.”

At Learn Plus Us, we offer multiple routes for housing managers to achieve these qualifications.

Apprenticeship

Our Level 4 Senior Housing and Property Management apprenticeship is perfect for individuals already working in a management position within the social housing sector.

CIH Qualification

This Level 4 Certificate in Housing will meet the legislation fully and is delivered across 12 months, 100% online. The course includes 2 hour tutorials bi-monthly with 1:1 tutor support every month to provide feedback, advice & guidance on assignments.

Hybrid Qualification

for those that are perhaps not in a position to take on a Level 4 Apprenticeship, we can offer a combination of our Level 3 Housing and Property Management Apprenticeship that includes the L4 Certificate in Housing CIH qualification embedded within the curriculum.

To find out more about the how Learn Plus Us can help you and your teams ensure compliance with this new legislation and start your path towards the required qualifications, contact the team today at [email protected]

Numeracy, or the ability to understand and work with numbers, is a crucial skill for adults to have in their daily lives. From budgeting and shopping to understanding statistics and making financial decisions, numeracy is essential for making informed choices and navigating the modern world. However, not everyone is comfortable with numbers, and some adults may struggle with numeracy. Fortunately, there are tips and strategies that can help adults improve their numeracy skills.

Here are some numeracy tips that you might find helpful in boosting your confidence:

Practice Mental Maths

Mental math is the ability to perform calculations in your head without the use of a calculator. It’s an essential skill for everyday life and can help you save time and make quick decisions. Start by practicing basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You can do this by setting yourself daily challenges, such as calculating the total cost of your shopping or working out the change you should receive.

Use Visual Aids

Visual aids such as graphs, charts, and diagrams can help you understand and interpret numerical information. They can make complex data more accessible and enable you to spot patterns and trends. When presented with numerical information, try to visualize it in a graph or chart to help you understand it better.

Use Technology

Technology can be a useful tool for improving numeracy skills. There are many apps and websites that can help you practice math, track your spending, and manage your finances. Additionally, calculators and spreadsheets can help you perform calculations and analyse data. However, it’s important to remember that technology should not replace basic numeracy skills.

Play Games and Puzzles

Playing games and puzzles can be a fun way to improve your numeracy skills. There are many apps and websites that offer math games and puzzles that can help you develop your mental math skills and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, Sudoku and crossword puzzles can help you develop logical thinking skills and improve your numeracy abilities.

Budget and Track Your Spending

Creating a budget and tracking your spending is an excellent way to improve your numeracy skills. It can help you develop a better understanding of your finances and identify areas where you can cut back on expenses. Use a budgeting tool or spreadsheet to track your income and expenses and make adjustments as necessary.

If these tips have been helpful, many more fantastic ideas for getting more confident with numeracy at the National Numeracy website. If you’re interested in learning more about Functional Skills and how Learn Plus Us can help, get in touch.

In today’s fast-paced work environment, anxiety has become a common problem that many people face. While a little bit of stress can help increase productivity, too much anxiety can harm our mental and physical health, causing difficulty in focusing and making us more prone to making mistakes. Coping with anxiety at work can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, it can be managed effectively.

We’ve broken down some key steps that are a great place to start with anxiety management in the workplace. Take a look below:

Identify Triggers

The first step in managing anxiety is to identify the triggers that cause it. It could be a specific task, an upcoming meeting or presentation, or a difficult colleague. Once you have identified the triggers, you can develop a plan to deal with them effectively. For example, if you feel anxious before a meeting, try practicing your presentation with a friend or colleague to build your confidence.

Develop a Routine

Having a routine can help reduce anxiety. Try to establish a consistent work schedule, including regular breaks and exercise. This can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed by your workload.

Take Breaks

Taking regular breaks is essential for managing anxiety. It can help you refocus your mind and reduce stress levels. You can take a short walk, stretch, or practice deep breathing exercises to help you relax.

Prioritise Tasks

Prioritising tasks can help reduce anxiety by breaking down your workload into manageable parts. Start by creating a to-do list and identifying which tasks are the most important. Focus on completing the most critical tasks first, then move on to the less important ones.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can help reduce anxiety. Make sure you get enough sleep, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking or excessive drinking.

Seek Out Support

Talking to someone you trust about your anxiety can help you feel less alone and more supported. It could be a friend, family member, or a mental health professional. If your anxiety is affecting your daily life and work performance, seeking professional help may be the best course of action.

While anxiety is a common problem, it does not have to control your life. With the right strategies, you can manage your anxiety effectively and improve your overall well-being.

More information and resources on anxiety and how to manage it in your day to day life can be found on the Mental Health Foundation Website.

We are about to witness history in the making, a moment to remember and an opportunity to celebrate with family, friends and neighbours – the coronation of King Charles lll will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6^th May 2023.

I hold our Monarchy in high esteem, it almost feels like part of my makeup to have respect for a Royal Family that has been such a constant in my personal and professional life. The Monarchy and this grand ceremony will be watched by millions around the world, which makes me feel proud to be British and that our British Values are accessible to so many.

I can’t begin to tell you how was honoured and humbled I felt to be included in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll 2018 New Years Honours list with an MBE for Services to Apprenticeships and Charity. Five years on and it still feels unreal. It was a privilege to be invited to my investiture at Buckingham Palace and to meet so many wonderful recipients who had achieved amazing things in their lives, such stories of generosity, supporting others, voluntary work with children and victims of crime and people that had served in the NHS since day 1.  As I looked around the room, it became clear that the men were more relaxed than us ladies, without exception we stood glued to the monitors showing footage of previous investitures because we had to master the art of the curtsy. There was a great feeling of being part of something special, it didn’t matter that we’d never met before, we were sharing this moment and took pleasure in hearing each other’s stories.

I had the privilege of being presented with my MBE by the then Prince of Wales, His Royal Highness Prince Charles, who I’m pleased to be able confirm is a fan of apprenticeships; he had a genuine interest and commented that he was pleased employers had started to engage with the idea and take on more apprentices. So, there I was, talking to the future King about apprenticeships and finding that we had a shared a passion about giving people development opportunities and making a difference to the lives of others. AMAZING. It was lovely to have my husband and children there to witness this event, but if I’m being honest, it still makes me sad that my parents didn’t see their little girl receive an MBE.

Receiving the Warrant some weeks later was like re-living it again, it brought great joy into the house. My Warrant is signed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll and the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip. It has always meant a lot to me, but since they’ve both passed away, I feel all the more privileged to have this wonderful document that they both signed; it’s my special piece of British history.

I’m 62 and this will be the first coronation in my lifetime, how amazing is that? I’ll be watching it, making new memories, seeing history unfold and remembering that we shook hands and talked all things apprenticeships.

It looks to me like King Charles lll has been enjoying the preparations and rehearsals for the big day and I’m sure he will enjoy the real event and seeing so many others having a good time.

I feel like I need to pinch myself when I say out loud that I’ve met the King, I’m just a little girl from North London, who always had a lot to say, was a bit bossy, but from the age of 10 (1970) started supporting ‘people’ charities and raised a massive £20 in my first jumble sale in our garage.

This coronation has a special meaning for me and my family, whatever you have planned let’s make it a happy and peaceful weekend.

On behalf of Learn Plus Us I’d like to congratulate King Charles lll on his coronation and wish him a long, healthy and fulfilled life as our King.

Angus Knight is grateful for the opportunity to further its existing relationship with Catch22, a partner with Angus Knight in the Jobs 22 joint venture.

The acquisition is a strong addition to the Education segment and allows the group to grow and expand its UK apprenticeship offering during a time when the UK is experiencing a meaningful skills shortage.

Catch22 apprenticeship business

The Catch22 apprenticeship business is an award-winning approved levy apprenticeship provider with 14 staff operating across England.

The business offers apprenticeship programs from Level 2 to Level 5 across business administration, customer service, team leading, operations management, housing and property management, hospitality, and young people and families.

In 2022 the business was rated “Good” grade 2 provider by Ofsted and was recognised in the Rate My Apprenticeship Survey as a top 20 training provider nationally.

The combined business and expanded offering

The acquisition further enhances the Learn Plus Us offering with new courses in hospitality, housing and property, and business services. The business will now have a combined staff of over 45 people supporting over 500 students and partnering with over 275 businesses.

Importantly, the acquisition coincides with a meaningful skills shortage in the UK, with a recent survey finding 78% of employers reporting difficulty in finding qualified candidates for open positions. This shortage is particularly acute in industries such as childcare, hospitality and business services.

Angus Knight remains focused on addressing the skills shortage in the UK through employability, training and apprenticeships and looks forward to providing continued support and partnership to individuals and businesses in our communities.

Angus Knight Group CEO, Nic Fairbank said:

“I would like to welcome the Catch22 apprenticeship team to the Angus Knight Group. We have developed a strong relationship with Catch22 through our Jobs 22 joint venture and I am confident of the strong cultural alignment between our two organisations.

This acquisition grows our Education offering and allows us to further Angus Knight’s mission to empower the people and communities we work with through top-quality training, work and education opportunities. We believe that investing in the future workforce is crucial for the success of both individuals and businesses, and we are excited to be able to make a positive impact through our acquisition in the UK apprenticeships space.

We remain focused on exploring acquisition and partnership opportunities that align to our growth strategy and add value to the communities we serve. We are actively exploring opportunities and look forward to the year ahead.”

Angus Knight Group UK and Europe CEO, Ayden Sims said;

“It’s been great to see the benefits of our close integration with Catch22 and Learn Plus Us continue to bear fruit and deliver the best possible service for apprentices across the country.

As caution over a UK recession has cooled the growth of vacancies to its lowest rate since February 2021, it’s important that we do all we can to prepare Britain’s workforce for meaningful participation in the future world of work.  The labour market is changing rapidly but Learn Plus Us apprentices can be sure of remarkable support in developing their careers.”

Commenting on the Acquisition, Catch22 Naomi Hulston CEO said:

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to train and develop, whilst earning a wage. Through our employability programmes, we have supported hundreds of people of all ages into apprenticeships – for some as a first step into a career, and for others to provide an opportunity to upskill or reskill.

We were delighted that the apprenticeship provision was rated “Good” grade 2 provider by Ofsted last year, and we’re looking forward to seeing it flourish under Angus Knight Group, an organisation that Catch22 already has close links with through our joint venture Jobs 22.

We know that through being part of the Angus Knight Group, a specialist learning provider, our excellent apprenticeship team will go on to achieve even greater results for learners.”

Authorised for release by the Board of AngusKnight Pty Ltd.

For further information please contact:

About Angus Knight Group

Angus Knight is a group of businesses working together to empower individuals, organisations and communities through innovative employment, training and community solutions. We operate in more than 200 locations in Australia, Sweden, Canada and the UK, servicing diverse markets across the government, corporate, First Nations and community sectors. Angus Knight combines customer-focused insights with productivity prowess to empower clients to meet their full potential.

Co-founded in 1991 by Duncan Angus, the Angus Knight Group has helped more than 1 million people realise their potential over the past three decades.

For further information please visit: https://angusknight.com.au/

If you are taking on, or finishing an apprenticeship this year, or studying for a new qualification consider these three key principles to help you stay on track:

1. Consistency 

Set yourself small, realistic goals each week and stick to them. An hour of focused time a day will help you tick things off your ‘to-do list’. 
Stick to appointments with your tutors and attend any lessons regularly. Your tutors are there to support you, give you feedback and a plan to help you succeed. Make use of your time with them, ask lots of questions, and give them suggestions on how best support you.

Download our free, printable 2023 study planner here to help you organise your time

2. Perseverance and reward  

Avoiding or putting-off work can be a natural reaction to feeling overwhelmed, but this can turn into a vicious cycle. Facing tasks head-on will help you to feel less overwhelmed in the long term. Preserving through difficult periods and overcoming challenges will give you the motivation to keep going. Don’t forgot to reward yourself regularly for your hard work!

3.     Acceptance  

Accept your limits and know when to ask for help. None of us learn in exactly the same way, and success looks different from one individual to the next. One of the keys to success is to identify if there are any barriers stopping you from reaching your goals. Simple, practical things could make a big difference, try; changing your study environment, reducing your screen-time, taking more breaks during study time, studying at a different time of the day, and making a list of what other priorities or distractions might be getting in your way.

Speak to your tutor if you are facing a challenge or have hit a roadblock in your studies.

Finally, don’t fear failure. Failure can be a healthy of part of any learning journey. Setbacks can often provide excellent learning opportunities, helping us to find new ways to reach our goals. The key is not to give up.

Looking for an apprenticeship? We can help…

We are a training provider who have been delivering apprenticeships across England for over 10 years. We offer free recruitment services to business partners with apprenticeship vacancies, and have helped hundreds of individuals to start their careers. Get in touch to find out more about our range of apprenticeships: [email protected]k