After a few questions on the YouTube video below I thought I would try talk through some of the techniques on a podcast.

Hope it helps someone out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgHWLw20yLQ

As the government restrictions are ending on what has become known as freedom day, this seemed like a sensible time to share some of the things we have had going on. 

I run through some of the numbers involved, donations given and help provided among other things!

Also a heads up on a really cool giveaway starting soon.

Thanks to everyone for getting involved with and showing support of apprentice 121, it was brilliant.

Guidance and support, kindness and respect

#apprentice121 #bettertogether 

Leo Clarke joined me to share his thoughts and experiences about his journey into the electrical industry so far.

Leo is currently working as an electrical trainee and looking to further his training to allow completion of his portfolio and work towards his gold card.

He is attending night school to complete his English and Maths and carrying out training at his expense via remote learning.

If you have an opportunity for Leo to supplement his work portfolio with some experience in the domestic sector please reach out and get in touch.

Leo shares his short course experience and chats openly about his journey so far.

Leo is clearly determined and focused to qualify in the way he sees as the right way. Via a gold card and mentor lead training.

You can find him on Linkedin here https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-clarke-0221471aa/

A chat around the grants available for employers hiring apprentices in UK at the moment.

Specifically the up to £4k grant available to employers and some of the pros and cons.

This is based on my own experiences and those from the 750+ people we have helped back into work.

Also how the guest based episodes will now (hopefully) be appearing on:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ywNBYDoYv-bTkEWvZEodw

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTVRqeTmcEdgzp2ZKMh-97A

I will link the government details below and via the apprentice 121 website.

The information can be linked from https://apprentice121.co.uk/government-support

You can apply for new apprentices who joined your organisation from 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021. You must set up an apprenticeship service account.

The incentive payment is in addition to the £1,000 employers already receive for hiring an apprentice:

• aged 16 to 18 years old

To receive the full payment, the apprenticeship must last for at least one year.

You will receive £3,000 for new apprentices of any age who have an employment start date of 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021.

They must have an apprenticeship start date of 1 April 2021 to 30 November 2021.

The application deadline for these apprentices has closed.

The payment is different to apprenticeship levy funds, so you can spend it on anything to support your organisation’s costs. For example, on uniforms, your apprentice’s travel or their salary. You do not have to pay it back.

You can only apply for new apprentices who joined your organisation from 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021.

You cannot apply for an existing employee who joined your organisation before 1 April 2021, even if they started an apprenticeship after this date.

You can apply for the incentive payment after you add new apprentices to your apprenticeship service account.

We cannot make any payments until we’ve received and verified your organisation and finance details. This could take up to 80 days and we may contact someone from your organisation.

We’ll make the payment in 2 equal instalments for each apprentice. The first payment is due after an apprentice completes 90 days of their apprenticeship and the second is due after 365 days.

We’ll make payments by Bacs on the 14th working day of the month. It usually takes 3 working days to process.

After you apply, you can view applications, estimated payment dates and check the status of each payment in your apprenticeship service account.

A quick intro to the Youth Group podcast kindly arranged via Bob Noseda.

I am hoping Bob joins us on the recording!

The apprentice 121 podcast is coming back to fulfill some original commitments and get 1 or 2 important episodes out.

I have signed up for the mentorship when I 1st heard about it, check it out and learn more here:

https://www.theyouthgroup.com/

https://www.the-esp.org.uk/our-work/the-youth-group/

Monday club and the electricians show can RELAX, this is for a short window in time only! Lucky for them because I am far more popular and better looking. Sam told me that this morning actually.

Probably 4 or 5 episodes maximum.

A quick Podcast to talk about some important new government policy that should help with parity between university and further education funding/loans system.

This is something I first discussed in the middle of last year after chats with Yuno.

Check out the government links below for full details .

I hope this helps someone

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-legislation-to-help-transform-opportunities-for-all

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pms-skills-speech-29-september-2020

A run through some of the questions sent in from the AM2 and inspection and testing series. Also a look at CPD, PRS and regular chat.

Thanks for listening. Next up EV charging!

I chat about current job roles available in A121, the employers side stepping contractual agreements around employing apprentices.

Also those who criticise PRS and new laws to help with electrical safety. The consequences of unsafe electrical work laid bare.

I also run through some of my favorite parts of the onsite guide.

I have a run through my thoughts on the EICR system, mainly in the domestic market due to PRS changes in England.

But the same issues are widespread.

I believe investment to the apprenticeship system is the solution to a great many industry problems. 

Over reliance on software and expectations of industry bodies treats the symptom but not the cause in place for me. We need to take self responsibility, raise awareness with clients and really encourage a vibrant and thriving apprenticeship system. 

Take a listen and let me know your opinion or what you are seeing.

Open to discussion as always.

A run through BS7671 and the initial verification procedure to help with preparation for AM2 and more. Use the NET checklist and pre assessment manual.

Hope this is useful!

Thanks

Mark