FAQs
General
1. Does ‘funded' training mean that it's free?
2. What courses are available?
3. How long do they take to complete?
4. Who is eligible to receive this training?
5. How do the qualifications you provide compare?
6. Why do you offer so many Apprenticeships?
7. I need advice, who can I talk to?
Learners
8. Do I need to have certain qualifications to enrol on a course?
9. How will I know what qualification is suitable for me?
10. Will I have my own tutor?
11. Is it work-based learning?
12. Do I have to take exams at the end of the course?
13. How long will it take to qualify?
14. Am I tied to this course? Is there a penalty for not completing?
15. What are the benefits to the learner?
16. How do I register?
Employers
17. Are these courses done in company time?
18. How could this training work alongside our own provision?
19. How is the training managed?
20. Do I need to sign an agreement?
21. How long will the training take?
22. What are the benefits to the learner and the employer?
23. How do I find out more about the training you offer?
General
1. Does ‘funded' training mean that it's free?
All the training we provide is government funded which means no cost to the learner or employer.
2. What courses are available?
There are so many to choose from - just click here to see them.
3. How long do they take to complete?
That's up to the learner. Most people need between 9-12 months to complete their course, depending on how quickly they want to achieve and the level of qualification they choose.
4. Who is eligible to receive this training?
Employers of all sizes, and thousands of individuals across the UK, already receive training services from Protocol Skills. To find out more about what it takes to join them, click here.
5. How do the qualifications you provide compare?
An Apprenticeship is equivalent to 5 GCSEs, and Advanced Apprenticeships equate to ‘A' Level passes. National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are recognised nationally, while Technical Certificates are industry recognised, and Key Skills are essential skills for life.
6. Why do you offer so many Apprenticeships?
The advantage of Apprenticeships is that they are mainly work-based, integrating training into the day-to-day activities of employees' job roles. So, instead of losing hours to off-site study, managers and employers can actively participate in the training process whilst the Learners gain invaluable skills they can apply to their work situation.
7. I need advice, who can I talk to?
Call us on 0845 071 9011 and one of our Customer Support representatives will be happy to help you.
Learners
8. Do I need to have certain qualifications to enrol on a course?
That depends on the qualification and level that you choose. To find out more, click here.
9. How will I know what qualification is suitable for me?
If you're unsure about exactly what type of qualification you should take your Training Assessor and Manager will help you decide. Your Training Assessor will guide you through your training and assessment and together you'll complete a Personal Learning Plan.
10. Will I have my own tutor?
Yes you will. You'll be allocated your own Training Assessor who will help you to build a portfolio of skills that you can put into practice straight away whilst you work towards gaining your qualification.
11. Is it work-based learning?
Yes it is! All learners are fully supported by Training Assessors and are assessed in the workplace.
12. Do I have to take exams at the end of the course?
You may need to take some tests in one of our local training centres at the beginning of your course but there is no final exam to sit.
13. How long will it take to qualify?
That's up to you. Most learners who enrol in work-based learning with Protocol Skills take between 9 to 12 months to complete their course depending on how quickly you want to achieve and the level of the qualification you choose.
14. Am I tied to this course? Is there a penalty for not completing?
No, but don't forget that if you leave your course without qualifying then you won't be issued with your certificate which would help your employment opportunities.
15. What are the benefits to the learner?
Here are just a few:
- You get a nationally recognised qualification
- You can apply what you learn right away
- You take your qualification with you - wherever you work
- You can learn in a way that suits your lifestyle
- It costs you nothing and you get paid while you train
- It helps you to do your job better and can help you get promoted
- It could even help you earn more!
16. How do I register?
Call us on 0845 071 9011 or email us and we'll arrange for one of our Sales Executives to visit you. That way we can discuss all your options and talk through the opportunities available to you.
Employers
17. Are these courses done in company time?
Training and assessment can be done whilst employees are at work with regular visits from your Training Assessor. Visits can last up to 2 hours and on occasions, time maybe required away from the workplace for the employee to visit our local Protocol Skills centre for tests. Wherever possible we try to keep time away from normal duties to a minimum.
18. How could this training work alongside our own provision?
If you already have in-house training, we may be able to help you to develop your existing programmes to the national standards set by your industry. We can also integrate your training with the relevant Apprenticeship programmes where possible.
19. How is the training managed?
We work with you to determine the most appropriate qualifications for each learner. All learners are then allocated their own Protocol Skills Training Assessor who helps them to progress through the course.
To help you track your learners' progress, we offer:
> Management information - to update you on your learners and programmes
> Account management - to help keep your programme on plan
> Customer service centre - providing direct support for you and your learners
20. Do I need to sign an agreement?
Yes. A simple form needs to be completed for each learner who enters into training with us but it's more to capture certain details such as the employer's address and what course the learner is doing. The Training Assessor will talk you through this agreement before you sign.
21. How long will the training take?
That's up to the learner. Most people need between 9-12 months to complete their course, depending on how quickly they want to achieve and the level of qualification they choose.
22. What are the benefits to the learner and the employer?
There are many reasons why both parties benefit from this training, click here to see some examples.
23. How do I find out more about the training you offer?
Simply call us on 0845 071 9011, or contact us.