The Apprentice Support Network project has been set up to help any apprentices on the Isle of Wight with information, advice and guidance to help them through their apprenticeship.

The project has a dedicated website, Facebook page and email where anybody can contact the support officer for help and advice.

It has recently launched a handy booklet with information and advice for everyone and includes a section on terminology and frequently asked questions.

The website is there to explain the role of the Apprenticeship Support Network and what an apprenticeship is. There is a section for apprentices, which not only advises apprentices on their rights and is linked to the relevant Government websites and guidance, but also their responsibilities. 

There is a section for employers or potential employers where they are able to get free impartial advice on what they need to do and know when hiring an apprentice. More importantly there is also a section on how to find an apprenticeship with those all-important website addresses as well as information on how to get your student cards and get hold of the discounts you are entitled to. The whole ethos of the network is to provide help and support to any apprentices to enable them to complete their apprenticeship in a positive way.

Obviously to do this we cannot work alone and we have teamed up with our local Training Providers, Employers and Unions and have established working agreements where we will support each other. The businesses and organisations that we are working with are quite happy for any of their apprentices to contact the network for help, advice or support and for us to act as a liaison to try and ensure that a positive outcome is achieved to enable the apprentice to continue to receive the best apprenticeship possible.

In addition, we work with local agencies and are often invited to their open days or to their training meetings to advise their members on what we do. We are conscious of getting the word out to all areas of the Island to ensure that the apprentice that needs our help gets our help.

Lastly the Apprenticeship Support Network is open to all apprentices, whether they are starting out on their working career or whether they are already in work and upskilling, although they may have different needs, the support is there.

Although the physical support is local, the information advice and guidance can be accessed by anyone. So if you have any questions why not pop onto the website for some general advice or email me if you need more specific advice.

To find out more about the ASN go to their website www.apprenticeshipsupportnetwork.org or send an email at [email protected]