EMPLOYER QUESTIONS

Q. What are the benefits of working with indigoskills?

A. With over 25 years experience of business and working within the hospitality industry, we work with award winning international and national clients, as well as gaining awards ourselves.

We provide a high standard of delivery to both large and small employers throughout Sussex and Surrey. We work in partnership with many other organisations, offering bespoke innovative teaching and delivery, which enables us to develop workforces and make organisations profitable.  Employers we currently work with would recommend us.

We provide training on site and as we understand the business and market sector, we provide consultancy to organisations wishing to develop and improve their organisation.

Q. What are the benefits in my staff accessing training with indigoskills?

A. Everyone who works with us through a training programme gains new skills and recognised qualifications. Learners’ confidence increases, as well as their self-esteem to take on new roles at work and at home.

An increase in motivation and job satisfaction is recognised by both learners and employers and as a result of this, communication skills improve and better customer relations are formed.

Q. What journey will an individual take with indigoskills?

A. Your learning journey will consist of the following:

1. Signposting/ referral

Signposting or referrals occur when colleagues of others (supervisors, HR staff) direct an individual to information on training, or example where they can find further information, advice, guidance or learning provision. An individual may also become aware of our services through marketing materials.

2. Initial assessment – Identifying the right learning level.

An initial assessment is carried out as a way of establishing an individual’s broad level of need, to ensure that they are placed on learning programmes that are accessible, motivating and efficient. The assessment takes between 30 and 60 minutes and identifies what level of literacy, language or numeracy an individual is working at, measured against the national standards for adult literacy and numeracy, as well as Functional Skills. An initial assessment is completed with all new learners, whatever programme of learning they may commence following this.

3. Diagnostic assessment – Identifying specific strengths and areas for improvement

A diagnostic assessment helps provide a detailed picture of the individual’s current skills profile, by identifying their strengths and areas for development and any gaps they may have in their skills. The learner’s Skills for Life teacher or vocational assessor work with the individual to form the basis of an individual learning programme. Following this assessment, the individual should have a clear understanding of where they are going and what they are working towards.

4. Individual Learning Plan (ILP) – Planning to take learning forward

An ILP is created to help both the learner and tutor/assessor. It sets out what a learner needs to learn, their learning goals, personal goals, the timescale for the learning, their preferred ways of learning and the resources required.  It is a working document that evolves and develops as learning takes place, and it could form part of the individual’s staff/career development plan within the organisation’s HR policy.

5. Learning – Selecting the right materials

The style of learning will vary depending on the programme of learning. This may involve an assessor observing you whilst you are working, a group lesson or remote training through our website.

6. Formative/Summative assessment – Achievement and Progression

At the end of the programme, the learner is assessed to show what they have achieved. This may be an online test or handing in a completed portfolio to their assessor. It gives the tutor an opportunity to give feedback on the learner’s progression towards their learning and personal goals. It could take the form of a record of achievement, a unit of a qualification, a whole qualification or a national test, and may be part of a session in which the individual’s career development is also discussed and arrangements are made for their learning progression plans.

LEARNER QUESTIONS

Q. What is involved in my apprenticeship?

A. Your apprenticeship training programme will consist of four key elements:

1. A vocational qualification in your chosen sector subject (i.e. Professional Cookery)

2. A technical certificate relating to your job role, which demonstrates your knowledge of the job role

3. A project to demonstrate your understanding of the Sector you are working in.

4. Functional Skills/Key Skills in Adult Literacy and Numeracy, to demonstrate you are able to apply your academic skills in a real life situation.

Q. What do my initial assessment results mean?

A. Your teacher/assessor will explain what your results mean. They will be quvilent levels to other qualifications you may be familiar with, such as GCSEs. For example, a level 2 result is the same level as a C+ GCSE.

Q. How much reading and writing will I have to do for my course?

A. This will be depend on your programme of learning. You may need to write certain things for your assessor, but there are other ways you can record this such as through a voice recorder. This will need to be discussed with your assessor.

Q. Can I get additional support throughout my course, if I need it?

A. Yes, your assessor/tutor will work with your to provide you with any additional support or training needs you may have throughout your programme of learning. This will be discussed at the beginning of the course, but it would also be beneficial for you to discuss any additional support you would like or need at any point in your learning.

Q. Do I have to do my end test on the computer?

A. No, you will have the choice of completing your tests online or paper based. Your assessor/tutor will discuss this with you during your programme.

Extracts taken from the DFES ‘The Learning Journey’ document.