Reaseheath College and the Reaseheath Business Hub are here to support our businesses, apprentices and the community during this challenging period.
We want to reassure you that our apprenticeship provision is continuing to operate on a remote learning basis. This will ensure apprentices can continue their learning and development while working remotely from home.
The businesses that we work with are vital to the landbased economy and we are here to provide guidance and signpost you to government information outlining the support available to you.
If you need any advice or information, please contact our dedicated apprenticeship team at apprenticeships@reaseheath.ac.uk and we will endeavour to respond within 24 hours.
Please see link below for the latest guidance from the government around the Coronavirus (COVID-19) apprenticeship programme response.
We have put together the frequently asked questions and information below to help guide you through this difficult time.
Thank you
Reaseheath Business Hub
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I am unable to continue to provide work for my employee and/or apprentice (the individual is furloughed), and am unable to pay them?
SME Apprentice – If whilst your apprentice is furloughed, they continue to study and access their training via our remote training programme, then their apprenticeship will continue. The government has issued guidance to ensure that all UK employers are able to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those employees that are furloughed during this crisis, and will not be undertaking any work. This guidance can be accessed here.
Levy Apprentice – If whilst your apprentice is furloughed, they continue to study and access their training via our remote training programme, then their apprenticeship will continue. Do not stop their apprenticeship in your DAS account. The government has issued guidance to ensure that all UK employers are able to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those employees that are furloughed during this crisis, and will not be undertaking any work. This guidance can be accessed here.
Employee – The government has issued guidance to ensure that all UK employers are able to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those employees that are furloughed during this crisis, and will not be undertaking any work. This guidance can be accessed here.
What happens if during this period my apprentice resigns from the business or have to permanently cease employing them?
Please notify us of this as soon as possible via our email address apprenticeships@reaseheath.ac.uk . The apprentice will be placed on a Break In Learning (BIL) until alternative employment is found. Remote sessions may be able to continue whilst we find alternative employment for the apprentice. We will contact you if you are a levy employer to advise of the actions to take on your DAS account.
Please note that this guidance is subject to changes in government guidance and will be updated accordingly. Therefore please check this site regularly and notify us of an changes to your apprentices employment circumstances via apprenticeships@reaseheath.ac.uk.
When will the cancelled blocks be rearranged?
We will be in touch to rearrange blocks once it is safe to resume face to face activity.
What is going to happen about my planned EPA?
The EPA (practical elements) will be rearranged as soon as it is safe to resume face to face activity. Any aspects which can be completed remotely will still take place. We are currently in discussions with EPA organisations and will update this section as further clarification is provided.
What do I do if I was planning to take on an apprentice this summer?
Please email us at apprenticeships@reaseheath.ac.uk, as we are continuing recruitment activities for businesses, although initially this will be via remote activities. Once normal business starts to resume, apprentices will be key to a business resuming normal operations.
What about recruitment if people do not have GCSEs?
We are awaiting guidance around this but expect predicted grades to be honoured. The government are currently discussing the arrangements for this with the awarding bodies and as further guidance is issued we will update this section.
Will the college date for new apprentices be postponed?
All college start dates are on hold, the start dates will be communicated once it is safe to continue face to face sessions
Will we have assessment centres?
All face to face assessment centres have been cancelled and will be rearranged once it is safe to resume face to face activity. Assessment centre activities that can be undertaken remotely will continue to be scheduled.