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In 2017 the Government set up a scheme called the Apprenticeship Levy which enables companies to offer more people opportunities by way of an apprenticeship. This scheme is funded by larger companies of payroll exceeding £3million they pay a tax of 0.5% into the scheme and this is then distributed out allowing smaller businesses the funding necessary to take on people who need training to upskill for specific job roles. Companies with wage bills less than the £3million threshold are exempt from paying into the levy but can obtain the funding for up to 10 employees to come into the company learn the job as an apprentice and the Government will pay 95% of the wage. This focus on raising the profile of Apprenticeships really does a great deal for the economy it encourages company growth but also increases employment growth in the UK.

At Juniper we understand that in more recent times careers in the sports industry are more desirable than ever. Possibly due to social media being flooded with sports personalities and lifestyle “influencers” our 16 plus students are more attracted than ever to a career within the industry.

We pride ourselves on the career opportunities we can offer within sports and we encourage our learners to aim high from the start. We do this by working on confidence with in the person building this with close guidance from industry experts.

We provide well balanced study programmes that combine both academic work with real world experience in the workplace to ensure our learners are equipped with the best knowledge, understanding and experience in their chosen field. We understand that not all knowledge is found in books and exams real hands-on experience builds memorable knowledge and confidence.

Through our programme and support our learners will gather skills and information from real mentors and experts enabling them to make career decisions allowing them to own the path of their future.

Our 16 plus sports education provision is RPA compliant meaning it is recognised as further education for our learners.

In recent years we could agree that all students have had to deal with some extreme circumstances and pressures in regards to both their learning and exams.

With the closures of schools, colleges and Universities during lockdowns forcing home-schooling and distance learning many exam results may not have reflected the true capabilities and knowledge of the individual. With this in mind and now the advantage of hindsight our education system has needed to update its structure when it comes to GCSE, AS, A level, Project and AEA qualifications.

Ofqual and DfE have decided that it is necessary to introduce schools and colleges with guidance of how they can gather information in regards individual students’ performances to determine grades in the event that exams cannot be taken. This seems to be a fair assessment strategy that assures true potential and grades are recognised.

In 2023 Ofqual understand that as we move back into “normal times” students have the opportunity to prove what they can actually achieve through performance and with the knowledge they have in each subject. With the correct guidance and support these results can be achieved without the need of over testing it has been decided.

There have also been some changes made to specific subjects in particular GCSE Maths, Physics, Combined science and Modern foreign languages. Assessment requirements have been amended as a result of consultations held by Ofqual and DfE. When published more than 90% of respondents who included teachers and students agreed with the need for the exam board to still provide formulae and revised equation sheets for maths, physics and combined science exams.

When it comes to GCSE modern foreign languages 95% of respondents agreed with proposals to remove unfamiliar vocabulary not on the vocabulary list from the exams. This will take effect in 2023.

So, it does seem that our education system is leading by example and learning from past events to make the changes necessary to provide the correct guidance and protection for our students.

In recent years we could agree that all students have had to deal with some extreme circumstances and pressures in regards to both their learning and exams. With the closures of schools, colleges and Universities during lockdowns forcing home-schooling and distance learning many exam results may not have reflected the true capabilities and knowledge of the individual. With this in mind and now the advantage of hindsight our education system has needed to update its structure when it comes to GCSE, AS, A level, Project and AEA qualifications. Ofqual and DfE have decided that it is necessary to introduce schools and colleges with guidance of how they can gather information in regards individual students’ performances to determine grades in the event that exams cannot be taken. This seems to be a fair assessment strategy that assures true potential and grades are recognised. In 2023 Ofqual understand that as we move back into “normal times” students have the opportunity to prove what they can actually achieve through performance and with the knowledge they have in each subject. With the correct guidance and support these results can be achieved without the need of over testing it has been decided. There have also been some changes made to specific subjects in particular GCSE Maths, Physics, Combined science and Modern foreign languages. Assessment requirements have been amended as a result of consultations held by Ofqual and DfE. When published more than 90% of respondents who included teachers and students agreed with the need for the exam board to still provide formulae and revised equation sheets for maths, physics and combined science exams. When it comes to GCSE modern foreign languages 95% of respondents agreed with proposals to remove unfamiliar vocabulary not on the vocabulary list from the exams. This will take effect in 2023. So, it does seem that our education system is leading by example and learning from past events to make the changes necessary to provide the correct guidance and protection for our students.

Juniper may have a solution right up your street! Our Pre-apprenticeship study programme enables 16 to 18 year olds ( or 19 to 24 with EHCP ) to improve on their Maths and English which are vital subjects for many if not most courses. Further education in these 2 subjects is a great head start and advantage to any course taken. Along side the Core subject enhancement we can offer candidates a chance to progress in many Vocational areas setting you up for a long career in a field that you find to be the most suitable to you. Are you Business savvy and thinking Business Administration, a natural in Child Care, have great people skills that make Customer Services appealing or do you suit a more manual hands on less pen pushing career in Construction ?? Depending on your location, we at Juniper can provide you with the training and head start to progress onto one of our apprenticeships or jobs.

Our Pre-apprenticeship study programme enables 16 to 18 year olds ( or 19 to 24 with EHCP ) to improve on their Maths and English which are vital subjects for many if not most courses. Further education in these 2 subjects is a great head start and advantage to any course taken. Along side the Core subject enhancement we can offer candidates a chance to progress in many Vocational areas setting you up for a long career in a field that you find to be the most suitable to you.

Are you Business savvy and thinking Business Administration, a natural in Child Care, have great people skills that make Customer Services appealing or do you suit a more manual hands on less pen pushing career in Construction ??

Depending on your location, we at Juniper can provide you with the training and head start to progress onto one of our apprenticeships or jobs.

Recent visitors to our Head Office wondered if they are seeing double as twins Hannah and Sophie Keeling greet them in the office.

Both have recently bagged apprenticeship posts. Hannah was initially recruited onto a Business Administrator Level 3 apprenticeship in June 2021. Her hard work and dedication prompted us to jokingly say we need more people like Hannah – and this is when she admitted to having a twin sister – Sophie!

The line manager for the apprentices, Lisa Nealen, asked Sophie is she would be interested in applying – and the rest is history!

Read more about this story here – https://www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/news/article/seeing-double-as-twins-get-apprentice-posts/