FAQs

Apprenticeships are traditionally recognised as a route to earn as you learn. An apprenticeship combines “on the job” and “off the job” training and provides the apprentice with both practical training and the vital underpinning knowledge that is crucial to develop all round competence as the apprentice works towards nationally recognised qualifications.

At Floortrain, Off the job training involves monthly visits to one of our regional centres and combines theory and practical training, delivered in state of the art training facilities, whilst using a broad innovative range of e-learning solutions within the programme.

6Can my App work part time

Can my Apprentice work part time?

No - In order to do an Apprenticeship, your learner must be employed for at least 30 hours a week. This is so that the Apprentice has enough time to do all of their required on the job and off the job training making it possible for them to complete successfully.

7What are the benefits to employing an App

What are the benefits to employing an Apprentice and what is involved?

As you are taking on a learner who knows nothing of the trade, you are able to train them to how you wish and mold them to fit perfectly within your company. If your Apprentice is aged 16-18 you may also be entitled to receive a £1,000 employer grant.

Additional benefits to taking on an Apprentice include:

Improved Productivity
Increased employee satisfaction
Reduction of recruitment costs
Reduction of staff turnover

You will be required to release your Apprentice for a minimum of 2 sessions per month so that they can attend their sessions with us.

You will be need to be involved with your Apprentices' training including taking part in there progress reviews which are carried out on site by our training advisors, helping them with workbooks and revision for tests if needed as well as teaching them the job itself.

For more information, please take a look at our Employers page

8What happens if my apprentice is off work or leaves

What happens if my Apprentice needs time off work?

If your Apprentice is off work for a long period of time due to circumstances that can not be helped, we can arrange for them to have a break in learning. This will enable them to return to us when they return to work to continue with their training from where they were without it having any detrimental affect on their progress.

9How will the end point assessment work

How will the end point assessment work?

The end point assessment will be an independent assessment (not carried out by Floortrain) and it will only take place once you are deemed competent and once the minimum duration of your Apprenticeship has been completed. The requirements in which you will have to meet will be found in the assessment plan for standards. The price agreed with your employer will include the end point assessment fee and you employer will select an Apprentice Assessment Organisation to deliver the assessment from the Register of Apprentice Assessment Organisations (RoAAO). Your results will be graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction.

10Is it possible to fail the end point assessment

Is it possible to fail the end point assessment?

If you fail your end point assessment then you will be booked in to redo it at a later date. The amount of times you can do it will be identified in your individual learner plan (ILP). The whole assessment will have to be redone as they are holistic assessments meaning you won't be able to just do individual units/elements.

11What is OJT and what makes 20%

What is Off the Job Training and what makes up the 20% requirement?

Off the job training is training that you do that isn't your normal day to day job role.

Examples of what can make up your Off Job Training are:

Attending theory and practical sessions at Floortrain
Completing your workbooks
Revising for your end units tests
Revising for your Functional Skills tests
Using the Floortrain App
Observing/shadowing your employer to learn new skills and techniques
Attending any external training days

The 20% requirement is the minimum that an Apprentice should complete to help them towards achieving their qualification. For example, if an Apprentice works 30 hours a week then they should complete a minimum of 6 hours Off Job Training per week and they should also receive full payment for this as it is done in works time.

12Will I have to complete my English & Maths

Will I have to complete my English & Maths qualifications?

If you have previously achieved your Maths and English to at least a Level 1 then you will not be required to do them again unless you wish to go ahead and work towards your level 2.

However, if you have not achieved these previously then you will be required to work towards and achieve your level 1. You will be fully supported through doing this though and we have a lot of resources available to help you with achieving this.

13Can I pay for my Apprenticeship

Can I pay for my Apprenticeship?

No - If you are aged 16-18 then your Apprenticeship will be fully funded and your employer may even be entitled to received a £1,000 employer grant. If you are aged 19+ then your Apprenticeship will be co-funded and your employer will be required to pay 10% towards your training. As you must be employed in order to do an Apprenticeship, you can not pay for this yourself.

14If I have to, how do I pay levy?

If I have to, how do I pay Levy?

You will calculate, report and pay your levy to HMRC through the pay as you earn (PAYE) process alongside income tax and national insurance. For more information, please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/pay-apprenticeship-levy

15I already pay levy but I dont currently have an Apprentice

I already pay Levy but I don't currently have an Apprentice?

If your payroll bill is over £3m meaning you have to pay Levy anyway you will be able to get a return on your payments. For more information, please visit:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-levy-how-it-will-work/apprenticeship-levy-how-it-will-work

16What do i do if the levy pot runs out

What do I do if the Levy pot runs out?

If the Levy pot runs out then you will revert to the rules of non-Levy payers which would be to make a 10% co-contribution

17What if my payrol if less than £3m a year

What if my payroll is less than £3m a year?

If you do not pay Levy and you learner is aged 19+ then you will only be required to pay a contribution towards your Apprentices training.

18What is an NVQ?

What is an NVQ?

An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is a work-based qualification designed to demonstrate that a person has suitable skills, knowledge and understanding to carry out the tasks associated with their job role.

19How are NVQ's achieved?

How are NVQ's achieved?

When all your initial paperwork is completed, we allocate your portfolio to one of our assessors who will give you a call and introduce themselves. They will make an arrangement to come and visit you whilst you're working and gather evidence which can then be assessed against national standards. Once your assessor has gathered all of the required evidence, your portfolio will be taken back to centre where all IQA checks are carried out and your certificates are applied for.

20What level NVQ do I need

What level NVQ do I need?

Your job role and which CSCS card you require will depend on which Level NVQ you need.

In order to gain your skilled workers card you will need to do the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Floorcovering Occupation

For any other CSCS cards you will need one of the NVQ's below:

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations
Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Supervision
Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Management
Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations Management
Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management

21How much does the NVQ cost

How much does the NVQ cost?

The Level 2 NVQ costs £950 for one unit and an additional £200 per any additional unit. The units covered are:

Textile (Carpets)
Impervious (Viynl & Safety Flooring)
Wood

There is always the chance that you are eligible for a Fully Funded NVQ though so please contact us to find out

22Can i get funding for my NVQ

Can I get funding for my NVQ?

We do have funding available for NVQ's. In order to find out if you are eligible for this funding please contact us

23What units will be covered

What units will be covered?

The optional units available for your NVQ are:

Textile (Carpets)
Impervious (Vinyl & Safety Flooring)
Wood

24How long will it take to complete

How long will it take to complete?

Floortrain have worked with over 6,500 floor layers and we've found that the average time to complete an NVQ is 3-6 months.

25Can I fail my NVQ

Can I fail my NVQ?

No - If you have not provided enough evidence your assessor will guide you to find any additional evidence needed. If you haven't provided the correct evidence, again we will assist in helping you find something more appropriate.

Your NVQ can only be achieved through the demonstration of your skills. You will either be competent at the tasks you are doing or not yet competent. If your assessor believes your skills don't meet the national standards, Floortrain can provide the use of it's excellent training facilities to improve your current skill level.

26Do I need to attend college/night school

Do I need to attend college/night school?

No. NVQs are an assessment of your current competence in your workplace. An assessor will visit you in your workplace as a result of your daily job role.

Organising and cross referencing your evidence and compiling your portfolio will also need to be done. You may be required to complete this at home if you do not have enough time during your working hours.

If you would benefit from some additional training, we offer the opportunity to attend our centre on completion for some further up-skilling.

27When will I meet my assessor

When will I meet my assessor?

Once all of you initial paperwork is complete, your assessor will contact you within a few weeks and arrange to come and see you to carry out your assessment.

28Which CSCS Card do I need

Which CSCS card do I need?

Depending on what qualification you are undertaking and whether or not you have completed will depend on which CSCS card you need.

Please take a look at our CSCS Cards page for information

29Why do I need a CSCS Card

Why do I need a CSCS card?

CSCS cards prove that you are competent and qualified to do the job. They can also improve business as customers can see that you/your staff are qualified and therefore good at your job.

30How do I apply for my card

How do I apply for my card?

You can apply for your CSCS card by phone or by downloading their application form online.

Please visit www.cscs.uk.com for more information.

31How much does it cost - card

How much does it cost for my CSCS card?

The current cost for a CSCS card is £30 but as of 01/09/2019 they will cost £36

32Which H&S test do i need to sit

Which Health & Safety test do I need to sit to get my card?

To apply for a CSCS card you must have passed the CITB Health safety and environment Test within the previous two years.

33When will me card arrive

When will my card arrive?

If you apply for you card by phone then it will be posted out to you the next working day.

If you apply for your card by post then it can take up to 15 days.

Most cards arrive at there intended destination within 20 days.

34Do Floortrain apply for/send me my card

Do Floortrain apply for/send me my CSCS card?

No - In order to get your CSCS card you must contact them directly yourself.

Please take a look at our CSCS Cards page of visit www.cscs.uk.com to find out how

How much does the Health & Safety test cost and how do I book it?

The current cost for the Health, Safety and Envirnoment test is £21.

You can book your test by phoning 0344 994 4488 or by going online. For more information, please visit www.citb.co.uk

35How much doe sit cost - H&S Test

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