Workplace Mentors

Before the start of the apprenticeship WPM’s should:

• Familiarise themselves with the structure of the Senior Leader Apprenticeship Standard and end point assessment,

• Consider how they are going to best support the apprentice,

• Consider opportunities that will allow the Apprentice to develop and apply the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSB’s) in the workplace. It is important that the workplace mentor think about KSBs that don't naturally fit into the Apprentice’s day-to-day role and how the organisation will provide opportunities to develop and apply the KSB’s,

• Ensure that they fully understand the minimum 20% off-the-job-training time that must be provided to the Apprentice during their normal paid working hours. It may be that the Apprentice requires more than the minimum 20% off-the-job-training time and this should be formally agreed between the Apprentice and their employer and included in their commitment statement.

• Ask the Apprentice to share their taught element timetable, so that they know when the Apprentice will be attending study blocks. The time for these is included in their 20% off the job training time but this may require a little planning to accommodate as we teach in blocks rather than set days of the week,

• Agree the days and times that the Apprentice will dedicate to assignments for their studies. Assignment deadlines are typically 1 to 2 months after the end of each block. Time for assignments is included in the 20% off the job training time,

Keep copies of the commitment statement safe. This document formally outlines the responsibilities of the University, the employer and the Apprentice.