eFirst Technical College: Apprenticeships

The eFirst Technical College approach to apprenticeships is very different to other providers. Our delivery is online - so you can study either in your work place or from the comfort of your own home. Furthermore we take a flexible approach using personalised learning techniques powered by our Check Online platform.

We are based in South Wales and Devon and specialise in digital apprenticeships. We are currently offering the following level 3 apprenticeships:

Software Developer

Develop knowledge and skills in software design, testing and coding. Learn about professional practice and system security

Cyber Security Analyst

Learn about different aspects of information security including systems testing, risk assessment, incident management, forensics and security audits.

Digital Infrastructure Engineer

Learn about IT hardware, digital networking and networking principles.

Are you an employer looking to recruit an apprentice? Look at this guidance from the Welsh Government.

Are you a potential student interested in an Apprenticeship is Wales? Look at this guidance from Careers Wales.

If you are a student or an employer and want to find out about the flexible approach to digital apprenticeships? Email Jon, our lead tutor, directly.

Apprencticeships: The Flexible Model

We believe that the traditional model for apprenticeship delivery is ineffective. This typically involves generic centre-based classroom training to meet off-the-job training requirements.

The traditional model has a tenuous rather than integral link between provider and employer.

Whilst working on a freelance basis, we developed the flexible model for apprenticeship provision utilising our Check Online platform to drive a personalised learning experience. This proved to be highly successful.

Generic content delivery has fundamental flaws. An apprentice might already have sound knowledge and experience in some of the topics covered in a training session. As a result, an apprentice might temporarily ‘switch off’, missing out on information that they do need to know. Ultimately this can lead to disengagement – with failure to complete the Apprenticeship being the likely outcome.

Staff who have been with an employer for years are highly valuable and their time is at a premium. It is no surprise that an employer would be reluctant to sanction an apprenticeship. Similarly, it is no surprise that any undertaken apprenticeship would fail to meet off-the-job training requirements. In this situation the flexible model is the only viable option.

How does the flexible model work?

The flexible model balances the needs of the provider (responsible for ensuring that criteria is met), the employer and the apprentices following a ‘learning triangle’ approach. This fosters effective communication and mutual understanding.

With the flexible approach training is neither class based or generic. It is online and targeted based on need (following the targeted, timely targeted training developed by eFirst).

How can training be targeted?

Online learning checklists, supported by online content, drives the learning process. Training is off-the-job but does still meet the requirements of the relevant framework. This is because learners progress at their own pace, in their own way and at a time that is convenient to all parties.

If you would like us to help you manage your apprenticeship programmes using the flexible model then get in touch!