Want to learn more about the application process for studying an apprenticeship with The Skills Network? We're here to help.
Step 1 - Application Form
So, your employer's put you forward to complete an apprenticeship with The Skills Network - that's so exciting!To get started on your learning adventure, you need to complete your application form. This will be sent to you in a separate email from us here at The Skills Network with the subject line "Your learning adventure starts here." You should already have received this but, if you haven't, you will receive this shortly! If you're unable to find this email, please check your junk or "other" folder and get in touch on the details below if it's still nowhere to be seen.
This application form will take roughly 5-10 minutes to complete, and will ask you for personal details such as National Insurance number, address history, education history, etc. Once you receive this application form email, please complete the form within 72 hours. If you have any issues at all, please do get in touch!
Step 2 - Initial Diagnostics
Once you've completed your application form from stage one, you'll need to complete a few online assessments on Skills Forward and Cognassist. These assessments help us to understand your starting point before embarking on your apprenticeship and your learning style so that we can tailor your course to fit your specific needs.It's really important that your answers in these assessments reflect your own previous knowledge so please complete them without any additional help or resources. We use your answers to make your course work for you so any extra help will just limit the effectiveness of your apprenticeship.
2.1 Skills Forward
So that we can identify you current skill level in maths, English and ICT, you need to complete initial assessments in these three subjects in Skills Forward. You should be able to log in to Skills Forward, using the log in details below, once you've submitted your application form. If you are unable to log on, please get in touch via the contact details at the bottom of this page.
Visit this page to log in to Skills Forward.
Username= firstname.surname
Password= TSN123 (you'll be prompted to change this when you log in)
When you log into Skills Forward, you will see the options FS ICT, FS English Reform, FS Maths Reform, and FS ICT (non-reform.) You'll need to complete all four of these before you can move on to Cognassist.
2.2 Cognassist
Once you have completed your assessments on Skills Forward, we will send you across an email with a link for you to access Cognassist. Through this link you will gain access to a short Neurodiversity assessment which you will need to complete. This assessment will help us to understand if you need any additional support throughout your apprenticeship.
Step 3 - Professional Discussion
Once you've completed your Initial Diagnostics, our admissions team will get in touch with you to book in your professional discussion. This is a session, usually held over Microsoft Teams, with the Quality Lead of your apprenticeship academy.Within this session, you and your Quality Lead will discuss your prior experience, skills, and knowledge and get your first official teaching and learning session with one of our trainers booked in (this will class as the first day of your apprenticeship!)
Step 4 - Confirmed Start Date
As mentioned above, your official apprenticeship start date will be confirmed during your professional discussion as this will be the day that you complete your first Teaching and Learning session with one of our trainers.Step 5 - Check Your Paperwork
Prior to your first Teaching and Learning session, we'll send you, your employer, and your guardian (if you are 18 or under) your apprenticeship agreement paperwork. This will be sent to you at least 48 hours before your Teaching and Learning session and it must be signed for this first session to take place.Step 6 - Teaching and Learning Session
This first Teaching and Learning session gives you the chance to meet your trainer, ask them any questions you may have about your apprenticeship and, if you're lucky, meet fellow apprentice's (as we sometimes organise group Teaching and Learning sessions.)This session will be about two hours long and once this has been completed, you'll be fully enrolled in your apprenticeship!
Step 7 - You're All Set!
After you've completed your first Teaching and Learning Session, you're ready to get started on your apprenticeship itself! Dive straight in and get ready to learn a lot. We hope you enjoy every second of it!
Need a hand with anything?
Don't forget that we're here to support you through every stage of your learning adventure! Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need a hand with anything...Get in touch at apprenticeship.admissions@theskillsnetwork.com or 01757606632