Merit Skills continue exemplary Health and Safety standards
Another year, another audit. We recently had a successful audit of our Safety, Health, Environmental & Quality practices and procedures which was carried out by Achilles Verify. The auditor spent a day with us reviewing our processes, procedures and facilities.
With this audit we continue to show our dedication and commitment to ensuring the health and safety for all. It should also give our c...
Read moreTransfer of apprenticeship service funds - restrictions lifted
It has recently been announced that as of the end of July the temporary restriction on how many employers a levy-payer can transfer apprenticeship service funds to will be lifted. This will allow levy-paying employers to transfer up to a maximum of 10% of their apprenticeship service annual funds to employers of their choosing.
The allowance is 10% of your business annual funds, which will be ...
Read moreThe CABWI Annual Forum
We recently attended the annual CABWI Forum in Coventry. The meeting focused on the changes that will be happening in the sector and to CABWI itself, some of these changes will affect the assessment of qualifications directly and provide an improved and more accurate representation of the candidates competency.
End Point Assessment
A popular topic was the new End Point Assessments (EPA) ...
Read moreApprentices make a difference to your business
If you are an employer who has previously had apprentices in your organisation, it will already be clear to you the benefits they can bring. 86% of employers with an established apprenticeship programme reported that apprenticeships have helped to develop skills that are relevant to the needs of their organisation.
As a non-levy paying employer, what’s more, the government will pay 90% of the t...
Read moreFunding Apprenticeships
From 2018 businesses that pay the Levy will be able to transfer apprenticeship funding to other businesses, which will be used to pay for training and assessments for apprenticeships.
However employers can transfer a maximum of 10% of annual funds. This is worked out from the total amount of levy declared, with the English % applied, plus the 10% government top-up payment.
Another important ...
Read moreQualifications may be used in Apprenticeships
Previously the strict rules surrounding Apprenticeships stated that qualifications couldn't be mandated in apprenticeships. However now the Institute For Apprenticeships has announced that qualifications, such as technical certificates will be allowed as a method of showing evidence of knowledge.
This change is part of the process to make the apprenticeships process "faster and better" after re...
Read moreDoes water float your boat?
Merit Skills is embarking on a national campaign to recruit for the next generation of water trainers. Throughout the year we will be using different initiatives to attract the best individuals.
Over the holiday period, one of our trainers was featured in a national Newspaper. This article was written about the ever expanding opportunities as a Trainer/Assessor in the Water Industry.
The art...
Read moreGet the cash flowing and tap into an exciting career in the water industry
TAP into an exciting career in the water industry.
A leading training organisation for the industry says the demand for skilled workers at water firms across the UK is increasing as the existing workforce ages.
Pete Featherstone, operations boss at Peterborough-based Merit Skills,...
Read moreMock Interviews at College
Recently our Managing Director Maria Fulluck went to Arthur Mellows Village College in Peterborough, to help prepare them for their future by giving them a mock interview experience.
The year 11 students each got an interview that lasted around 10 minutes, after which they were provided with feedback that will help them improve and succeed in future...
Read moreThe New IOSH Qualification
Recently IOSH released the much anticipated qualification, Safety and Health for Business. This qualification is designed to develop the business knowledge and skills that employers are demanding of safety and health professionals.
This long awaited qualification ensures safety, health and wellbeing in the workplace by offering options that go beyond technical knowledge to give insights and...
Read moreNew Water Distribution Trainer/Assessor Vacancy at Merit Skills
Purpose of the Role
Were looking for someone who has water industry background within distribution or process and is occupationally experienced. You will be a good communicator and ideally have a background in training and assessing qualifications .You will be both professional and customer focused in your approach, maintaining and expanding the current relationships delivering apprentices...
Read moreOFQUAL is replacing the QCF with the RQF
OFQUAL, the regulator, has replaced the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) with a new single and easier to use framework called the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Which is coming into full force on the 31st December 2017.
Why is it changing?
The RQF will be a new single and easier to use framework. The RQF is more descriptive and less prescriptive than the QCF. Awardin...
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