HMRC apprenticeship scheme 2011-12

by Darrell Binding

Background

HMRC is inviting applications for a new batch of at least 90 apprenticeships in 2011-12 via an announcement on the intranet last week. A briefing has also been issued to managers about this. Expressions of Interest for these apprenticeships must be submitted by 31/10/11 for consideration by the HRBP team for the appropriate business stream. 

Details

The apprenticeships which HMRC is supporting are in Customer Service at levels 2 and 3, Business Admin levels 2 and 3, IT User at level 2, Team Leader at level 2 and Management at level 3. The HMRC Apprenticeships intranet site (LLD15100 or “About You”, “Your Career and Learning”, Learning a-z index, Apprenticeships) gives details of all mandatory and optional learning units for each of these at Appendix A, and Union Learning Representatives can offer help and advice. To achieve the qualification, you need to be in a job which allows you to show competence in all the required elements. Most people expect to complete the qualification within 6 to 12 months, although the Business Admin. Level 3 qualification may take up to 15 months. Most of the evidence to complete the qualification will be obtained by the candidate being regularly assessed by an external assessor while carrying out the normal duties of their job. Time off is available under the HMRC Further Education Policy, at the Manager’s discretion, if required. 

Eligibility

To be eligible you need to 

• Work at least 16 hours a week

• Not be already qualified to degree or HND level

• Have a development objective in your PDE (most members already have such an objective, but if you don’t and you are interested in undertaking an apprenticeship, discuss this with your manager)

• Have the support of your line manager and HR Business Partner to undertake the qualification

• Commit to completion of the qualification.

Staff on temporary appointments who meet the eligibility criteria are not excluded from applying, if they have a development need and the length of their contract allows them time to complete the qualification.

PCS Position

PCS welcomes this opportunity for members to achieve these qualifications, which are externally accredited and portable. We especially welcome the fact that these qualifications are open to all staff who meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of their grade. We are encouraging members to consider applying for them. If it isn’t possible to offer a placement to everyone who applies at this time, due to demand, then managers are being encouraged to consider alternative development opportunities for unsuccessful candidates. Union Learning Representatives can offer information, advice and guidance on these and on other learning opportunities. 

Any queries about the contents of this briefing which cannot be answered by local PCS reps should be forwarded to Cath Coldbeck