Paragon Skills supports 5000+ learners through their training and 2,000 organisations to deliver apprenticeships.
Introduction to Paragon Skills
Introduction to Paragon Skills
I am pleased to be able to let members know that the ICHA is working in collaboration with Paragon Skills to make Apprenticeships easily available to members. A number of members have used Paragon Skills for their Level 3 and 5 training and found them really helpful and supportive. The use of Apprenticeships is clearly helpful in tackling some of the recruitment, retention and skills issues within our sector.
The ICHA is working in collaboration with Paragon Skills. A number of members have used Paragon Skills for their Level 3 and 5 training and found them really helpful and supportive. The use of Apprenticeships is clearly helpful in tackling some of the recruitment, retention and skills issues within our sector. Click here for the ICHA / Paragon Skills Brochure
Paragon Skills are an award-winning National Apprenticeship Training Provider. Specialising in the Health & Social Care Sector and Childcare, that supports over 5000+ learners through their training, and 2,000 organisations to deliver apprenticeships across their businesses in a high-quality, consistent way.
Paragon’s industry-leading programmes have been collaboratively developed by sector specialists with their clients to embed their organisational strategy, culture, vision and values. Paragon’s client needs and learner experiences are at the heart of their business. Paragon Skills are proud to achieve some of the highest success and achievement rates in the industry which is a testimony to our commitment to quality and impactful learning and support. Paragon’s extensive experience across multiple specialisms has contributed to a first-time pass rate of 96% vs an industry first-time pass rate of 80% (2020 – 2021).
Why should you use Apprenticeship Programmes to attract, retain and upskill your Team within your services?
- Make the most of Government Funding – If your annual wage bill is less than £ 3 million – the Government will pay 95% towards the cost of the Training Programme meaning all you as an employer will have to contribute is £300 (Level 4 and Level 5 Residential Childcare Programmes). Employers with an annual wage bill of more than £ 3 million will pay into the Apprenticeship Levy which can only be used towards Apprenticeship Training Programmes as such delivered by Paragon Skills. In many circumstances, you as a provider may be able to take advantage of an Apprenticeship Levy Transfer – which would result in the whole programme being fully funded. Additional funding and financial incentives are available as detailed below.
- Financial Incentives – If you have taken on a new team member between 1/10/21 and 31/1/22 and you enrol them on to a programme before 31/3/22 you will receive £3000 for each Team Member. £3000 incentives were introduced by the Government to stimulate the economy during and post covid as such these incentives will cease to exist on 31/3/22. Payments are made in 2 halves – half on day 90 – half on day 365. For Team Members (whenever they may have joined) under the age of 25, earning less than £50k and enrolled on an Apprenticeship Programme you will not have to pay any Employer National Insurance Contributions – saving your business between £2500 and £5000 a year whilst on the programme.
- Improve the quality of your provision – 86% of employers reported benefiting from ‘the development of skills relevant to the organisation’ by using Apprenticeship Programmes to upskill their team members. Further three-quarters highlighted ‘improved productivity, the better quality of product or service, and higher staff morale.’. Team Members will be much more competent and able to create more child-centred positive outcomes.
- Support your workforce to develop their skills – by using Apprenticeship Programmes your Team Members will gain the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours and demonstrate their occupational competency. As part of the Training Programmes, your team will have to demonstrate, articulate and provide evidence to a required standard. At End Point Assessment learners will demonstrate the core competencies of a well-rounded RSW or Manager.
- Securing the best new talent – use Apprenticeship Programmes to introduce the best new talent into your business and welcome applicants from across sectors including Retail, Manufacturing, Logistics and Adult Care. Apprenticeship Programmes offer opportunities to change career paths and learn on the job and attain occupational skills and vocational competency thus reducing the skills gap within your provision.
Children’s Homes specific Apprenticeship Programmes
Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner (Residential Childcare)
This Level 4 Apprenticeship Training Programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work with children, young people and families to achieve positive outcomes and sustainable change in their everyday lives. It is suitable for existing holders of a Level 3 Diploma, Trainees / new to sector, Residential Care Workers, Support Workers and other associated job titles.
18 – 24 month programme
Level 3 Residential Childcare Diploma achieved within 12 – 16 months
Level 4 Certificate in Children, Young People and Families Practitioner achieved in 24 months
Dedicated Personal Tutor, Group Delivery and Individual Learning and Achievement Plan
Cost £300 (5% contribution)
Level 5 Children, Young People and Families Manager (Residential Childcare)
This Level 5 Apprenticeship Training Programme develops the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to manage others in working with children, young people and families to achieve positive outcomes and sustainable change in their everyday lives. It is suitable for, Team Leaders, Deputy Managers and Managers / Trainees in a Residential Childcare setting.
18 – 24 month programme
Level 5 Residential Childcare Diploma achieved within 16 – 18 months
Level 5 Certificate in Children, Young People and Manager achieved within 24 months
Dedicated Personal Tutor, Group Delivery and Individual Learning and Achievement Plan
Cost £300 (5% contribution)