The University’s expectation is that the Training Provider will advertise the apprenticeship on the University’s behalf. However in the event that the Training Provider is unable to do so the University’s Recruitment Team will support the process. In all cases, the Training Provider must ensure that the University’s specified recruitment documents are included in the advert (i.e. job description and benefits statement).
Where the recruitment process is assisted by the training provider - an Online Staff Request Form (OSRF) must be raised within the University’s e-recruitment system (jobs.soton.ac.uk) once the successful candidate(s) have been identified, selecting the ‘Named Researcher’ option to indicate that the successful candidate(s) has already been identified and noting the Training Provider details. The OSRF will go through the normal authorisation process.
On receipt of the OSRF the University’s Recruitment Team will set up the Training Provider details on the digital Apprentice Service and inform the Training Provider of the successful and unsuccessful candidates to enable them to begin the processes required to set up the apprenticeship programme (and to seek alternative positions for unsuccessful candidates).
Where the recruitment and selection process is completed by the University’s in-house recruitment team - an OSRF must be raised at the beginning of the process and the recruitment team will arrange any requested advertising including advertising with the National Apprenticeship Service. The recruiting department will be responsible for any advertising costs incurred. Candidates will apply direct through the University’s recruitment website. Assessments and interviews will be undertaken by the hiring manager and the successful candidate processed via the University’s normal processes. Both successful and unsuccessful candidates will be contacted with the outcome.
In both cases - the hiring manager will be responsible for keeping the training provider informed throughout this process, so that they can follow the processes required to set up the apprenticeship programme for the successful candidate.
When recruiting an apprenticeship role a job description must be provided. Hiring managers must use the substantive job description for the role and adapt this for the duration of the apprenticeship, showing that the individual will be working towards the skills to deliver the full scope of the role.
Any apprenticeship position that does not have a job description that has been evaluated must be reviewed by the Job Evaluation Panel and be fully authorised before any recruitment can commence. The University’s normal recruitment processes apply for all apprenticeship positions.
The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity. In selecting an apprentice, the University’s normal recruitment and equal opportunities policies will be adhered to.
Once an offer of an apprenticeship is made, usual pre-employment processes will be followed and, upon receipt of the relevant documentation (including proof of right to work in the UK, medical clearance and, where appropriate, DBS clearance) the University will issue a contract of employment.
If a successful applicant is aged 16-18 years, there are additional considerations to be made e.g. working hours. Further information is available from ACAS and advice can be sought from Ask HR.
Example Job Description adapted to apprenticeship