News

In September 2008, the government announced that on the 1st August 2009 the minimum training allowance for employed apprentices would increase from £80 to £95 per week.

All Apprentices aged 16-18, and those aged 19 and over in their first year as an apprentice are exempt from being paid the national minimum wage. The minimum training allowance ensures the apprentice receives a package equitable to being in full time education or unwaged training.

We wrote to all of our employers in April 2009 to remind them of the impending change which, as announced, came into effect on the 1st August 2009.

For further information please visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Habia
Habia is the standard setting body for the hair, beauty, nails and spa industries, and creates the standards that form the basis of all qualifications including NVQs, SVQs, Apprenticeships, Diplomas and Foundation degrees, as well as industry codes of practice.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
Basically, EMA is cash in your hands to help you carry on learning. If you're 16, 17 or 18 and have left, or are about to leave, compulsory education, then it could be for you.

Business Link North East
Business Link is a government-funded service designed to help businesses start up, survive and grow.

Apprenticeships
Whether you are an individual looking for an Apprenticeship, or an employer looking for an apprentice, there is a whole range of information here to help you decide if Apprenticeships are the right route for you

Train to Gain
Train to Gain is a joint investment - you and the Government working together to boost your business by improving the skills of your individual staff members.

Learning and Skills Council
The Learning and Skills Council exists to make England better skilled and more competitive.

Edge
Edge is an independent education foundation, dedicated to raising the status of practical and vocational learning.

Connexions
Connexions is a confidential advice and support service for 13-19 year olds.

Tyne and Wear Learning Providers Network
Developed by the Tyne & Wear Association of Learning Providers to provide information about training opportunities for young people, adults and employers and organisations like the Learning and Skills Council and Connexions who support them.

How Does Foundation Learning Work?
Foundation Learning offers you a flexible and personalised training programme which offers an introduction into employment, apprenticeships and further education .

During your initial meeting with our friendly and experienced team, we will discuss your individual needs and work with you to help you develop the necessary skills to move into employment, an apprenticeship or further education. We will also give you the opportunity to experience vocational tasters and work experience in a range of occupational areas.

The vocatonal strand of Foundation Learning provides a perfect opportunity for you to try out a variety of careers before making that final decision.

How long does the programme last?
The programme will last approximately 17 weeks, however the length of the programme will vary depending on your needs. During the programme you will be given support with Numeracy and Literacy, C.V Writing , Interview Skills, Work Experience Placement, Job Search, Confidence Building, Team Building, Communication Skills as well as Personal and Social Skills.

Will I get any financial support?
All young people on the Foundation Learning programme are eligible to apply for Learner Support Funding (which replaces EMA from January 2011), plus full travel expenses. (Please note: Learner Support Funding is means tested and NEETA is not involved in the evaluation of applications.

Is Foundation Learning right for me?
If you are:

• 16 - 18 years old


• Resident in the UK


• Not currently participating in any form of post 16 learning


• Available to attend a minimum of 18 hours per week (increasing to 30 hours per week)


• Committed to progressing into an apprenticeship, college or employment

Then this is the programme for you.

Flexible Curriculum is a programme for 14 to 16 year olds.

For a wide variety of reasons, sometimes young people fail to respond to the programme of learning offered in secondary education. This programme of learning provides young people with the opportunity to try other areas of learning such as vocational skills, enterprise, citizenship and work skills.

This programme is usually 20 hours per week but may be shorter if the young person is also attending school for some lessons.

The North East Employment Training Agency Ltd was incorporated in 1987 and now has over 20 years of experience supporting young people and adults in Tyne and Wear to gain vocational, educational and employment skills becoming one of the foremost providers of government funded programmes in the region

Values
The company hold family values in high regard; this is reflected in its management and staffing. Neeta Ltd is wholly owned by the Managing Director, Susan Briganti who is supported by husband Lawrence, Director/Company Secretary who is also a subject specialist deliverer for Adult Literacy and Number. Their son Stephen is General Manager and supports the MD in the running of the business.

Beverley Ball, Quality and Foundation Learning Manager, Martin Woodey, Key Skill Manager and Jim Brannan, Basic Skills Manager have over 35 years service between them.