Our Commitment to Your Career: Strategy for Success
At The Focus Training Group, an apprenticeship is more than just a job; it is the first strategic step in a long and successful career. In a rapidly evolving world, high-quality, personalised career guidance is essential. That is why our entire apprenticeship model is built upon a robust careers strategy, fully aligned with the eight Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance.
The Gatsby Benchmarks are the gold standard, ensuring every learner receives the support they need to make informed, ambitious decisions about their future. Here is how our commitment to these benchmarks shapes your journey with us and prepares you for the workplace both today and in the future.
Our Strategy and The Eight Gatsby Benchmarks
Benchmark 1: A Stable Careers Programme
Our careers programme is not an add-on to your learning; it’s the very core of what we do. From your first enquiry to your final assessment and beyond, your career development is mapped, supported, and reviewed.
How we deliver: Our programme information is accessible on our website and in our apprentice handbook. Every apprentice has a dedicated recruitment officer and a designated careers leader within our organisation who oversees the strategic direction of your career progression.
Benchmark 2: Learning from Career and Labour Market Information (LMI)
We ensure our apprenticeships are relevant for the future. We use up-to-date LMI to inform our curriculum, guide our apprentices, and highlight future growth sectors.
How we deliver: Your recruitment officer will discuss career progression routes, potential salaries, and demand for your skills in the local and national economy. We focus on developing skills for today’s landscape, including digital literacy, green economy skills, and data analysis.
Benchmark 3: Addressing the Needs of Each Apprentice
Your career path is unique. We provide tailored support to help you identify and build on your personal strengths and ambitions.
How we deliver: Your journey starts with an in-depth skills assessment. This informs your Individual Learning Plan (ILP), which is reviewed regularly with your tutor/assessor and employer.
Benchmark 4: Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers
For an apprentice, the link between learning and careers is seamless and direct. Your training is the career.
How we deliver: Your curriculum consists of two parts: the practical, on-the-job experience and the formal, off-the-job training. This integrated model means you are constantly applying theoretical knowledge in a real-world career context, making learning both relevant and impactful.
Benchmark 5: Encounters with Employers and Employees
An apprenticeship offers unparalleled access to employers and experienced professionals. You are not just meeting them; you are working alongside them.
How we deliver: From day one, you are an employee, learning from your line manager, colleagues, and mentors within your workplace. We also facilitate networking opportunities, guest speaker sessions from industry leaders, and cross-departmental projects to broaden your professional network.
Benchmark 6: Experiences of Workplaces
This benchmark is the fundamental principle of an apprenticeship. You do not just visit a workplace for a week; you are fully immersed in it for the entire duration of your programme.
How we deliver: Your apprenticeship is your experience of the workplace. You gain a deep, practical understanding of the industry, company culture, and the responsibilities of your role long before you complete your qualification.
Benchmark 7: Encounters with Further and Higher Education
Completing your apprenticeship is a fantastic achievement, but it is often just the beginning. We ensure you are aware of all the progression pathways available to you.
How we deliver: We provide clear guidance on progressing to higher and degree-level apprenticeships (levels 4-7). We have partnerships with universities and professional bodies, and we support you in understanding how your apprenticeship can lead to further qualifications and chartered status.
Benchmark 8: Personal Guidance
Every apprentice benefits from consistent, one-to-one personal guidance from our dedicated team.
How we deliver: Your dedicated tutor/assessor is your primary point of contact. They work with you and your employer to ensure you are on track, overcoming challenges, and planning your next steps. You will have regular one-to-one reviews focusing on your performance, wellbeing, and long-term career aspirations.
Ready to Build Your Future?
Our careers strategy is designed to empower you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to thrive. We do not just find you a placement; we launch your career.
- Prospective Apprentices: Explore Our Current Apprenticeship Vacancies
- Schools & Colleges: Partner With Us to Support Your Students
- Employers: Discover How Our Apprentices Can Benefit Your Business