Benefits - apprentice FAQs
Q. I am an apprentice – am I entitled to be paid for my time spent at college?
Q. Am I entitled to JIB rates of pay?
Q. How do I advance to the next stage of my apprenticeship?
Q. What do I do if my employer won’t complete my apprenticeship?
Q. Am I entitled to Bupa if I work for a JIB member?
Q. I am an apprentice – am I entitled to be paid for my time spent at college?
A. Under the training contract agreed, your Employer must allow you to attend College at the designated times to complete off-the-job training. For each day spent at College, your Employer will meet any fees applicable to the Training Scheme and pay you a normal day’s pay plus the actual fares incurred.
Q. Am I entitled to JIB rates of pay?
A. You are only entitled to JIB rates of pay if you are working for a JIB member company. If you are not working for a JIB member company, then the JIB rates can only be used as a guideline.
Q. I am an apprentice and have just been graded but my employer is not keeping me on. Can I claim unfair dismissal?
A. No. The completion of an apprenticeship has a special status in law. It is deemed as a strictly one-off contract which is incapable of being renewed. Therefore the completion of apprenticeship and non-engagement of an apprentice is not deemed as a dismissal.
It therefore follows that it is not a redundancy either, so no redundancy payment is due.
Q. How do I advance to the next stage of my apprenticeship?
A. Advancement is linked to both service and attainment of qualifications. In September of each year the employer must review the progress of the apprentice to establish if they have achieved the training targets. If they have then the apprentice can be advanced to the next stage.
Q. What do I do if my employer won’t complete my apprenticeship?
A. If you have your NVQ Level 3 you are eligible to be graded as an electrician. You should complete the ECS form and submit this with the paperwork under section 2.6. Your employer should send this to the JIB within 14 days.
If your employer does not do this you should raise the matter within your employer’s grievance procedure. You should also contact your Unite Regional Officer.
A. if you are working for a JIB member you are entitled to £3 per day in addition to SSP. This is payable by your employer directly. If you are not working for a JIB member company then this any additional payment is at the discretion of your employer.
Q. Am I entitled to Bupa if I work for a JIB member?
A. No – Bupa is not available to apprentices.
Q.I’ve been through my company’s grievance procedure and don’t agree with the outcome. What can I do?
A. If you are a JIB registered apprentice then, whether or not your company is a JIB member, you can make a claim through the JIB procedures if the dismissal or grievance is related to your apprenticeship. The JIB’s Industrial Relations Department on 020 8302 0031 will be able to advise. Alternatively you can email ir@jib.org.uk
We would also advise you to involve your Unite Regional Officer if you are a member.
