Apprentice joining instructions

Your induction will be available in the APTEM Resource Centre.  Please click View All and work your way through each tile.

Aptem is an information management system we use to manage your apprenticeship and monitor progress towards meeting the learning objectives and the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to achieve your learning plan. It will hold information about the modules you are studying, the assignments you have completed and the hours you have logged for Off-The-Job (OTJ) time.

Aptem will be used by you, your employer, the course and apprenticeship teams at Harper Adams University to record, review and track your progress, alongside acting as a portfolio for you over the duration of your apprenticeship. Training and support will be provided, with regular drop-in and remote sessions where needed. The system allows us to monitor your progress towards gaining 100% of the knowledge, skills and behaviours within the apprenticeship standards and also to monitor that you are meeting the required minimum OTJ training hours.

It is important to make sure that all information held within Aptem is accurate; please update your account with any changes to your personal details, for example, your name, address, and contact numbers. If your circumstances change at work, please inform the apprenticeship team so they can update details such as your line manager, mentor and job role.

Further information and instructions on how to use Aptem can be found in the Aptem Resource Centre.

Each apprenticeship has a dedicated Course Leader. Who to contact for your apprenticeship

Your application and training plan review may have identified some areas where you need support.  Arrangements for support will have been made and included within your Learning Plan.

As the level of learning increases throughout your programme, you may feel the need to access support with Maths and English or Study Skills. This support can be accessed through our Learning Support team . The team will arrange to provide additional support as needed.

You are not obliged to tell your employer of the support needed, however we would recommend you speak to them, as they may be able to offer additional support or make adjustments at your place of work. If you need equipment that is expensive it is worth a discussion.

Academic study support

This may be the first time you have done any academic study or writing assignments and you may find this challenging. To help you gain the skills required, there are resources within the Learning Hub to help, including guides for report writing and referencing. There is also an academic guidance team available if you would prefer 1:1 support from a tutor. Go to the learning support section of the Learning Hub for more information. Support is available at any time during your apprenticeship, so contact the team when you need any support.

Wellbeing and mental health support

There may be times during your apprenticeship where you need support with your mental health or wellbeing. There are various avenues available through the university or external agencies and your employer may also have support available. You can contact the apprenticeship team at any point during your programme and we can direct you to relevant agencies or teams within the university who can help. You can also contact the Wellbeing Support team directly at any point.

Alternatively, a free Supporting Apprentices service, delivered by Able Futures and funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, is available to any apprentice who is experiencing mental health difficulties at work. It complements any existing occupational health service in the workplace, delivered by trained professionals with expertise in mental health in the workplace.

Specialist advisors provide:

• emotional wellbeing support and advice for six months
• advice on simple workplace adjustments
• successful coping strategies
• a step-by-step support plan

You can reach the service on 0800 321 3137 and speak to one of the advisors, or apply online via the Able Futures website.

We are always interested to hear about your experience as an apprentice and encourage you to provide feedback in order for us to make improvements, celebrate success and share good practice. The apprenticeship team will send out an annual survey to hear your views on the apprenticeship and you will also receive a course review survey each year to provide feedback on module content and teaching. Feedback can also be provided during progress reviews. If you would like to provide informal feedback about the programme, please contact the apprenticeships team at any time.

We always like the opportunity to celebrate success and share your experiences via our website and social media; please let the apprenticeship team know if you have achieved milestones within your career, so we can share your news! In addition, we will write case studies about the apprenticeship programme, your experiences and feedback which will be posted on the university website and shared via social media. Please let us know if you have completed any activities at work that could be used as a case study.

TOTUM Apprentices card

Ask your employer for a TOTUM Apprentices card.

The NUS TOTUM Apprentices card is the only discount card for apprentices. The card provides discounts in-store and online at your favourite brands to help your hard earned cash go a little further. It has been created by the National Union of Students (NUS), and so the money raised selling the discount card helps to fund the National Society for Apprentices, which will serve to represent your needs and those of all vocational learners.

Visit the TOTUM website for lastest costs, and start saving with the likes of Amazon, Dominos, Alton Towers, New Look and much more!