Who are GDR Solutions?

GDR Solutions is a specialist training company, offering both fully funded Apprenticeship programme (currently available to those aged between 16-18) as well as part-funded and fully charged NVQ and Apprenticeships to 19+ learners.  GDR is an accredited training provider with City & Guilds and EDI.

We offer Apprenticeships in Hospitality & Catering (including Professional Cookery (for chef's) Front Office, Food & Drink Service, Housekeeping and more), IT, Customer Service, Business & Administration, Management and Cleaning.

What do GDR Solutions do?

We use the skills and occupational experience of our team to work with you and your employer, in the workplace, to achieve a Nationally recognised Qualification.

What is an Apprenticeship?

It is a work-based training programme for 16-24 year-olds which lets you develop your skills, and gain a qualifications while working in a real job.

Do I have to be in a job to do it?

Yes! NVQ's are a work-based qualification, where you learn and are assessed on the skills you have developed while working on the job.

Do employers like apprenticeships?

Yes! Because they get to train you in a practical, professional way right from the start, they get to see what you’re like in practice, not just in theory and they know that you’re trained to a national standard.

What do I have to do to achieve an apprenticeship?

This depends on which core NVQ qualification you are working towards. Generally there are four main parts to your apprenticeship/advanced apprenticeship:

NVQ at Level 2 or 3 – selected to reflect your work role and responsibilities

Key Skills Portfolio and multiple choice tests in Application of Number and Communication are completed on-site. These confirm to your employer that you have the English and Maths skills to work effectively and efficiently.

Employment Rights and Responsibilities (ERR) to cover legislation and statutory information affecting learners, career progression and Equal Opportunities.

Technical certificates – this multiple-choice tested qualification enhance your knowledge and understanding of the occupational sector in which you are working.

To get the full apprenticeship, you will have to complete each part.

What do I get in the end of my apprenticeship?

When you complete all four parts, you’ll get an apprenticeship completion certificate as well as certificates awarded for completion of each of the individual parts of your apprenticeship.

What does NVQ mean?

National Vocational Qualification

Do I have to start at the bottom and work my way up? Do I need to have qualifications already, to get on a programme?

No. The more experience and qualifications you have, the higher the level of NVQ you can take.

What If I already have a job?

It’s really better for you to be employed while doing an NVQ as it’s a work-based training programme, we can discuss the options with you and your employ – and help you to choose the best option for you, that also brings the greatest benefit to your employers business!

GDR Solutions delivers qualifications that range from Level 2 through to Level 5. Government funded is focused primarily on Level 2 and Level 3 only.

How do I get an NVQ?

It’s not like school where getting a qualification comes down to how much your know. NVQ assessment isn’t just based on how much you can remember or how well you perform on the day – but on how well you work and how well you do this consistently. One bad day won't prevent you from achieving.

How will I be assessed?

You build up a folder of evidence which shows your completence. This might include – observation from your NVQ assessor, examples of products/documents you have producted, photos, witness testiments, Questions and answers and more

Will it cost me / will I earn money doing it?

That’s the great thing, you earn while you learn. You continue to do your daily job but at the same time you’re doing your qualification.

Can anyone do an apprenticeship?

To be eligible you must:
Be an EU national, or be “settled” in the UK
Have a full National Insurance Number
Not be attending full or part-time education funded by the government
Be aged between 16-18
Be working a minimum of 16 hours per week

Do I have to wait until September to start a programme?

GDR operates a “roll-on, roll-off” programme. With the agreement of your employer you can start a programme at anytime you are ready!