Frequently Asked Questions

If you are unsure of anything; see if the answer to your question is here. If not, please Contact Us

Courses

What happens if I fail an examination?
No need to worry, you can re-sit the exam for £25:00 plus VAT. Please complete and return your re-sit booking form and you will be contacted with a suitable date.

When will I receive my examination results?
Results are usually available within 10-14 days of course completion.

Can I call to ask for my results?
Under awarding body guidelines and the Data Protection Act we cannot give results over the phone.

If you do not receive your results in the timescales we have stated please contact the office your results will be re-issued

When will I receive my certificates?
Upon successful completion of the course certificates will be dispatched, usually within 4-6 weeks.

What is an SIA Licence?
SIA (Security Industry Authority) is a government organisation in place to regulate the private security industry.

It is a government requirement for anyone wanting to work in the private security industry to be licensed.

Do I need my certificate to apply for an SIA Licence?
You do not need your certificate to apply for your licence. As long as you have your result you are free to apply to the SIA.

How do I apply for an SIA Licence?
Upon satisfactory completion of one of our courses we will help and advise you on the application process. More details can be found on the SIA website www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk
Charnwood are an SIA Lead Sponsor and can assist you with your application for a fee of £15.00

Do I need my certificate to apply for a Personal License?
Yes. Your local authority will need your original certificate to process your licence application.

Where do you have training venues?
We have training centres nationwide. For group bookings, we can accommodate most locations to suit your requirements.

Do I need an SIA licence in order to work the security sector?
Yes. Under the PSI Act 2001 every person wishing to work in the private security industry must gain the relevant qualification in order to apply for their licence to work in their chosen sector.

Working without a licence is a criminal offence and can result in up to 6 months imprisonment and a £5,000 fine if convicted. Please see SIA Licensing for information on which licence you will require.

What identification will I need to provide for my examinations?
Candidates completing licensing qualifications will need to produce the following identification:

Click here to download infomation on acceptable proof of ID

Candidates completing security qualifications will need to produce the following identification AND 3 passport photographs: 

Click here to download infomation on acceptable proof of ID

How do E-Learning courses work?
To enroll on an E-Learning course you must have access to the internet and also have an e-mail address.

Book your chosen course on the website and you will be contacted with your log-in details to get started with your course.

For the Award for Personal Licence Holders you will need to attend one of our training centres to complete the examination once you have done your online learning.

Programmes

NVQs - what are they?
NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. It is a 'competence-based' qualification: this means you learn practical, work-related tasks designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge to do a job effectively.

Can I get funding?
You can receive funding for an apprenticeship if:

You are not receiving funding for training e.g. through another apprenticeship programme, care standards agency, New deal, or if you are full time student.
You must satisfy one of the following conditions:

• UK Citizen OR EU National
• EEA miworker who has been in the EU for the past three years or has 'settled status' i.e. resident in the UK for at least three years or spouse of UK citizen or person with settled status who has been both married and resident in the UK for one year.
• Permanent UK National Insurance Number
• Do not hold a degree and earn at least £95 per week.

How long will it take me to complete an apprenticeship?
It can take anytime up to a year. The average programme length is 6 months but this can vary depending on the individual. At induction with your Training Officer this will be discussed when completing an individual learning plan.

I have signed up to do an apprenticeship what happens now?
You will be contacted by one of our Training Officers to arrange a time and date suitable for you

Once I've completed my apprenticeship, how long will it take until I receive my certificates?
Your portfolio will go through the internal verifier for checking, if everything is ok your certificate will be applied for. Please note certificates are ordered in batches twice a month. It takes up to two weeks to receive them from the awarding body after ordering. It will be anything up to a month after your completion visit with your Training Officer.

My Training Officer was meant to see me today but never turned up.
Contact the Office on 0845 437 4000.  They will be able to follow this up and advise you further.

I have an appointment with my Training Officer but I can't make it, what do I do?
Contact your Training Officer or the Office to rearrange a time and date suitable for you.

My name is spelt wrong on my certificate -- what should I do?
Please contact the office on 0845 437 4000 as soon as possible to let us know of any errors. There may be a fee for replacement certificates depending on the nature of the error. 

What happens if I change workplace?
If you are considering leaving your current employment or have already left; Contact your Training Officer to let them know.

If I leave my current place of work, can I continue my learning programme at my new placement?
Yes. However you will need to continue to work in the same industry for your qualification to be relevant. We will also need to speak with your new employer to make sure that they are happy for your to continue your learning.

What courses do you offer?
We offer courses in catering, hospitality and security. Click here for more information

I have already done a Level 2 apprenticeship can I do another Level 2 or progress to a Level 3?
Your Training officer will be the able to advise you as to whether you can enroll onto another apprenticeship programme

I want to leave my apprenticeship. What happens now?
You will need to discuss your concerns with your Training Officer. Your Training Officer will support you in any decision you make and will advise you with the best options to take.

What happens if I leave industry?
If you are considering leaving the industry or have already left; Contact your Training Officer to let them know.

What happens if I get unwell or go on maternity leave?
If you are off sick from work or are due to go onto maternity leave please inform your Training Officer. We will need to know this information so that we can stop funding payments. You will be able to return to your programme once you are back to work.

What happens if my training officer leaves the company?
You will be contacted at the earliest convenience to arrange an appointment with the Training Team Leader. On this visit you will be allocated new Training Officer.