Learning Mentor Apprenticeship Standard
Mentoring is – and has been for centuries – the foundation of vocational training and apprenticeship development. It is central to work-based learning provision, further, adult and higher education, offender learning and the voluntary sector.
Course Summary

Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
DCG offers a range of high-quality education programmes and works in partnership with the University of Derby. Its Teacher Training provision was graded outstanding at its last Ofsted inspection.
Mentoring is – and has been for centuries – the foundation of vocational training and apprenticeship development. It is central to work-based learning provision, further, adult and higher education, offender learning and the voluntary sector.
Apprenticeships are expected to expand significantly, and this qualification will enhance your employment opportunities and employability. We can tailor the learning to meet your job role and the needs of your employer.
What are the benefits for employers?
The programme offers a work-based route to developing and qualifying mentors who work with learners and apprentices in a range of settings
The role can actively promote learning in the workplace, and promote engagement and inclusion for learners in all settings
For schools and organisations required to pay the Apprenticeship Levy, it offers a return on that levy and supports organisations to meet the Government target of employing apprentices
Entry Requirements
- A Learning Mentor apprenticeship contract of a minimum of 18 months to support learning and development (12 months minimum plus end-point assessment)
- Evidence of an appropriate level qualification in your own subject-specialism
- Evidence of a Level 2 qualification in English Language
- A mentor within your organisation to support and develop you
What will you learn?
In order to evidence the Apprenticeship Standards and become an outstanding Learning Mentor who has a positive impact on apprentice or learner development, you will work towards a set of qualifications bespoke to your needs and the needs of your employer. You will achieve:
- A Level 1 Award in Prevent and Safeguarding strategies, with a whole unit devoted to anti-radicalisation
- Level 2 Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT if you do not have these at entry (or their equivalent)
- End-point assessment to show you have evidenced the Apprenticeship Standards (conducted by an external end-point assessment centre)
Depending on your role, your employer may also wish you to achieve:
- A Level 3 Award in Education and Training which will develop your skillset in delivering effective training to groups
How will you learn?
This course will be delivered in the workplace and on-site.
What will you need to bring with you?
N/A
How will you be assessed?
You will be assessed through review cycles that allow you to develop and maintain an effective portfolio of evidence. The portfolio allows you to show exemplar practice by demonstrating the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard. This will be through developmental observations of your competency and professional discussions that allow you to demonstrate comprehension. The end-point assessment will consist of:
- A showcase of exemplary work
- A professional discussion informed by the showcase
- Observations of practice as a mentor followed by questions and answers
You will have study time to work with your assessor one-to-one and will attend small group teaching workshops. These will support you to prepare for end-point assessment which is conducted by an independent end-point assessment centre.
Learning time is organised on a flexible basis to accommodate your employer’s needs and your own needs, although you will normally be required to attend College to achieve the Functional Skills qualifications.
Where next?
- Secure a permanent position as a Learning Mentor or related role in the FE and Skills sector, in higher education, in schools or in a private sector organisation which employs apprentices
- Progress to a teaching or assessing qualification/role
- Progress to a Level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring (depending on your prior qualifications and role)
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Is there any financial support available?
Course Information for Employers
Apprenticeship summary
Mentoring is – and has been for centuries – the foundation of vocational training and apprenticeships, yet this standard is the first formal recognition of this role. Nowadays, mentoring takes place in all parts of the Education and Training Sector (ETS) and in staff development contexts.
Learning Mentors (LMs) support learners of all ages, and at all levels, to develop within a new work role. These learners may be, for example, apprentices, trainees or new recruits in the workplace, or in any vocational learning environment.
LMs will have sector-specific experience and qualifications, as determined by their employer or professional body, which they use to guide and advise those who are less experienced and new to a work role. The LM is therefore a ‘dual professional’, having both up-to-date knowledge and skills in a specialist vocational or subject area, together with the generic skills necessary to support learners (as potentially a first step towards a secondary role as an education and training professional).
LMs therefore support the development of learners’ knowledge, skills and behaviours throughout their programme, particularly in applying theoretical learning in practical work environments (and usually on a one-to-one or small group basis). They give practical, technical and/or pastoral support and guidance.
The Apprenticeship Standard consists of:
- Providing mentoring support using effective practices
Are they any entry requirements for my apprentice?
- A Learning Mentor apprenticeship contract of a minimum of 18 months to support learning and development (12 months minimum plus end-point assessment)
- Evidence of an appropriate level qualification in the apprentice’s own subject-specialism
- Evidence of a Level 2 qualification in English Language
- A mentor within the organisation to support and develop the apprentice
What is required from the employer in the workplace?
- Access to a range of apprentices/learners for providing mentoring support
- Access to a subject specialist mentor to support development
Behaviours expected within the role
- Promote an ethos of motivation, aspiration and a passion for learning
- Operate at all times to ethical and legal standards and within professional boundaries
- Value equality and diversity and work with others to improve equality of opportunity and inclusion
- Be resilient and adaptable when dealing with challenge and change, maintaining focus and self-control
- Demonstrate, encourage and expect mutual respect in all professional contexts
What qualification will my apprentice gain?
- Level 1 Safeguarding
- Level 2 in English, Maths and ICT
What will the assessment look like?
The end-point assessment will consist of:
- A showcase of exemplary work
- A professional discussion informed by the showcase
- Observations of practice as a mentor followed by questions and answers
Will my apprentice need to come into college?
No, your apprentice will not need to come into College. We can provide bespoke one-to-one learning time in the workplace.
Is there any specialist equipment required?
No
What progression can my apprentice expect after completion of their apprenticeship?
- Secure a permanent position as a Learning Mentor or related role in the FE and Skills Sector, in higher education, in schools or in a private sector organisation which employs apprentices
- Progress to a teaching or assessing qualification/role
- Progress to a Level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring (depending on their prior qualifications and role)
- Progress further within their vocational specialism
What job roles will this apprenticeship be suitable for?
- Mentor of apprentices in the workplace
- Mentor of learners in 14-16 education, further education, prisons, adult education or higher education provision
- Mentor of employees in the workplace
Will the college help me find an apprentice?
You may already have someone in your organisation or someone has come to you direct asking for an apprenticeship, but if you don’t we have a free recruitment service to help you hire the best candidate for your organisation from our talent pool and external advertising through social media and the national apprenticeship services website
Contact us
If you are an employer and you would like to know more, please email businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or call 01332 387421
Career Information
This course could lead to one of these careers...
Educational Support Assistants
£14143
Teaching and Other Educational Professionals n.e.c.
£22759
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Course Information Last Updated On: November 4, 2021 11:04 am