ECAP FAQ's

The Common Application Process (CAP) has been introduced by the Government as a way of students being able to apply for post 16 learning opportunities via a single application process .It is Web based system which allows access from school, home etc. One single application form allows students to apply to a wide range of opportunities which means they do not have to repeatedly write out the same information when they apply to different places. Since it is part of the local 14-19 Prospectus students research information on the opportunities available to them and them make an application, all from the same site.

The CAP is being introduced across the country gradually until 2011, when all year 11 learners will be able to use the system.

At the moment in Northumberland and Tyneside there are a number of schools using the system in the pilot phase. Your school will tell you if you are in the current pilot.

In the academic year 2009/10 the year 11 pupils from Heaton Manor, Kenton, Walbottle, Excelsior (Hadrian and Jefferson and Milburn), Ashlyns, Trinity (Oakfield) and Linhope are using the system.

Yes. It is possible to go back into the system at any time and amend or add information. So if you move house, do some new work experience or gain a new qualification this information can be amended without having to write out the whole form again.

Since the Routes Prospectus and CAP are Web based you can access them from any computer linked to the internet. Students will usually access the system from school or home, however if a student does not have internet access at home, libraries and Connexions Centres will allow you access.

When you first go into the CAP system you are given a basic password to get you started but the first thing you will have to do is change this password. This is to ensure that your personal information is safe and that your password is something that you will remember.

Security of personal information is very important and your password therefore should be a "strong password" which means it should include letters, numbers and symbols to make it difficult for someone to guess what it is. Once you have created your password
you need to keep it in a safe place.

In the past anyone applying for courses after year 11 had to complete an application form for each course they applied to, so they had to write out the same information a number of times. With the CAP you only need to complete your basic details once and then can apply to any number of learning opportunities. Since the CAP is part of the Prospectus all the details about Learning Pathways and courses are in the same place.

You also do not have to complete the form all at once, you can save each page as you go along and go back to add and amend information.

The CAP also has the option of printing out a Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) so if you are applying for part time jobs etc this option is useful.

If you forget your password you can click on reset and a new password will be sent to you but only if you put a contact email address on your CAP form (this is a security procedure to keep your information safe). If you did not have a email address on your form you will need to contact your Connexions Personal Adviser or a teacher in school who will be able to get a password for you.

The Personal Statement is your opportunity to tell the Learning Provider you have applied to why you want to do a particular course and why to want to learn/study with them. You may want to tell the Learning Provider about your long term career ambitions, why you want to study subjects and give other details about yourself which you have not included elsewhere on the form. If you want more information see our guide on writing Personal Statements.

While every effort is made to ensure all courses are listed on the Prospectus occasionally something gets missed. If a course for a particular Learning Provider such as a school or college is missing from the Prospectus but you know the course exists apply to that Provider selecting a similar course, then put in your 'Personal Statement' details of the course you want to apply to. Let your Connexions Adviser know the course is missing by sending a message via the link at the bottom of the application page – they will them get the listing on the Prospectus updated.