Apprenticeships

Learn on the job

Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money all at the same time.

You work towards a work-based qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and other nationally recognised qualifications.

Employers all over the country recognise and value Apprenticeships as they show that you’ve been trained in the skills they need.

Apprenticeships typically take between one and four years to complete, depending on the type of framework. There is no set time to complete an Apprenticeship as they vary widely in content and size. The length of time taken will depend on the ability of the individual apprentice and the employer's requirements.

 

Earn while you learn

Apprentices do real jobs for real employers. So you’re paid while you learn. If you are entering work for the first time, you will start earning from day one of your Apprenticeship.

There is no set rate of pay for apprentices, however all employed apprentices must receive a wage of no less than £95 per week and a recent survey showed that the average wage per week for an apprentice is now around £170 and in some job roles around £210 per week.

As your skills develop, your pay will increase accordingly. You may also get additional money for essential books, clothing or equipment, or to help you with a disability. As an apprentice, you will receive the same benefits as other employees such as pension contributions, subsidised canteen and leisure facilities.

 

Levels of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as the gold standard for work-based training. Already, more than 130,000 employers offer Apprenticeships.

There are three levels of Apprenticeship available for those aged 16 and over:

 

1 - Apprenticeships (equivalent to five good GCSE passes)

• Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2, Key Skills and, in some cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification such as a BTEC.
• These provide the skills you need for your chosen career and allow entry to an Advanced Apprenticeship.

2 - Advanced Apprenticeships (equivalent to two A-level passes)

• Advanced apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as NVQ Level 3, Key Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledgebased certificate such as a BTEC. 
• To start this programme, you should ideally have five GCSEs (grade C or above) or have completed an Apprenticeship.

3 - Higher Apprenticeships

• Higher Apprenticeships work towards work-based learning qualifications such as NVQ Level 4 and, in some cases, a knowledge-based qualification such as a Foundation degree.

 

Who are they for?

There may be different entry requirements for Apprenticeships depending on the occupational sector. You just need to be living in England and not taking part in full-time education.

Apprenticeships are open to all age groups above 16years-old whether you are just leaving school, have been working for years or are seeking to start a new career.

Competition for places with employers can be fierce, so you will need to show that you are committed, and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you.

You also need to be happy to work as both part of a team and individually, and be able to use your own initiative.

 

What do I get out of it?

There are lots of benefits to doing an Apprenticeship. You can earn while you learn, and learn in a way that is best suited to you – through hands-on experience on the job.

 

Earnings

Research shows that apprentices earn, on average, over £100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees. Your career doesn’t have to stop at the Advanced Apprenticeship, if you want to go on to University you will find many institutes of Higher Education value your skills and knowledge and will happily offer you a place on a Foundation Degree or other higher level qualifications.

Support during training

Your employer or training provider will make sure you have support. Their job is to ensure that your training fits your personal requirements, offers the skills needed for the job and satisfies national standards. They will also be there to help you through any difficult times.

Prospects

Apprenticeships can be demanding but they are very rewarding. Because Apprenticeships train you in the skills employers want, they give you choices in your career. When you’ve finished you can carry on working, maybe get promoted or go on to higher education in a college or university.

A choice of industries and employers

Apprenticeships have been developed by a wide range of industry sectors and are available with different types of employers from large national companies such as British Gas, BMW and Orange to smaller local companies.

There are now over 190 types of Apprenticeships across many sectors. The right one for you will depend on your interests, your experience and the opportunities in your area. However, all Apprenticeships include the following elements:

 

• An appropriate work-based qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at either Level 2 or Level 3;
• Key Skills qualifications, e.g. working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology;
• A technical qualification such as a BTEC or City & Guilds (relevant to the specific Apprenticeship);
• Other qualifications or requirements as specified by the particular occupation.

 

What occupational areas do we offer?

• Accounting
• Agriculture
• Animal Care
• Business Administration
• Catering and Hospitality
• Childcare
• Construction
• Customer Services
• Electrical Installation
• Engineering
• Floristry
• Hairdressing
• IT (Advanced Apprenticeship) in partnership with NITP
• Health and Social Care
• Horticulture
• Land-based Engineering
• Logistics
• Management
• Motor Vehicle
• Painting and Decorating
• Plumbing
• Retail
• Veterinary Nursing
• Warehouse and Distribution

 

How do I find out about apprenticeship opportunities in my area?

There is lots more information about apprenticeships, together with a search facility for apprenticeship opportunities in your area on the national website which is:

www.apprenticeships.org.uk

To find out more call us on 0300 456 2424