Apprenticeships
If you want to earn while you learn and you've got a clear idea of the job you'd like to do, then an Apprenticeship could be a good route to take.
If you want to earn while you learn and you've got a clear idea of the job you'd like to do, then an Apprenticeship could be a good route to take.
"There are 180 types of Apprenticeships in over 80 industry sectors."
You'll work and earn money while building up skills and gaining nationally-recognised qualifications. On the job, you'll work as an employee, alongside experienced staff members. Off the job, you'll learn with a training provider, such as a college, on a day- or block-release basis. Your employer or trainer will assign you a mentor to guide you through any difficult times.
Yes, there are two levels: An apprenticeship, which is equivalent to five good GCSEs, and an Advanced Apprenticeship, equivalent to two A-Levels.
Apprenticeships are open to all age groups over 16, whether you've just left school or are already working. You just need to be living in England and not taking part in full-time education. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own schemes. Entry requirements vary – some technical apprenticeships, for example, require high GCSE grades in maths, English and science. To start an Advanced Apprenticeship you should ideally have five GCSEs (Grade C or above) or have completed an Apprenticeship.
There are 180 types of apprenticeships available across more than 80 industry sectors. They range from office-based jobs, such as business administration, to careers that take you outdoors, like forestry. More than 130,000 employers currently offer apprenticeships.
There is no set time to complete an apprenticeship, but they usually take between 12 and 36 months. Some, such as engineering, can take up to five years.
According to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the average apprenticeship wage is £170 What's on your payslip?. More information on current apprenticeship wages can be found here. On October 1st, the Government has promised to introduce a minimum wage for apprentices of £2.50 per hour for under19s. Over 19s will also receive the new minimum wage but only for the first year of their apprenticeship.
You should talk to your employer to see if you can start an apprenticeship at your existing place of work. If they agree, you'll need to find a local learning provider where you can complete your training.
No. The National Apprenticeship Service will pay the full cost of your training if you are aged 16–18. Your employer may be expected to contribute to your training costs if you are older.
There is a lot of demand for apprenticeships and there have been reports in the media that funding for them is running out. However, the National Apprenticeship Service has guaranteed that everyone under 24 who finds an Apprenticeship through its vacancy service or through a learning provider will have their training funded. For more information visit the National Apprenticeships Service website.
All apprenticeships lead to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and key skills qualifications. Some apprenticeships also offer BTEC or City & Guilds certificates.
The qualifications you receive as an apprentice will be recognised by any employer, anywhere in the country. If you want to go on to further study, an Advanced Apprenticeship is accepted by some universities as an entry qualification for a Foundation Degree.
No, but a survey by the National Apprenticeship Service found that 89% of apprentices secured a job immediately after their apprenticeship ended, very often with the employer they trained with.