Q&A: Changing to a new apprenticeship

How can I improve or change my apprenticeship?

I'm 17 and I'm doing an apprenticeship in hairdressing but I'm only being paid the minimum rate for an apprentice (£80) a week and working really long hours. I am starting to think I should do an apprenticeship in child care instead. Can I change courses if I find a new placement? Will it affect my career or chance of getting a new apprenticeship if I change my mind about the course I'm on?

Firstly, it's important to know your rights (PDF). Under law, apprentices are not supposed to work for longer than 48 hours a week, or 40 hours if you're under 18. There are times when you can work longer than this, but if you do work more than this in one week, the average hours you work must be under the limit over a 17 week period. If your employer is not following the law then they can be prosecuted.

As an apprentice you have the right to being treated fairly by your employer. This basically means that you are entitled to regular pay and holidays. You are protected by law from discrimination and dangerous working conditions. You also have the same working rights as any other employee, and should be entitled to fair working hours. This includes breaks and at least 20 working days holiday per year.

If you feel you aren't being treated fairly by your employer then you could contact the Safe Learner helpline on 0808 800 4000 (Monday – Friday 8am – 8pm, and on Saturday 9am – 12 noon). For professional help and assistance regarding contracts and other employment issues you could also contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) on 08457 47 47 47.

With regard to the amount an apprentice is paid, this is something that you would negotiate with your employer before you start your position. The law on the minimum wage doesn't apply to apprentices aged between 16 -18, however the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) requires that all full time apprentices are paid a minimum weekly wage of at least £80.00 (which will rise to £95 in August 2009).  

If you're thinking about changing your apprenticeship it's important you make the decision that is right for you, and the one that will make you happiest. You don't say how far in to the apprenticeship you are, so it may be worth factoring this in if you decide to leave the apprenticeship. Also, it may be worth considering how leaving midway through the course will look on your CV to future prospective employers. Future employers will want to know why you have left a course mid-way through and will expect you to give them a good reason for leaving. So, it is always wise to have a valid reason behind your decision that you can tell a future employer.

It would certainly be worth doing some research into apprenticeships in child care before you leave your current position, that way you will be able to compare the options and make an informed decision. A good first step would be to have a chat with the Children's Workforce Development Council, they are the Sector Skills Council responsible for training, qualifications and support of workers in the children's workforce sector, they have a factsheet on working in childcare which may be useful to you. If you want to discuss working in this sector, you can call them on 0113 244 6311.

It's also worth having a chat with someone at your college. They may be able to discuss how you feel and look into other options available to you. If you did speak to your tutor about your feelings and options, you might find they are more understanding about your situation than you expected. They may also be able to help resolve the issues affecting your current apprenticeship.

Another source of help available is the apprenticeships helpline, you can call them on 08000 150 600, they will be able to discuss apprenticeship options with you. Your local Connexions Centre could also help you find apprenticeship opportunities in your area, and will also be able to discuss your current situation.

Ultimately, if you feel unhappy in your current position and it is affecting the way you feel then you need to do what is right for you, just make sure you have explored every option and make an informed decision.