Apprenticeships
What are Apprenticeships?
As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off the job, usually on a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Anyone living in England, over 16 years-old and not in full-time education can apply. Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector.
Who are they for?
Apprenticeships are open to all age groups above 16 years-old whether you are just leaving school, have been working for years or are seeking to start a new career. You just need to be living in England and not taking part in full-time education. There may be different entry requirements depending on the Apprenticeship and the industry sector. However 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 training would I receive?
Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. There are targets and checks to make sure that your employer is supporting you and you are making progress. As an employee you will be in employment for most of your time as most training takes place on the job. The rest usually takes place at a local college or a specialist training organisation. You can complete this off-the-job training on day release or over a number of days in a block. The amount of time you spend varies according to your Apprenticeship. It could be anything from one day every other fortnight to two days every week. So all the things you study will be useful in your job and help you succeed in your future career. Your employment will be for at least 30 hours per week. There may be a small number of circumstances where the learner cannot complete the full 30 hours. In these cases employment will be for more than 16 hours per week.
What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?
Benefits include earning a salary, getting paid holidays, receiving training, gaining qualifications and earning job-specific skills.
How much do you get paid?
All apprentices must receive the appropriate national minimum wage. The rate per hour depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice. The rates are usually updated every October. For the latest information go to the Government website (link - https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates)
What types of apprenticeship are available?
The apprenticeship website shows that there are over 150,000 employers “offering apprenticeships in more than 200,000 locations, covering more than 170 industries and 1,500 job roles”. Specific examples include:
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Animal care.
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Teaching assistant.
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Healthcare support worker.
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Dental nurse.
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Pharmacy technician.
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Cabin crew.
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Travel services.
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Design assistant.
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Hair and beauty.
Plus lots more…
What levels of apprenticeship are available?
There are three types of apprenticeship you can apply for depending on your current skills and qualifications. These are:
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Intermediate level apprenticeships.
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Advanced Level Apprenticeships.
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Higher and Degree Apprenticeships.
What are higher apprenticeships?
The UCAS website conveys that higher apprenticeships provide an opportunity to gain a higher education qualification, such as an NVQ Level 4, HND or foundation degree. They can take from one to five years to complete, and involve part-time study at a college, university or training provider.
Use the apprenticeship website to check out the latest apprenticeship vacancies. (link - https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships)
What are degree apprenticeships?
In March 2015 these were launched by the government. They have been developed by businesses, universities and colleges. Apprentices will split their time between university study and the workplace and will be employed throughout – gaining a full bachelor’s or master’s degree from a top university while earning a wage and getting real on-the-job experience in their chosen profession.
Use the UCAS apprenticeship website to search for degree apprenticeship vacancies. (link - https://careerfinder.ucas.com/jobs/apprenticeship/)
What are the entry requirements for intermediate and advanced apprenticeships?
They vary. An apprenticeship is like a job and students need to demonstrate a strong interest in their chosen apprenticeship area and be ready to start a job! You need to check the apprenticeship vacancies for the specific entry requirements. For example, some may want 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (or 4-9), others may ask for a Level 2 qualification in English and maths (such as GCSEs at A*-C/4-9 or a Level 2 Award in Functional Skills). Some may ask you to take a numeracy and literacy test before you are accepted onto the Apprenticeship.
How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
You need to search and apply using the apprenticeship website. (link - https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships)
What is a traineeship?
Traineeships are an option if you want to work but need extra help to gain an apprenticeship or job. Traineeships will give you the opportunity to develop the skills and workplace experience that employers require.
You can search and apply for traineeships using the apprenticeship website. (link - https://www.gov.uk/find-traineeship)
Please explore some of the links below for more details...
Everything you need to know about UK apprenticeships (link - https://www.ucas.com/understanding-apprenticeships)
Amazing Apprenticeships (link - https://amazingapprenticeships.com/)
What is an apprenticeship? (link - https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/apprenticeships/what-is-an-apprenticeship)
Apprenticeships (link - https://www.gov.uk/browse/education/find-course)