What is an Apprenticeship?

Whatever your current situation, and whatever you choose to do, it is important that you continue to learn. Becoming skilled is how to ensure you get the best possible start to your career.

You may have decided that college or sixth form is not for you, or you’ve decided on the work option or maybe you're already working. Its important to understand that unskilled jobs are steadily decreasing and even if you have a job and want to move up the career ladder you’ll need to achieve higher levels of training and skills, in order to succeed.

So, if you want to learn and earn, and kick start your career with an Apprenticeship , this route will allow you to combine working and training

If you are aged 16 or over, you’ll want to achieve things in life. If you’re leaving or have already left full-time education, you’ll want to learn skills that will give you satisfaction at work. You’ll also want to improve your prospects of finding a job in the industry you’ve chosen. Apprenticeships allow you to do just that.

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 National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). Employers all over the country recognise and value NVQs as they show you’ve been trained in the skills
they need.

Training that’s useful

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 your employer is supporting you and you are making progress. You also spend time off the job at one of our learning centres studying for vocational qualifications. So all the things you study will be useful in your job and help you succeed in your future career.

Who can do Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16-18 living in England and not
taking part in full-time education. Entry requirements are flexible because
Apprenticeships are not just based on academic achievement. What counts
are practical skills and your interest in the area of work you’ve chosen.
Employers value keenness to work and keenness to learn.

Two levels of Apprenticeship

There are two different levels of Apprenticeship available:
Apprenticeships
You gain a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 and possibly a higher qualification. This provides the skills you need for your chosen career and provides entry to:
Advanced Apprenticeships
Advanced apprentices work towards NVQ Level 3. To do this programme you should ideally have five GCSEs (grade C or above) or have completed an Apprenticeship.

What do I get out of it?

All the benefits of work while you learn new skills.

Enter the world of work

School years can be frustrating when all you want to do is get out into the
world, start working and earning a living. Apprenticeships give you the
chance to do just that. It’s an exciting feeling to be starting a new job and
getting paid. And it’s even better when each day you are continuing to learn
new things.

Start earning

You’ll be earning good money sooner than your friends who don’t take up
an Apprenticeship. There is no set rate of pay for Apprenticeships, you’ll be
paid the going wage according to the role, so, like any job, what you get
paid depends on your employer and the type of work you do.
As your skills develop your pay will increase. You may also get extra money for essential books, clothing or equipment, or to help you with a disability. As a full-time apprentice you could receive benefits such as pension contributions and subsidised canteen and leisure facilities.

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.

Qualifications

You’ll get a package of qualifications when you finish your Apprenticeship that will be recognised by any employer, anywhere in the country. That means you can change jobs and take your skills and qualifications with you. Your performance and knowledge are assessed on the job as you reach different
levels. These assessments count towards your final NVQ, which for apprenticeships will be either an NVQ Level 2, or an NVQ Level 3.

Depending on the Apprenticeship you choose, you may also study for a Technical Certificate which will give you further knowledge and understanding of your job. This might be a BTEC National Diploma or City & Guilds Progression Award. You’ll also learn about Communications, Information Technology, Problem Solving, Application of Numbers and Personal Skills.
These skills will help you do any job and make you more employable whatever career you choose to follow.

Back to top