Apprenticeships

Ready to get out into the world, start working and earning a living? Apprenticeships are an ideal programme to help you build valuable skills and get on the path to success no matter whether you are looking for your first job or a change in career. An apprenticeship gives you practical on-the-job experience, essential learning tools and that will last you a lifetime, whichever direction your career takes you.

Benefits of an Apprenticeship

Proper work experience — You’ll be doing a real job and spend a majority of your apprenticeship in work. Whether you’re an engineer, lawyer or business administrator you’ll be doing the same work as someone else in your job not doing an apprenticeship.
Mentor support— You’ll learn from and get support from a workplace mentor. This person will be someone with lots of industry experience and will be there to support you through your job and qualification
Qualification — You’ll gain a nationally recognised qualification equivalent to GCSE up to Masters Degree level.
Workplace skills — Boost your CV by developing the skills you need with examples and key achievements you can use to impress current and future employers.

You’ll work at least 30 hours a week and most of your time will be spent in the workplace. You may also go to college, training centre or supplement your learning online to gain vital skills and qualifications.

Why should I choose one?

Apprenticeships are a great option for starting or changing your career, particularly as an alternative to university. You can start an apprenticeship whether you are 16 or 60 to give you the chance to complete a qualification that interests you, as well as earning money while you learn.

How do I apply for an apprenticeship?

To apply for an apprenticeship, you can search on our website and find opportunities near you at the level you’re looking for. You can filter by industries, salary and when the vacancy was added.

How much do I get paid?

You’ll get paid a salary when you do an apprenticeship. This includes your employer paying you when you’re working, when you’re studying and also when you’re on holiday! To view the latest rates visit www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide/pay-and-conditions

How long do they last?

The minimum duration of an Apprenticeship is 12 months. This allows you the time to get your qualification and the industry experience required for your End Point Assessment (final sign off of your apprenticeship). Apprenticeships at a higher level, such as degree apprenticeships can last up to 6 years, you’ll have a lot more coursework! Apprenticeships also tend to last longer in industries such as law or building surveying if you’re working towards chartered status and qualifications.

What is apprenticeship training?

Apprentices spend about 20% of training working towards a qualification you can apply to your day job. It depends on your provider and employer on what you’ll be doing, you could study at work, at home or go to college or university to get your qualification. Some apprenticeships even involve you spending weeks away at a time doing block release.

What types of Apprenticeships are there?

Level 2 – Intermediate Apprenticeships – The equivalent to getting 5 GCSEs A*-C Level 3 – Advanced Apprenticeships – The equivalent of L3 BTECs at College or A-Levels Level 4, 5, 6 – Higher Apprenticeship – These are equivalent to the different levels at university. Level 4 is first year, level 5 is second year and level 6 is final year. Level 6 – Degree Apprenticeship – This is the equivalent to getting a Bachelor’s degree. Level 7 – Professional Apprenticeship – This is the equivalent of a Master’s degree.

Who can do an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are suitable for anybody at any age, although most people think they are just for school and college leavers. Whether you’re looking to start your career after school or university, or you want to change your career route – apprenticeships are for everyone! Many employers even put their current members of staff on Apprenticeships to help them develop, this includes anything from management to engineering qualifications, so they learn the latest techniques!

When do apprenticeships start?

Any time of year although larger companies tend to have specific hiring periods around January, March and September. Best thing to do is search for the apprenticeship job you are looking for and go from there.