Background information - what's it all about?
Follow the links below to learn more
What is an Apprenticeship?
Types of Apprenticeship available
Levels: Apprenticeships, Advanced Apprenticeships and NVQs
How do NVQs compare to other qualifications?
Programme structure
How long does it take?
Training that's useful
Who's eligible?
What can I expect?
How do I apply?
Speak to an adviser
What next?
What is an Apprenticeship?
Earn while you learn!
For many, the later years at school can be frustrating when all you want to do is get out into the world, start working and earn a living. Likewise, if you're already working, you may be looking to try something new altogether or to improve your skills and knowledge to help you progress up the career ladder. You may also want to improve your prospects of finding a job in your chosen industry.
So, whether you're looking for your first role or are already in employment, Apprenticeships give you the chance to do just that. They enable you to enter or stay in the world of work, earn a decent wage and learn new skills.
Apprenticeships offer a mixture of on and off the job training that provides you with the skills you need for your chosen career that will also lead to nationally-recognised qualifications. As an Apprentice you'll learn on the job and do real jobs for real employers, so you'll be paid while you learn.
Over 180 types of Apprenticeship!
There are more than 180 Apprenticeships available in approximately 80 sectors of industry and commerce. These range from accountancy to football, engineering to veterinary nursing, business administration to construction. You can find details of almost all of these in Section Two of this Guide.
The possibilities are vast. So whatever industry you decide to pursue a career in, you should be able to find an Apprenticeship that suits you.
Apprenticeship frameworks can be divided into a number of sub-sections:
• Administration and professional
• Agriculture
• Construction
• Customer service, retailing and wholesaling
• Engineering
• Finance, insurance and real estate
• Food and drink
• Health and beauty
• Health, care and public services
• Hospitality
• Manufacturing
• Media and printing
• Recreation and travel
• Transportation
Levels
There are two levels of Apprenticeship available:
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are equivalent to five good GCSE passes. Apprentices work towards a work-based learning qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification to Level 2; Key Skills and in some cases a relevant technical certificate.
Advanced Apprenticeships
Advanced Apprenticeships are equivalent to two A-level passes. Apprentices work towards a work-based learning qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification to Level 3, Key Skills and in some cases a relevant technical certificate.
How do NVQs compare to other qualifications?
There are five levels of NVQ:
Level 1 - 5 GCSEs at grades D-G
Level 2 - 5 GCSEs at grades A-C
Level 3 - 2 A-levels/1 vocational A-level
Level 4/5 - HNC, HND and degree level
Programme Structure
Apprenticeships are designed with employers, so they offer a structured training that enables you to learn the exact skills you need to do a job well. Targets are set to ensure you're progressing and ensure that your employer is providing you with the right support.
You will also spend time off the job with a training provider, often a local college, studying towards a work-based qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and other nationally recognised qualifications. All the things you study will be really useful in your job and enhance the success you will have in your future career.
Training that's useful
Employers all over the country recognise and value Apprenticeships. This is because they demonstrate that you've achieved the skills you need to produce great work. This means that you can develop excellent career prospects, depending on your progress, and go on to be offered a full time role by your employer at the end of your training.
How long does it take?
There's no set time to complete an Apprenticeship as they vary widely in content and size. The length of time taken will depend on the sector you choose, the ability of the individual apprentice and the employer's requirements. Apprenticeships typically take between one and four years to complete, depending on the type of framework, so it's important that you're committed enough to see it through.
What's in it for me?
Give yourself a headstart
Apprenticeships offer high-quality, work-based training programmes and are a fantastic way to launch yourself into a career when you have finished school. They are also a great route for those already in employment to develop or change their future prospects and career.
Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular. Last year, there were more than 250,000 Apprentices in England alone, training in over 180 different types of Apprenticeship. As you get paid throughout your Apprenticeship you have no worries about paying course fees or student loans.
What you learn in your Apprenticeship or Advanced Apprenticeship will vary, but you'll end up gaining the following:
•Practical experience, skills and knowledge for working in your chosen industry
•A work based qualification, such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), at Level 2 for an Apprenticeship, or Level 3 for an Advanced Apprenticeship
• Key Skills qualifications, e.g. using numbers, working in teams, problem-solving, communications and using new technology
• A technical certificate such as a BTEC National Diploma or a City & Guilds Progression Award (included in most Apprenticeships)
•Any extra qualifications or requirements that are important for your chosen occupation
What can you do next?
When you complete an Apprenticeship, you’ll be able to prove to any employer that you have the required skills, qualifications and dedication to do the job. There’s also the opportunity to progress on to higher education, either part-time or full-time, with your employer’s help and support. An Apprenticeship will also provide you with an edge in the job market, as well as giving you a great sense of personal satisfaction.
An Apprenticeship will also increase your chances of gaining a good rate of pay and being promoted. In the long term, you could also proceed to further education – there are many Apprentices who go on to complete degrees.
What can I expect?
Earn a good wage while you continue to learn
If you're entering the world of work for the first time, you'll start earning a wage from day one of your Apprenticeship. There is no set salary for Apprentices. However, a recent survey showed that the average wage per week for an Apprentice is now around £170, and in some job roles, around £210 per week. This is dependent on your employer and the type of work you do. As your skills develop and you begin to progress, your pay will increase accordingly. Research shows that Apprentices earn, on average, over £100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees.
QualificationsOn completion of your Apprenticeship, you'll have a package of nationally-recognised qualifications. That means they will be valid for any employer so you can change jobs and take your skills and qualifications with you.
Your performance and knowledge is assessed on the job as you reach different levels. These assessments count towards your final work based qualification, such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), which will either be at Level 2 or Level 3/4. Examining bodies award these qualifications to make sure there's a consistently high level of quality across the nation.
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 communications, information technology, problem solving, application of numbers and personal skills. These important skills will help you do any job and make you more employable in whatever career path you choose to follow.
Paid holidays
Like most employees, you will be given paid holiday and bank holidays.
Your individual entitlement will be detailed in your terms of employment or training agreement: 20 days is an average holiday entitlement.
Just like any other job, your employer will have rules about how far in advance holidays need to be booked, and the times that holiday can't be taken.
You may also be able to take some time off for study leave, in addition to your usual paid leave
Other opportunities
Many employers also offer opportunities to get involved in out of work activities including social events, community projects or volunteer programmes.
Support during training
Your employer or training provider will ensure that you have a mentor. Their job is make sure that your training fits your personal requirements, offers the skills needed for the job and meets national standards. They'll also be there to help you through any difficult times and answer any questions you may have.
Prospects
Because Apprenticeships train you in the skills that employers want, they give you choices in your career.
When you've completed your Apprenticeship you can carry on working, maybe get promoted, or even go on to higher education in a college or university.
How do I apply?
Search for vacancies online
NAS website
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) look after Apprenticeships in England. You can search for Apprenticeship vacancies by postcode, keyword, job role, or learning provider. Visit their website at www.apprenticeships.org.uk and click on the link for 'Apprenticeship vacancies' to see what's available.reed.co.uk
reed.co.uk is the UK's biggest job site, featuring over 95,000 jobs from leading employers, recruitment agencies, charities and Public Sector organisations. You can search for Apprenticeships on their website at www.reed.co.uk/apprenticeships. So, whether you're looking for an Apprenticeship, temporary work or your next permanent position, visit reed.co.uk and access the UK's biggest selection of vacancies, training opportunities and career advice.Employer contact
If you've found an Apprenticeship within a company that particularly interests you then you can approach the employer directly. Before you contact them, it's a good idea to check the company's website as answers to the most common questions might be there. Remember that you'll be contacting the company as a potential employee so act professional - first impressions are important.Finding an employer
To find companies offering Apprenticeships, check your local job listings and Jobcentre plus. Local recruitment agencies might also be a good source of advice.Already working?
If you've got a job, why not ask your employer if they'd consider taking you on as an apprentice? Point them to the employers' section of the NAS website - www.apprenticeships.org.uk - for more information.NAS helpline
The National Apprenticeship Service look after Apprenticeships in England and are good people to contact. You can search for Apprenticeship vacancies across the country through their website, or register your details to find out more information: www.apprenticeships.org.uk The NAS also have a helpline you can call for support using the online vacancy matching service. An advisor will also be able to give you general advice on applications and how to put yourself forward in the best light. The call is free and could lead to your future career: call 08000 150 600
Who's eligible?
How to get onto a scheme
There are no set entry requirements for Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are open to anyone living in England, currently not in full-time education or not holding a university degree. Entry requirements are flexible because Apprenticeships are not just based on academic achievement. Employers value your enthusiasm for work and desire to learn, so your practical skills and interest in your chosen area are very important.
In order to apply you need to be:
• Committed
• Able to show that you’ve fully researched the area of work you want to do, and you’re the right person for the job
• Aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you
• Prepared for further study
• Realistic about the amount of work you may have to do
• Happy to work both as part of a team and an individual
• Able to use your own initiative
Apprenticeships can be demanding, but very rewarding. It’s not just a question of seeing what’s out there and then selecting your career path. It helps if you’re focused enough to know what you want to do before you apply.
Speak to an adviser
If you're still considering options other than just an Apprenticeship, you're not sure about which career path is for you, or you're 19 or under, then why not talk to a Connexions Direct Adviser? You can contact Connexions by calling 080800 13219 or visiting the website at www.connexions-direct.com.
Alternatively if you're over 19 years of age you can contact your local Jobcentre Plus for additional help and advice. For more information you can visit the Jobcentre Plus website.
Under 16?
Young Apprenticeships offer young people in Key Stage 4 (aged 14 to 16) an opportunity to take a programme that involves both work-based learning and 50 days of work experience placement within a sector. Since its creation, the Young Apprenticeship has expanded to a programme that recruits some 9,000 young people each year, and is very successful in leading them onto a full Apprenticeship post-16, where they often gain an Advanced Apprenticeship some twelve months earlier than other young people. This programme is expected to be mainstreamed over the next few years.
What next?
Applying for an Apprenticeship
After you’ve received all the background information make sure you apply as soon as you can. Places may not be available for long as there’s a high demand for many of the Apprenticeships on offer, so be aware that there may be competition to get your desired place. As soon as you find something you like, get down to filling in all the necessary forms and be sure to confirm meetings with employers.
Remember that you’re not automatically guaranteed an Apprenticeship place. The selection process is like any other job application and you’ll have to convince people to take you on by showing them you’re the right person for the job. You’ll have to present yourself well, “sell” yourself, and convince them that you’re serious.
Depending on the type of Apprenticeship you choose, you may have to go through one or more interviews, fill in forms, and even take some tests. This whole process can be carried out both by the employer and learning provider that you’re hoping to train with.
Funding
Don’t worry about money – you can get financial help and you and your family don’t have to pay any fees. If you’re aged between 16 and 18 then the LSC funds 100 per cent of your training.
The funding you’re eligible to receive depends entirely on your circumstances, your employer and the type of Apprenticeship you’re applying for. Your employer will work with you to try and support your individual requirements.
As an Apprentice, you’ll receive the same benefits as other employees in the company – this may include pension contributions and subsidised canteen and leisure facilities. You may also be entitled to additional money for essential books, clothing or equipment, or to help you with a disability – but this is entirely dependent on your circumstances.
In special circumstances there are Learner Support Funds available, depending on your situation, the type of Apprenticeship you are doing, and your age. These also vary depending on your employer and learning provider and need to be discussed with them individually.
In addition to short-term gains, achieving an Apprenticeship will mean you earn more in the long term and be more employable than those who leave education without these qualifications.