Why should I do one?

There are lots of great reasons to do an Apprenticeship, but here are the big ones:

• Money
• Qualifications
• Training

Money

You’ll be working for an employer and earning a salary while you learn. Salaries vary, but apprentices earn an average of £170 per week.

Funding
While you’re on an Apprenticeship, your employer pays you a salary and supports you in your training – most of your learning will happen at work, but some might take place with a training provider.

Financial help is available and you won’t have to pay any fees. If you’re between 16 and 18, the Government will pay the full cost of your training (if you’re over 19, your employer may be expected to contribute to your training costs). The funding you’re eligible to receive depends entirely on your circumstances, your employer and the type of Apprenticeship. Don’t worry – your employer will work with you to try and support your individual requirements.

Salary
The National Minimum Wage is £2.60 per hour for apprentices under 19, or those who are aged 19 or over but are in the first year of their Apprenticeship. Many employers will pay you more as you develop your skills – the average apprentice takes home around £170 per week.

It’s important to remember that completing an Apprenticeship will mean you earn more in the long run – research shows that apprentices earn, on average, around £73,000 more over their lifetime than other employees, and this figure rises to £100,000 for those who have completed an Advanced Level Apprenticeship – you’ll also be more employable than those who leave education without these qualifications.

Other benefits
As an apprentices you will 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. You’ll get paid holidays too.

In special circumstances there are Learner Support Funds available, depending on your situation, the type of Apprenticeship you are doing, and your age. These vary depending on your employer and learning provider and need to be discussed with them individually.

Qualifications

You’ll gain nationally recognised qualifications that will be valid for any employer. That means you can change jobs and take your skills and qualifications with you.

All Apprenticeships include the following elements:

• A competencies qualification which you’ll need to achieve to qualify for your Apprenticeship certificate. This qualification shows that you are competent in performing the skill,

trade or occupation your Apprenticeship requires.
• A technical knowledge qualification to show you have the necessary technical skills, knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts as well as knowledge and understanding of the relevant industry and its market.
• Either Key Skills (e.g. team-working, problem-solving, communication and using new technology) or Functional Skills to help you achieve a good standard of literacy and numeracy.

There are three levels of Apprenticeship:
• Intermediate Level Apprenticeship
• Advanced Level Apprenticeship
• Higher Level Apprenticeship

Training

With an Apprenticeship under your belt, employers will know that you’ve got the skills and training needed to do the job and they’ll be more likely to hire you. Taking an Apprenticeship doesn’t restrict you to one specific job role. During your training you’ll pick up a number of skills that will make you more attractive to other employers, from basic skills like teamwork and health and safety awareness, to more specialised capabilities that will help you progress through the industry.