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.

 

Qualifications

On 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 be at either  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 Diploma or City & Guilds 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.