Am I eligible?

How to get onto a scheme

There are no set entry requirements for Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over 16 living in England, not currently in full-time education or 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.

Access to Apprenticeships

If you are aged between 16 and 24 but not eligible to take on a full Apprenticeship you might be able to join the Access to Apprenticeships programme.

As a participant on this programme you would work towards the elements of a full Apprenticeship for up to 6 months before moving to a full paid Apprenticeship – with a contract of employment – once you have demonstrated your commitment to work and study to the required standards. Talk to your careers advisor to find out if you might be eligible.

Equality and diversity

Apprenticeship programmes are inclusive and must comply with the principles of equality and diversity. They must show that they take an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Apprenticeships must ensure equality of access for those with a learning difficulty. If there are any legal restrictions that limit entry to an Apprenticeship these must be stated.