Apprenticeships Explained
About Apprenticeships
What are Apprenticeships?
Apprentices work alongside experienced staff gaining job specific skills and are paid whilst they learn.
Apprentices aged 19 and under will receive, at a minimum, the National Minimum Wage for Apprenticeships (£2.65 per hour).
Apprentices aged 19 and over will receive a minimum of £2.65 per hour in their first year and then receive, at a minimum, the full National Minimum Wage, appropriate to their age, in subsequent years.
What are the benefits?
- Earn a salary
- Get paid holidays
- Receive training
- Gain qualifications
- Learn job-specific skills
- Gain valuable work-experience
Training
Apprentices work towards nationally recognised qualifications, usually off-the-job on a day release basis, at specialist learning providers or colleges.
What does it cost?
If you are aged between 16 – 18 years old the National Apprenticeship Service pays the training costs.
If you are aged 19 -24 years old the National Apprenticeship Service contributes 50% of the costs and for anyone aged 25 years or over the National Apprenticeship Service makes a reduced contribution.
Who can apply?
Anyone who is over 16 years of age, living in England and is not in full time education can apply. There are additional eligibility conditions and anyone interested in undertaking an Apprenticeship should check their eligibility with the College’s Student Services team.
What will I learn?
All apprenticeships include the following:
- A relevant work-based qualification for example a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at either level 2 or 3;
- Functional Skills or Key Skills qualifications e.g. english / communications , ICT / using new technology or maths / numeracy;
- A technical qualification that is relevant to the specific Apprenticeship such as a City and Guilds qualification;
- Other qualifications or requirements that may be specified by the particular occupation.
How long does it take?
An Apprenticeship can take between 1 and 3 years.
How do I find and employer to do my apprenticeship with?
Find an apprenticeship vacancy with the Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service or contact us for further information
Links
Students
Find an apprenticeship vacancy with the:
Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service
Further apprenticeship information can be found at:
apprenticeships.org.uk
Employers
Apprenticeship Guide for Employers
Become a Training Practice /
Becoming a Placement Practice