Apprenticeship Info

Apprenticeship Info

Apprenticeships are a combination of work and study that unite on the job training and classroom learning. In an apprenticeship you are ‘full time employed’ and complete a formal qualification relating to the sector you’re working in, usually with a training provider.

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The Training

Usually the training part of the apprenticeship takes place once a week or a fortnight, depending on the employer and training provider, to develop a portfolio of work. This allows the apprentice to spend the majority of their time learning on the job skills whilst working towards a qualification. Some examples of the qualifications are below;

• Functional skills – GCSE equivalent qualifications in English, maths or IT.
• National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) – from level 2 (comparable to five GCSEs) up to level 7 (the level of a postgraduate degree).
• Technical certificates – such as BTEC, City and Guild Progression Award etc.
• Academic qualifications – including a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND) foundation degree or the equivalent of a full Bachelors degree.

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The work:

Whilst on an Apprenticeship program you are entitled to holiday allowance, Apprenticeship wages and other company benefits available to other employees.

The work experience gained in this way is invaluable and pairing a qualification alongside work related experience demonstrates to future employers an individuals potential in the workplace, as well as good time management and the ability to learn and demonstrate a range of skills.

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The wage:

The current minimum wage rate for an apprentice is £4.81 per hour. This rate applies to apprentices under the age of 18 and those that are in their first year of their apprenticeship.

For those between the age of 18 – 20 its £6.83 and £9.18 for those between 21 and 22 years.

The minimum apprenticeship wage for those of 23 and over is £9.50.

Some employers can choose to pay an apprentice a higher wage, and some higher level apprenticeships have salaries of £20,000 and up.

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How to apply:

A great number employers both large and SME’s (small-medium enterprises) use the National Apprenticeship Service to advertise their vacancies. Businesses also often advertise on their own vacancies page for apprentices. UCAS also has a vacancy search function for higher level apprenticeships.

Name	Level	Equivalent Educational Level
Intermediate	2	GCSE
Advanced	3	A Level
Higher and Foundation	4 & 5	Foundation Degree / HND / HNC
Degree	6	Bachelor’s Degree
Masters	7	Master’s Degree

Degree apprenticeships:

Click here to access the high fliers video on degree apprenticeships for 22-23