Apprenticeships
Getting paid while you learn might sound too good to be true — but as an apprentice you really do get the best of both worlds.
If you have the dedication to succeed in the world of work and you're not afraid to commit yourself to one, two or even five years of training and study, then an apprenticeship could be for you.
Is an apprenticeship right for you?
The right type of job for you depends upon your personality, your interests and your talents and skills. You must complete your apprenticeship to get your qualification, so you need to make sure that you're serious about your chosen career from the start. Try contacting companies directly to find out more about the area of work you’re interested in to see if it really is what you want.
The qualities you need to succeed
Apprenticeships can be demanding, but they can also be very rewarding. To do well on an apprenticeship, you need to be focused on the career you want. You also need to be prepared to work hard to get it.
To get on an apprenticeship, you’ll have to show you’re serious, committed, and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you. You also need to be happy to work as both part of a team and as an individual, and be able to use your own initiative.
Qualifications you will gain
- A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at either level 2 or level 3.
- Key skills qualifications, e.g. working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology.
- A technical certificate such as a BTEC or City & Guilds (in most cases).
- Other qualifications or requirements as specified by the particular occupation. Apprenticeships can also be a stepping-stone to university.
There are five levels of NVQ:
- Level 1 = 5 GCSEs at grades D-G
- Level 2 = 5 GCSEs at grades A-C
- Level 3 = 2 A levels/1 vocational A level
- Level 4/5 = HNC, HND and degree level
How long is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship will usually take anything from one to two years, some might take less but some apprenticeships can take up to five years.
How do apprenticeships work?
Your employer pays your wages and gives you on-the-job training which allows you to achieve National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). You'll also spend time with Salford Skills Centre, gaining key skills that'll be useful in the job market like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology. You'll also study for a technical certificate which will give you further knowledge and understanding of your job. The amount of time you'll spend studying varies; it can be anything from 100 to 1,000 hours over the period of your apprenticeship, depending on your chosen profession.
What about cash?
You must be paid at least £80 per week as this is a condition for employers offering apprenticeships. You may be paid more than this and the amount will depend upon the sector you work in, your age and your progress. You can expect that your wages will rise through your apprenticeship but it will depend on how well you do.
To find out more visit the DfES website.
Extra cash
If you’re aged between 16 and 18 and doing an apprenticeship, you may qualify for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). An EMA is £10, £20 or £30 per week, depending on your household income. The money is paid directly into your bank account. Once it’s there, you can use it to pay for whatever you like – for example, books, travel or equipment.
To find out more or to apply for an EMA visit the Education Maintenance Allowance website or call 0808 10 16219.
Holidays
Like many other employees, you will receive at least 20 days holiday per year plus bank holidays. Your individual entitlement will be detailed in your terms of employment or training agreement. Just like any other job, your employer will have rules about how far in advance holidays need to be booked and any times that holidays cannot be taken.
Who can apply?
There are no fixed entry requirements for most apprenticeships. However, for some more technical apprenticeships you may need GCSE grades A*-C in maths, English and science.
To qualify for an apprenticeship, you need to be:
- living in England, and
- not in full-time education.
How to apply
There are two ways to apply for an apprenticeship:
- approach an employer who takes on apprentices and see if they are willing to give you a job
- apply through the Learning and Skills Council, who will put you in touch with a training provider like Salford Skills Centre, who will then try to match you with an employer.
The selection process is just like any other job application process. You could be put through interviews and even asked to take tests to see if you're the right person. This process can be carried out by both the learning provider and employer, so you need to be prepared to sell yourself and convince others that an Apprenticeship is for you. After all, there's no such thing as an automatic place; employers can refuse to take you on if they don't think you're right for the job.
To find out more visit the Apprenticeships website.
This page was last updated on 29 February 2008
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