Apprenticeships

Getting paid while you learn might sound to good to be true - but as an employed Apprentice that's exactly what you'll do.

When you decide to take up an Apprenticeship, you will:

earn real wages
gain new qualifications
gain new knowledge and Key Skills

Who can do Apprenticeships?

An Apprenticeship can be started between the ages of 16 and 24 and can take between one and three years depending on the level you do. Many employers will ask for several GCSEs at grade C or above (including maths and English) but you don’t always need formal qualifications.

Practical skills count when you do an Apprenticeship and you must be interested in the area of work you’ve chosen. Employers like trainees who are keen to work and to learn.

If you’re not quite ready to start a full Apprenticeship you could do a Programme Led Apprenticeship (PLA).

Types of Apprenticeship

There are 80 different occupational areas covered and 180 different Apprenticeships including business administration, hospitality, health & social care and engineering. Some of these may not be available in Nottinghamshire.

Programme Led Apprenticeships:

Non-employed (may be able to claim EMA)
Includes employability skills and work experience
May include a Technical Certificate
Key Skills
Training is usually college based to begin with. PLA’s provide a pathway for young people who may find it difficult to gain employment, or for those who require an initial phase of training before progressing onto an employer led apprenticeship
Progression to Apprenticeship once placed with an employer

Apprenticeships

equivalent to 5 GCSE A-C
training to NVQ Level 2
May include a Technical Certificate e.g. BTEC First, City & Guilds level 2
Key Skills
Can be based with an employer (employed) or with a training provider (non-employed)
If employed, wage of least £80 per week (UK average is £137pw)
Typically lasts 1 – 2 years
Progression to Advanced Apprenticeship

Advanced Apprenticeships:

Equivalent to 2 A levels
Training to NVQ level 3
Key Skills
Technical Certificate e.g. BTEC National, City & Guilds level 3
Employed from day one
Wage of at least £80pw (UK average £137pw)
Typically lasts 3 - 4 years
Progression to NVQ4, HNC/D, Foundation Degree or Bachelor Degree

Young Apprenticeships:

2 year programme
Available to motivated 14-16 year olds at Key Stage 4 in some schools
Up to 2 days per week spent in the workplace with an employer, a training provider or college
Training to NVQ 2
Technical Certificate e.g. BTEC First, City & Guilds level 2
Progression to a level 3 programme on leaving Year 11 e.g. a 6^th form or college course, or an Advanced Apprenticeship programme

The way they work
Your employer gives you on-the-job training which allows you to achieve National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). You'll also spend time with a learning provider, gaining key skills that'll be useful in the job market - like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology.

Getting paid
You'll receive a wage from your employer, often no less than other new entrants to work. That's a pretty good deal, considering that your employer is also investing their time in your future!

Holidays
Like many other employees, you'll receive at least 20 days holiday per year (and bank holidays). Just like any other job, your employer will have rules about how far in advance holidays need to be booked, and times that holidays cannot be taken.

Check out this podcast to find out more about Apprenticeships!

Looking for an Apprenticeship vacancy in Nottinghamshire? Go to Vacancies Online

Looking for an employer? 'Finding your own employer'