What are Apprenticeships?

Apprentices are wage-earning employees who work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Apprentices receive training "off the job" to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete. The minimum salary is £2.50 per hour, but many apprentices earn significantly more.

Who are they for?

You need to be over 16 years old, employed, living in England and not taking part in full-time [Full-time courses consist of 12-16 hours study per week. International students on full-time courses must study a minimum of 15 hours per week.] education. Your employer must agree to you participating in the apprenticeship programme.

Training

Apprenticeships are designed with the help of industry employers to take you through the skills you need to do a job well. Most of your training will take place on the job, though you will also be given off-the-job training either on day release or over a number of days in a block.

Structure

Apprenticeships include the following elements:

• An appropriate work-based qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at either Level 2 or Level 3;
• Either Key Skills (e.g. working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology) or Functional Skills (e.g. Maths and English) qualifications;
• A technical qualification such as a BTEC or City & Guilds (relevant to the specific Apprenticeship);
• Other qualifications or requirements as specified by the particular occupation.

More Info

If you want to find out more about Apprenticeships, contact Gemma Rainbird on 020 8326 2010 or fill out the form below.