Apprenticeships
This section gives you an overview to Apprenticeships.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships allow you to combine work and study by mixing on-the-job training with classroom learning. You'll be employed to do a real job while studying for a formal qualification, usually for one day a week either at a college or a training centre. By the end of your apprenticeship, you will have gained the skills and knowledge needed to either succeed in your chosen career or progress onto the next apprenticeship level.
Eight facts you need to know about Apprenticeships (with thanks to www.amazingapprenticeships)
- An apprenticeship is a real job available to individuals aged 16+ (with no upper age limit). Apprentices are typically employed for at least 30 hours per week.
- There are thousands of apprenticeships in more than 170 industries.
- New apprenticeships are advertised each week covering a wide range of job roles. You will be amazed at the variety and breadth available!
- Apprenticeships last a minimum of 12 months Most apprenticeships take between 1 - 4 years to complete. It will depend on the level and delivery model of the apprenticeship.
- Apprenticeships range from level 2 to level 7 There are apprenticeships at levels equivalent to GCSEs right up to Master's level and you can now achieve a degree through an apprenticeship.
- Apprentices do not pay for their training. All apprenticeship costs are paid for by the employer and/or the government, meaning that an apprentice will never have to pay for their training.
- Apprentices will receive 20% off-the-job learning. 20% of an apprentice's paid time will be spent undertaking off-the-job learning, gaining valuable skills and qualifications.
- Apprentices are paid a salary. All apprentices will earn a salary of at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices which is currently £6.40* per hour. Many employers pay more! Apprentices will spend 80% of their time on-the-job 80% of an apprentice's paid time will be spent on-the-job, working with colleagues to learn new skills and gain experience of the workplace. *The National Minimum Wage for apprentices is reviewed each April.
Levels of Apprenticeship
Traineeships: Level 1 or Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs or below). These last a maximum of 6 months, they are unpaid but you gain skills and qualifications.
Intermediate Apprenticeships: Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs)
Advanced Apprenticeships: Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A Levels)
Higher Apprenticeships: Level 4 and above (equivalent to Foundation degree and higher)
Degree Apprenticeships: Level 6 or Level 7 (equivalent to a Bachelors or Masters degree)
Where and when are Apprenticeships advertised?
- Careers Fairs
- Company websites
- On the search tool on Unifrog
- National Apprenticeship website – www.apprenticeship.gov.uk (usually from November)
- Social Media: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn
Helpful Apprenticeship Links
www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
​https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/#
https://uk.indeed.com/Apprenticeships-jobs-in-Birmingham?vjk=3739ed9a8ee400e1
https://apprenticeshipguide.co.uk/
https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/
https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/
https://www.makeuk.org/future-makers/become-an-apprentice - How to find and apply for an apprenticeship with Make UK
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-your-education-and-training-choices - Get The Jump Explore your education and training choices. Whether you know where you're heading or not, knowing about the different routes open to you is a great place to start.
https://amazingapprenticeships.com/resource/apprentice-story-films-full-collection/ - These short films are excellent if you want to find out more about an apprenticeship
https://amazingapprenticeships.com/app/uploads/2017/04/Uni_Appr_guide2019_web2-1.pdf - The Which Guide to Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
www.prospects.ac.uk/what-is-an-apprenticeship
www.resources.amazingapprenticeships.com
