Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships Explained

Apprenticeships are an exciting alternative to academic study. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job alongside study. As an apprentice you’ll:

• Have a contract of employment
• Earn a wage
• Have at least 20 days paid holiday per year plus bank holidays
• Work alongside experienced staff
• Gain industry specific skills
• Work at least 30 hours per week in your place of employment
• Undertake paid part time study usually through a mixture of day or block release, this may also include distance or e learning

There are 4 different levels of apprenticeships: intermediate, advanced, higher, and degree and depending on the level they take between 1 and 5 years to complete. Apprentices have equivalent educational levels:

Name	Level	Equivalent educational level
Intermediate	2	5 GCSE passes
Advance	3	2 A level passes
Higher	4, 5, 6 and 7	Foundation degree and above
Degree	6 and 7	Bachelor’s or master’s degree

There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you are in:

Age	National minimum wage
Aged 16-18	£4.30
Aged 19 and over and in your first year	£4.30
Aged 19 and over and have completed your first year	National minimum wage for your age

Apprenticeships are available to anyone living in England and over the age of 16. Entry requirements are dependent upon the level of study and the industry. GCSE English and Mathematics grade 4-9 are a requirement for all full time courses therefore if you don’t not have these qualifications you will be require to continue studying them alongside your chosen courses.

Students who are interested in starting an apprenticeship need to do the following:

• Discuss their options with the school Careers Advisor Amanda Rayner Sugden
• Register on the Gov.uk website
• Apply online

For help setting up your National Apprenticeship Service account click here

 

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