Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is when you work and learn at the same time. You learn at your workplace and also at a training provider. You work for the equivalent to 80% of the week and study for the remaining 20%.

Currently, an apprenticeship lasts for a minimum of 12 months. You must be at least 16 years of age to be an apprentice and work for a minimum of 16 hours per week.

Applying for an Apprenticeship

The application process for an apprenticeship is likely to be similar to most jobs. Employers will use an application form; however, some may request a curriculum vitae (CV), summarising an applicant’s skills, experience and qualifications. Jobs will have a date when you must apply by. This is called a ‘closing date’. There will possibly be other people that will also apply for the same vacancy. The employer will consider who they want to take through to next stage. This is called ‘shortlisting’.

Interviews for Apprenticeships

Once you have applied for an apprenticeship, you may be invited to an interview. This could be online, but is usually at the workplace. An interview is a discussion with the employer. They will ask you questions and you can also ask them questions. At the end of the recruitment process, if the employer selects you, they will make you a job offer.

Types of Apprenticeship

The are approximately 700 different apprenticeships. You can now become a doctor, solicitor, teacher, police officer, game programmer, journalist, economist and architect through an apprenticeship!

Levels of Apprenticeship

There are four levels of apprenticeship:

Level 2 Intermediate: equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades 4 – 9
Level 3 Advanced: equivalent to 2 A levels
Levels 4 – 7 Higher: equivalent to a Foundation degree and above
Levels 6 – 7 Degree: equivalent to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

Get Paid while you Learn

There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you’re in. Your employment contract should confirm your rate of pay.

Aged 16 to 18

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £7.55 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and in your first year

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £7.55 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and have completed your first year

You’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age.