Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences. Alongside on-the-job training apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing class-room based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognized qualification.

An apprenticeship includes:

• Paid employment with holiday leave
• Hands on experience in a sector/role of interest
• At least 20% off the job training
• Formal assessment which leads to a nationally recognized qualification

There are different levels:

	Level	Equivalent education level
Intermediate	2	GCSE
Advanced	3	A level
Higher	4,5,6,7	Foundation degree and above
Degree	6 and 7	Honours degree

Training

In England it is a statutory requirement for an apprentice to spend 20% of their paid time ‘off the job’. Training can take the form of:

• Teaching theory eg classroom lessons, lectures and online learning
• Practical training eg shadowing mentoring, industry visits
• Learning support time and time to write assignments

The training can take place either in or out of the work environment. Some employers will offer in-house training, others may work with college, universities and training providers to deliver the training for them. Training must equate to 20% of the overall contracted hours and can be delivered flexibly for example as part of each day, once a week, or as a block release.

What are the benefits?

• Experience and skills development
• A national recognized qualification with no tuition fees
• Employee benefits and a wage
• Exposure to industry professionals.

How to find an apprenticeship:

Finding and securing an Apprenticeship can be challenging and not all vacancies are advertised centrally. Whilst some large schemes advertise in the Autumn for a start date the following September, many apprenticeships are advertised later and this may be throughout the year as vacancies arise. Competition can be high and vacancies may close early so you need to check for vacancies regularly and apply for more than one. Many students apply to university as a back-up.

There are apprenticeship search tools both on Unifrog and in UCAS. Additionally the following websites can be useful:

Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Apprenticeship Guide

https://targetcareers.co.uk/apprenticeships-and-school-leaver-jobs

Discover Jobs for School & College Leavers in the UK | NGTU (notgoingtouni.co.uk)

https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/

Apprenticeships | Understanding apprenticeships in the UK (ucas.com)

Apprenticeships & School Leaver Jobs | AllAboutSchoolLeavers

Apprenticeships | Prospects.ac.ukhttps://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/apprenticeships

Home / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

Job sites like Indeed or TotalJobs carry Apprenticeship roles.

Creative: Apprenticeships - ScreenSkills

Law: The Law Apprenticeships Guide | LawCareers.Net

NHS: NHS apprenticeships | NHS Health Careers

The following documents give useful information on applying for apprenticeships and preparing for an interview.