Apprenticeships
Read a useful guide to apprenticeships here
https://apprenticeshipguide.co.uk/what-is-an-apprenticeship/
Apprenticeships began in the Middle Ages with craft guilds, where trades like carpentry, painting, and cloth making trained apprentices to maintain quality standards by sharing their skills and experience.
As the world has evolved, so have apprenticeships. They now offer an alternative route to education and help supply skilled workers for various industries.
Today, apprenticeships offer a flexible alternative to university, benefiting both young people and employers.
The Basics
An apprenticeship, which must last for a minimum of 12 months, combines hands-on work with the opportunity to train and obtain qualifications. It’s also a paid position, so you earn while you learn. At least 20% of your time is set aside for learning, usually at a college, university or training provider.
The rest of your time is spent applying your knowledge and skills in the actual workplace, doing the job that you set out to get. At the end of it, you’ll gain official certification, which will be equivalent to traditional qualifications. Apprenticeship levels are set and equivalent to as follows:
- 2 (Intermediate): GCSEs at grades A* to C
- 3 (Advanced): A-levels at grades A to E
- 4 (Higher): foundation degree
- 5 (Higher): foundation degree/first year of bachelor’s degree
- 6 (Degree): bachelor’s degree
- 7 (Degree): master’s degree
Keep in mind that not all higher-level apprenticeships (levels 6 or 7) result in a degree—some do, some don’t. Always check the qualifications offered before applying so you know what to expect. Many intermediate, advanced, and higher apprenticeships also provide diplomas in relevant fields.
There is no maximum age limit for an apprenticeship, but they are for those aged 16 or over, living in England and not in full-time education.
Added Benefits
Apprentices receive a wage during their training. The minimum wage for apprentices is £7.55 per hour, applicable to those under 19, or those aged 19 and over who are in their first year as an apprentice. Apprentices aged 19 or over who have completed their first year are entitled to the national minimum wage for their age group, currently set at £10.00 for individuals aged 18-20 and £12.21 for those aged 21-22.
Apprentices are paid for their regular working hours as well as for the training that is part of the apprenticeship, which typically takes place one day a week. They are also entitled to at least 20 days of paid holiday annually, in addition to eight bank holidays.
These pay rates and holiday entitlements represent statutory minimums. Employers may choose to offer higher wages or additional benefits, such as gym memberships, private healthcare, or travel loans, in accordance with their policies. Payment schedules can vary, with some employers paying monthly and others weekly. The workplace pension minimum age is currently 22; however, some employers may provide pension options to all employees regardless of age.
To search for apprenticeships, the government website is a good place to start.
How to decide what apprenticeship is right for you click here
Other websites you may find useful
Choices – Apprenticeship Parent Pack
Get an overview of the Apprenticeships and Technical Education choices available at 16 and 18. Click here