Apprenticeships
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a job with training which will allow you to earn while you learn, whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships take between one and five years to complete and are available in 1,500 occupations across 170 industries varying from construction to manufacturing to IT and the creative and digital sectors.
Apprenticeship Levels
|
Name |
Level Equivalent |
Education Level |
|
Intermediates |
2 |
5 GCSE passes at grade A to C |
|
Advanced |
3 |
2 A level passes |
|
Higher |
4,5,6 and 7 |
Foundation degree and above |
|
Degree |
6 and 7 |
Bachelors or Masters degree |
All apprenticeships will include elements of on the job and off the job training leading to industry recognised standards or qualifications. Some apprenticeship will require an assessment at the end of the programme to assess the apprentice’s ability and competence in their job role.
Benefits of Doing an Apprenticeship
- Earn a salary.
- Training in skills employers want.
- Excellent progression opportunities to support further study to climb the careers ladder.
- Increased future earning potential.
- Apprentices enjoy marked salary increases when they complete their training, and those completing higher apprenticeship could see increased earning of an estimated £150,000 over a lifetime.
- Learning at a pace suited to the individual with support from a mentor.
- Paid holiday.
Entry Requirements:
Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England. There are different entry requirements depending on the sector, job and level of the apprenticeship.
Salaries:
The minimum wage for apprentices is £3.50 per hour, but many employers pay more than this, depending on the sector, region and apprenticeship level. For example some higher apprenticeships can pay as much as £300-£500 per week. More details on salaries and entry criteria in specific apprenticeship occupations can be assessed by looking at the vacancies on ‘find an apprenticeship ‘ at the following website: www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Applying for an Apprenticeship:
At any one time, there are up to 28,000 apprenticeship vacancies available on the ‘find an apprenticeship ‘site in a variety of careers and industries across England. Visit gov.uk and search ‘find an apprenticeship ‘. You can search by keyword (job role, occupations or apprenticeship level) and by location. Once the right job comes up, you can register on the website and follow the step by step instructions to apply for the role. The ‘how to apply’ film has useful tips on applying. To see this and other films on apprenticeships visit You Tube and search apprenticeships:
www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Not quite ready for an apprenticeship or job?
You could try a traineeship with a local employer to gain valuable work experience and the opportunity to improve your English and Maths, if needed. Visit gov.uk and search ‘traineeships ‘for more information or to apply for traineeship opportunities. www.gov.uk/find-traineeship
For any advices or queries please contact Mrs Hall ahall@swr.school or telephone 01494 815211
