Guide to Apprenticeships

Delivery of the Apprenticeships will be carried out in the Client's workplace. The Trainer/Assessor will visit either weekly/fortnightly/monthly depending on the requirements of both the Client and workplace.

What are Apprenticeships?

As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Apprenticeship programmes are delivered on employers’ premises and lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Anyone living in England, over 16 years-old and not in full-time education, can apply.

Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete, depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentice’s ability and the industry sector.

Who are they for?

Apprenticeships are open to all age groups. Different, but similar, programmes exist for those living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. (see below).

There are different entry requirements depending on the Apprenticeship and the industry sector. Competition for places with employers can be demanding, so you will need to show that you are committed, and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you. You also need to be happy to work as both part of a team as well as individually, and be able to use your own initiative.

Training

Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry,so they offer a structured and supported programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. There are targets and checks to make sure that your employer is supporting you and you are making progress.

As an employee you will be in employment for all of your time as most training takes place in the workplace. The rest usually takes place at a local college or a specialist training organisation. You can complete this off-the-job training on day release or as arranged by a specialist work-based learning Provider. The amount of time you spend varies according to your Apprenticeship. It could be anything from one day every other fortnight to two days every week. So all the things you study will be useful in your job and help you succeed in your future career.

Your employment will be for at least 30 hours per week. There may be a number of circumstances where the learner cannot complete the full 30 hours. In these cases employment will be for more than 16 hours per week.

Clients will be supported in their workplace by their Line Manager/Supervisor, who will also give evidence of the Client's ability in each individual unit of the qualification via professional discussions.

Levels

Apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as the gold standard for work-based learning. There are three levels of Apprenticeship available:

1 - Intermediate Level Apprenticeships

Intermediate apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2, Key Skills and, in some cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification such as a BTEC.

These provide the skills you need for your chosen career and allow entry to an Advanced Level Apprenticeship.

2 - Advanced Level Apprenticeships

Advanced level apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as NVQ Level 3, Key Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based certificate such as a BTEC.

To start this programme, you should ideally have five GCSEs (grade C or above) or have completed an Intermediate Level Apprenticeship.

Advanced level Apprenticeships include supervisory skills within the programme.

3 - Higher Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships work towards work-based learning qualifications such as NVQ Level 4 and, in some cases, a knowledge-based qualification such as a Foundation degree.

All Apprenticeships must include the following elements:

A competencies qualification which must be achieved by the apprentice to qualify for an Apprenticeship certificate, and which is the qualification required to demonstrate vocational competence in performing the skill, trade or occupation to which the framework relates.
A technical knowledge qualification which is the qualification required to demonstrate achievement of the technical skills, knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and knowledge and understanding of the industry and its market relevant to the skill, trade or occupation to which the framework relates. Sometimes an Apprenticeship framework may have an integrated qualification which combines competence and technical knowledge elements in which each element is separately assessed.
Either Key Skills (e.g. working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology) or Functional Skills (e.g. Maths and English) qualifications or a GCSE with enhanced content (e.g. Maths and English).

The Benefits

There are lots of benefits to doing an Apprenticeship. You can earn while you learn, and learn in a way that is best suited to you – through hands-on experience on the job. Key benefits of being an apprentice include:

earning a salary
getting paid holidays
receiving training
gaining qualifications
learning job-specific skills

Most Providers now deliver all of their Apprenticeships via the on-line Etrack system and there is no requirement for a paper based portfolio to be produced

Earning while you are on your Apprenticeship

Apprentices do real jobs in the workplace for real employers. If you are entering your first civilian job after leaving the Services, you will start earning from day one of your Apprenticeship. If you have not yet left the Services, and are still on your individual Recovery Plan, you will continue to be paid by the Ministry of Defence.

As your skills develop, your pay will increase accordingly. You may also get additional money for essential books, clothing or equipment, or to help you with a disability. As an apprentice, you will also receive the same benefts as other employees such as pension contributions.

Finally, research shows that apprentices earn, on average, over £100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees.

Learn on the job

Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifcations and earning money all at the same time. You work towards a work-based qualifcation such as an NVQ and other nationally recognised qualifcations. Employers all over the country recognise and value Apprenticeships as they show that you have been trained in the skills they need.

Support during training

Your employer or training provider will make sure you have support. Their job is to ensure that your training fits your personal requirements, offers the skills needed for the job and satisfies national standards. They will also be there to help you through any difficult times. You will have support from your work-based supervisor (e.g. foreman, office manager) in the workplace, and from your trainer assessor from the work-based learning Provider.

Prospects

Apprenticeships can be demanding but they are very rewarding. Because Apprenticeships train you in the skills employers want, they give you choices in your career.

Your career does not have to stop at the Intermediate or Advanced Apprenticeship,. If you want to go on to University you will find that many institutes of Higher Education value your skills and knowledge and will offer you a place on a Foundation Degree or other higher level qualification.

A choice of industries and employers

Apprenticeships have been developed by a wide range of industry sectors and are available with different types of employers from large national companies such as British Gas, BMW and Orange to smaller local companies.

There will soon be over 250 types of Apprenticeship available from hospitality to graphic design; accountancy to electric vehicle engineering - providing potential apprentices and employers with over a thousand different job roles to choose from.

Support and Advice

Visit the Apprenticeships website :

www.apprenticeships.org.uk

For Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland, please follow this link:

http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/contacts/contacts-az/apprenticeshipsni-contact.htm

For Apprenticeships in Wales, please follow this link:

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/skillsandtraining/apprenticeships/?lang=en

For Apprenticeships in Scotland, please follow this link:

http://myworldofwork.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/section/training-at-work