Apprenticeships
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job with training which would 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 through to IT and the creative and digital sectors.
Apprenticeship levels
There are various levels of apprenticeship you could apply for depending on your current skills and qualifications. Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels:
| Name | Level Equivalent | Educational Level |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 2 | 5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C/9 to 4 |
| 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 apprenticeships 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
- Earning a salary
- Training in the skills employers want
- Excellent progression opportunities, whether looking to study further or climb the ranks within the workplace
- Increased future earning potential
- Apprentices enjoy marked salary increases when they complete their training, and those completing a higher apprenticeship could see increased earnings of an estimated £150,000 over their lifetime
- Learning at a pace suited to the individual with the support of a mentor
- Paid holiday
- Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England. There are different entry requirements depending on the sector and job.
Salaries
The minimum wage for apprentices is £4.81** per hour, but many employers pay more than this. This is dependent on the sector, region and apprenticeship level e.g. 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 accessed by looking at the vacancies on ‘Find an apprenticeship’.
** wage rates change annually – check https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates for updates.
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. You can search by keyword (job role, occupation type or apprenticeship level) and by location. Once the right job comes up, you can simply register on the website and follow the step by step instructions to apply for the role. The “How to apply” film has useful hints and tips on applying. To see this and other films on apprenticeships visit You Tube and search apprenticeships/NAS.
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 their English and maths, if needed. Visit gov.uk and search ‘traineeships’ for more information or to apply for traineeship opportunities.
Click here to view the adviza parents' guide to apprenticeships.
Useful websites:
Search for apprenticeships (GOV.uk).
Information for parents and students: www.getingofar.gov.uk/apprenticeships
Local apprenticeships (Wannabe Bucks).
The Telegraph's Apprenticeship App
For information about apprenticeships with the London Hairdressing Apprenticeship Academy click here.
If you need support:
Email Mr Trimmer on rtrimmer@cressex.org and we will arrange for a careers appointment for you to help answer your queries.
Local employers send vacancies through to the school – we email these out to Year 11 and 13 students when we receive them and display them on the Careers Noticeboard.
