An apprenticeship offers hands-on practical training in a job of your choice while you earn a salary. You’re treated just like all the other employees, with a contract of employment and holiday leave. If you’re 16 or over, you can become an apprentice as long as you spend at least 50 per cent of your working hours in England for the duration of the apprenticeship and you are not in full-time education.
Your apprenticeship can take between one and six years to complete, depending on which apprenticeship you choose, what level it’s at, and your previous experience. From engineering to nursing and from law to design – thousands of apprenticeships are available every year in a vast range of industries and careers. Apprenticeships are often a popular option for people who don’t want to have the worry of student debt hanging over them in the future–and want to get a head start on their future career.
Advanced apprenticeships are equivalent to two A-level passes. To be accepted you should have five GCSEs or more. Higher apprenticeships range between Level 4, which is the equivalent of one year of higher education study, to Level 6, which is the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree. They cover around 75 industries and more than 100 different job roles, ranging from legal services to banking and engineering.
Higher and degree apprentices typically split their time between college or university and the workplace. An apprenticeship can lead to a long-term job after the initial contract is completed. You can also pick up life-long skills that will be useful and adaptable to any industry. The whole time you will be making a good name for yourself and building professional contacts.
As with other apprenticeships, students are employed throughout and the cost of the fees are shared between the Government and the employer. Many employers choose to pay substantially more than the apprenticeship minimum wage for those under 19.
As well as having many benefits for apprentices, the scheme is also popular with employers. Many see it as an investment because they can guide and train their recruits to have the specific skills required for the industry and ensure they are reliable members of the workforce.
Employers want an apprentice who is polite, punctual and reliable. They also want a quick learner who can follow instructions and advice and someone who can think on their feet to fix any problems that crop up. Firms will be looking for a team player who will fit into the existing workforce well. Their apprentice will need to have good people skills, especially if the role involves dealing with customers or the public.
School and college leavers are able to explore apprenticeship opportunities alongside undergraduate courses via the UCAS website so they can decide between their options in the same place. Prospective students are also able to apply for apprenticeships through UCAS, and employers will be able to manage applications for their apprenticeship vacancies through the service.
Although many employers look for similar traits in an apprentice, it’s important to research the company and gain a better understanding of what they are looking for because each employer can differ. During the application process, applicants are often asked to demonstrate how they use essential skills. Hobbies and extracurricular activities are a great way to showcase these skills and experiences.
It’s a good idea to apply for a few apprenticeships at a time. This increases your chances and means you’re not waiting for a response from just one employer. It’s normal to feel nervous when you’re applying for an apprenticeship or waiting to hear back from an employer. Try to find out the closing date of the application as this may give you a clue about when you’ll hear back.
It usually takes a few applications to find the right apprenticeship–so if you don’t hear back or get an interview, don’t take it personally–it’s normal and happens to everyone. For more information visit apprenticeships.gov.uk and follow Apprenticeships Twitter and Apprenticeships LinkedIn for updates.
