Apprenticeships
At its simplest, an apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme. It is a great opportunity for those who want to learn practical skills while working and earning a salary. As an apprentice, you will be trained in your chosen field of study and be given the necessary resources to develop your skills. You will also be able to gain valuable work experience and make connections in your chosen industry.
Your apprenticeship will include both on-the-job training and off-the-job learning. On-the-job training will involve working within a team of experts, which will provide you with the necessary knowledge and experience to become an expert in your field. Off-the-job learning will include completing coursework, shadowing, learning new knowledge, skills and behaviours.
The duration of an apprenticeship can vary from 12 months to 2 years depending on the industry, qualifications and the level of learning you wish to achieve. During this time you will be closely monitored and assessed on the progress you make. At the end of your apprenticeship, you will receive a certificate of completion, which will demonstrate to employers your commitment and success in the program.
Become an apprentice!
Apply today, will then assess your suitability and provide you with the necessary resources to get started.
FAQs
Off-the-job training is defined as learning which is undertaken outside of day-to-day work duties and leads towards the achievement of the apprenticeship. This training takes place within the apprentice's normal (contracted) working hours.
The off-the-job training must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship.
The current requirement is 6 hours per week regardless of contracted hours.
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:
- aged under 19
- aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
Example
An apprentice aged 21 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £5.28.
Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both:
- are aged 19 or over have completed the first year of their apprenticeship
Example
An apprentice aged 21 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £10.18.
Link to the current apprenticeship wage rates
It is important to know that you cannot be on an apprenticeship wage until you have been officially signed up onto an apprenticeship program. We will inform you of that date.
The Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience (RPL) process can help individuals acquire a formal qualification that matches their knowledge and skills, and thereby contribute to improving their employability, mobility, lifelong learning, social inclusion and self-esteem.
One of the benefits of RPL is its ability to cut your study time and costs. It eliminates the need to study courses and undertake training that you're already competent in.
Please see the attached guidance document for further information.
You can be any age to access an apprenticeship.
The earliest age you can start an apprenticeship is after the last Friday in June of the academic year in which they have their 16th birthday.
Nothing.
Under the apprenticeship funding rules, you cannot be charged anything to access your apprenticeship, even if you decide to not stay with your employer to continue.
No, you do have the ability to transfer your apprenticeship to another employer to complete your qualification in full. We will help and support you to find alternative employment if you wish.
Your new employer will have to agree to support you through the completion of your course.
No. The funding rules state that no part of the apprenticeship can be charged regardless as to whether you complete the full duration of the course within their employment.
This also includes any mandatory elements; for example, Paediatric First Aid course which is a mandatory element for the Level 3 Early Years Educator, you cannot charge the apprentice for.
If you contract of employment states you will be charged, this will be against the ESFA funding rules and is therefore not legally binding.
