Apprenticeships

• A paid job combining training, work experience and study
• A way of training for a trade or a profession
• Apprentices work towards qualifications – e.g. an NVQ, BTEC or City & Guilds
• Apprentices get time off for study (normally a day a week)
• Apprentices work alongside experienced staff
• Most sectors offer apprenticeships – e.g. business administration, motor vehicle, engineering, childcare and hairdressing

They vary in length. They normally last between 1 – 4 years.

You must be 16 or over. There is no upper age limit.

An employer is investing time, money and training into an apprentice. Typically, they look for:

• Good record of timekeeping and attendance
• Enthusiasm
• Willingness to work towards a qualification
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Probably good grades in Maths and English

Entry requirements are set by the employer. They may ask for two or more GCSE’s (grades 4 – 9) or equivalent and possibly additional GCSEs.

• Earn while you learn
• No student loan
• Gain a recognised qualification
• Gain work experience
• Build confidence
• Develop skills
• Paid holidays

• Aa they are popular, they can be very competitive
• May be paid less than qualified colleagues
• Graduate starting salaries are usually higher
• Not available for certain careers. For example, a degree is essential for most medical careers.
• It can be hard to change career direction once you have started an apprenticeship
• If you drop out of an apprenticeship, you are back to square one
• When you are used to getting paid, it can be difficult to go back into unpaid education
• Some apprentices find the responsibilities stressful. For example, getting into work on time or completing the daily workload.
• Missing out on the university experience
• Shorter holidays than university or college