About apprenticeships
Search for local apprenticeship vacancies
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship allows you to do a real job, earn money and work towards a qualification. You will spend your time training on the job with an employer and at college learning important skills for the job.
How much will I get paid?
All employed apprentices must be paid at least £2.60 an hour. You get paid for time at work and time spent training.
What can I do an apprenticeship in?
There are now over 200 types of apprenticeships across many sectors. Apprenticeships are not just about learning traditional trades like plumbing or plastering. There are apprenticeships in all types of work, with new roles being created all the time.
Who can do an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are open to anyone who is over 16 and not in full time education. Some apprenticeships may have entry requirements, for example good grades in maths, science and English.
Who can help me find out more about apprenticeships?
Talk to a careers adviser in school, or if you’ve left school, an adviser at your local Connexions centre.
Are there different levels of apprenticeship?
There are three levels available, intermediate level, advanced level, and higher level apprenticeships. The level that's right for you will depend on the qualifications you already have and the type of job you want to get into.
Access to Apprenticeships
A new way to gain skills and experience on a voluntary basis before moving into a full apprenticeship. Ask a Connexions adviser for more details of current opportunities.
Intermediate level apprenticeships
- Leads to a work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2, Key Skills and some cases a BTEC.
- What's next? An advanced apprenticeship or a job in your chosen area.
Advanced level apprenticeships
- Leads to a work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 3, Key Skills and in most cases a BTEC.
- What's next? Usually a job in your chosen area but if your career requires further training you can go onto a higher apprenticeship or into higher education.
- Are there any entry requirements? There's a lot of competition for apprenticeships so five GCSEs (at grade C or above) or an intermediate apprenticeship are usually needed.
Higher level apprenticeships
- Leads to a work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 4, and in some cases a foundation degree.
- What's next? A job in your chosen area.
How long does an apprenticeship take to complete?
It usually takes between one to four years to complete an apprenticeship. The amount of time it will take you depends on your skills and qualifications and the requirements of the job you are training for.
Where can I find out about local apprenticeship training?
UCAS Progress has details of apprenticeship training available locally.
How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are applied for in the same way as other jobs. To do an apprenticeship you need to have a job with an employer and a training provider to deliver your training.
- You can find local apprenticeship vacancies on our apprenticeship opportunities pages.
- You can also search for current local apprenticeship vacancies on the National Apprenticeships website.
- You will need to register on-line to apply for any of the vacancies that interest you.
- Staff at your local Connexions centre can help you register and apply for vacancies.
- Look for apprenticeships that are advertised in local papers.
- Send your CV to employers and ask if they want an apprentice.
- Look at employers and training provider websites for information about apprenticeships that may be available.
Some training providers will ask you to apply online on their websites. If you are in Year 11 or Year 12 and you are completing a LeCAP form you can apply to apprenticeship training providers on the form. Some training providers will help you to find an employer, some will not, so its important to apply for jobs as well as getting a training place.
Don’t forget apprenticeships are very popular, so start applying early to make sure you get an employer and a training place.
What can I do after an apprenticeship?
When you finish an apprenticeship, you could:
- Go on to do a higher level apprenticeship.
- Go into higher education.
- Go into skilled employment and further training.
Anna Hirst talks about her engineering apprenticeship
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