Apprenticeships

Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills and gaining qualifications at the same time.

There are two levels of apprenticeship available – but they both lead to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), Key Skills qualifications and, in most cases, a technical certificate such as a BTEC or City & Guilds.

To find out about the different types of work you can train for and local providers of apprenticeships see our Course Finder.

Pay for apprentices

Most apprentices are employed and paid a wage. The wage could be anything from £80 to £183 a week. The average is £137 per week.

Apprentices who are not paid a wage – unwaged trainees – can apply for EMA - Education Maintenance Allowance. Your family income must be below £30,810 a year to qualify.

Also while you are on an un-waged apprenticeship or e2e your parents will be able to carry on claiming Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits for you up to your 20th birthday - even if you don’t qualify for EMA.

You may also be able to apply for money from an Access or Hardship fund. There is a limited amount of cash available and it will go to the most needy students - ask your college or learning provider for details.

Travel Costs

You may be able to get help with travel costs - ask your college or learning provider for details.

Applying for an apprenticeship

You can apply for an apprenticeship on the Leicester and Leicestershire Common Application Process (LeCAP) form. You should be given a LeCAP form to fill in by your current school or college. You may be able to fill the form online if your school is using the new electronic LeCAP form. If your school is not using the electronic LeCAP form they will give you a paper copy to fill in.

Your form will be passed on to Connexions Leicester Shire. We will then contact you to let know what to do next.

In most cases you will also need to apply to an employer to train with. You should apply for vacancies that are advertised on www.connexions-leics.org/jobs and in local papers. You should also send your CV to local employers and ask if they want an apprentice.

If you can't find a company to employ you, you can sometimes start your an apprenticeship with a training provider or college who will try and arrange some work experience for you. This is called a 'programme-led apprenticeship'.

You can still find an apprenticeship after you leave school. Visit your local Connexions Centre for help.

Success stories

Apprenticeships are a great way to earn money while you learn.

Click here to see how apprenticeships have helped people like you.

 

Last Updated: 15-Jan-2008