Apprenticeships
Know what you want to do for a living? Keen to start getting the skills and qualifications you need for your chosen occupation? Want to earn while you learn? Then this could be the pathway for you.
Jump Menu:
- Essential information
- What can I do?
- What are the entry requirements?
- How long will it take me?
- What kind of training will I do?
- What qualifications will I get?
- What about money?
- What can I do next?
- Where can I find out more?
Essential information
Doing an Apprenticeship means working for an employer and learning while you earn. There's fierce competition for many Apprenticeships so you must be committed to your chosen occupation. You must also be ready to fulfil your responsibilities to both yourself and your employer.
What can I do?
There are over 180 Apprenticeships in 80 industry sectors. Your options will depend on your experience and what's available locally. Look at your local online 14-19 prospectus 
. You can also use the Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service to search for opportunities. You can do Apprenticeships at two levels:
Apprenticeship - equivalent to 5 good GCSEs
Advanced Apprenticeship - equivalent to 2 A Levels.
What are the entry requirements?
You must be 16 or over, living in England and not in full-time education. Other entry requirements vary so do your research carefully.
How long will it take me?
Apprenticeships vary in length but generally take between one and four years.
What kind of training will I do?
You'll do on and off-the-job training. Off-the-job training usually takes place at a local college or specialist training organisation.
What qualifications will I get?
You'll study for job-related vocational qualifications and functional skills qualifications. You may also study for a technical certificate or other qualifications needed for your chosen occupation. Assessment includes a mix of observation by an assessor, the assessment of a portfolio of evidence and examinations.
What about money?
You'll get the same benefits as other employees - like discounted products, pension contributions and cheap gym membership. Rates of pay vary but there's a national minimum of £95 a week. Under 19s aren't entitled to the national minimum wage.
What can I do next?
When you finish an Apprenticeship, you could go on to:
- a higher level Apprenticeship like the Higher Apprenticeship, which is a level 4 programme
- higher education
- skilled employment and further training.
Where can I find out more?
Speak to your careers co-ordinator or Connexions personal adviser. Call 08000 150 600 or visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk .
What next?
Interested in starting work?
