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Everything you need to know about Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships allow you to combine work and study by mixing both on-the-job and off-the-job training whilst learning in a working environment.
This allows you to gain job-specific knowledge, skills and behaviours which will help develop your performance in current and future job roles.
To find out more about apprenticeships and whether one may be the right path for you, please browse the frequently asked questions below.
What is an apprenticeship?
The apprentice works alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills and also receives training at college, usually on a day-release basis. Assessors will visit the apprentice on a monthly basis to assess their work, set targets, and review their progress. We ask the employer to be involved in the reviews to make sure all parties are satisfied with the progress of the Apprenticeship.
Who is eligible for an apprenticeship?
Apprentices need to be eligible to work in England and not be in full-time education. There is no upper age limit.
Why is an Apprenticeship a good choice?
An apprenticeship will provide you with a structured programme that develops the skills and knowledgespecific to their chosen industry. It is valued by employers and provides relevant qualifications and work experience to move them along their chosen career path. Apprenticeships lead to great progression opportunities.
I already have a job, can I still do an apprenticeship?
Yes. If the employer agrees and the job role is suitable for the chosen apprenticeship, you can become an apprentice where you currently work.
Do I have to attend college?
It depends on the apprenticeship programme; some apprenticeships require college attendance for a full or half-day per week during term time. However, many apprenticeships are delivered completely in the workplace.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Apprentices must be aged over 16 years old and hold the entry grades required – this is programme dependant. You will be provided with a contract of employment, working a minimum of 30 hours per week.
How long is an apprenticeship?
The length of your apprenticeship depends on the programme you choose but all last a minimum of 12 months.
What will I get paid?
An apprentice is paid at least the minimum wage for apprentices if they are 16-18 or 19+ and in the first year of their apprenticeship programme. However, many apprentices are paid more than this. For up-to-date information visit www.gov.uk and search ‘national minimum wage’.
What is 20% Off-the-job training?
Off-the-job training is received by the apprentice during the apprentice’s normal working hours, for the purpose of achieving knowledge, skills and behaviours of the approved apprenticeship in the apprenticeship agreement. By normal working hours we mean paid hours excluding overtime.
Can Off-the-job training be completed in the my own time
Off the-job training must be completed within normal working hours as an apprenticeship is a work-based programme. If there are any complications and the session is unable to take place, it should be rearranged to take place within the next available slot within the apprentices normal working hours. You may choose to do external training outside normal working hours, this does not contribute to the 20% requirement.
If you have further apprenticeship questions, please call us on 01223 418778 or email .
