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JOIN USParents’ Guide to Apprenticeships
WHAT ARE APPRENTICESHIPS?
Apprenticeships are work-based programmes that deliver a package of on-the-job training and occupationally-relevant qualifications. Your son/daughter or person who you care for will develop the skills, knowledge and experience that will stand them in good stead for their chosen career path.The apprentice will gain:
- highly respected and relevant qualifications
- on-the-job experience
- industry-relevant knowledge and skills
- functional skills in English, maths and ICT.
HOW TO FIND AN APPRENTICESHIP
Your son or daughter will need to apply for an apprenticeship job of their choice. Our website advertises the vacancies of apprenticeship courses that we deliver and is regularly updated. When they click ‘APPLY’ they will be directed to the National Apprenticeship Vacancy website where they can register and apply for apprenticeship jobs directly. We collate the applications and send them to the employer who will shortlist and may offer an interview.The candidate can also send in an application form which can be downloaded from our website.
HOW DO APPRENTICESHIPS WORK?
Your son or daughter will be employed in an apprenticeship job role and will work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific knowledge, skills and behaviours. An assessor will visit the apprentice on a regular basis to assess competence and review progress. Depending on their programme they will usually work four days with their employer and attend college one day per week to build technical knowledge and core skills. However, there are some apprenticeships that do not require attendance at college.
ESSENTIALS SKILLS FOR WORK
Employers regularly tell us that, as well as qualifications, they expect their apprentices to gain core skills such as problem solving, teamwork and to learn to use initiative. This is an integral part of our apprenticeship courses.
GREAT CAREERS
An apprenticeship could be the start of a great career for your son or daughter. On completion, the vast majority of our apprentices stay on with their employers in a permanent position or progress onto higher levels of education such as university.
ON-THE-JOB-TRAINING
Apprenticeships are about gaining training, skills and experience on the job. Being job-ready is one of the great advantages of being an apprentice compared to a full-time student.
PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES
Apprenticeships provide a clear progression route from Level 2 to Level 3 and, in some cases, to Level 4 and Level 5 which are equivalent to the starting years of university degrees.
Some apprenticeship qualifications attract UCAS points and apprentices can progress onto university after their apprenticeship.
INDUSTRY-RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS
The qualifications that the apprentice will gain are shaped by employers and industry experts so you can feel confident that your son or daughter will gain qualifications that are respected and valued within their chosen career.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible for an apprenticeship?
Apprentices need to be living in England and not in part or full-time education. They must be 16 years of age or older at the time of application.
Are there entry requirements?
Employers will have a specific idea of what type of person they wish to employ but applicants must achieve the minimum GCSE Maths and English grades required.
• Level 2 – requires Grade 3 (D) or above
• Level 3 – requires Grade 4 (C) or above
• Level 4 – entry requirements may vary
All candidates must be in a suitable job role with an employer that supports their apprenticeship programme, hold a contract of employment and be working a minimum of 30 hours per week.
What will my son/daughter get paid?
The employer must pay the National Minimum Wage for apprentices. Apprentices aged 19 and above in the second year of study will be entitled to the age-related rate. The apprentice is also entitled to paid holiday and the employer must agree to give the apprentice time for assessor visits and college day-release. To view current National Minimum Wage rates visit www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates.
The Government has raised the participation age to 18. Does the new law mean my son or daughter have to stay in school until then?
No. The new law means that young people are required to stay in education or training until 18 years old. This may mean staying on in school but it can also mean choosing a full-time course at college or an apprenticeship.
Do we have to pay anything towards the Apprenticeship?
No, apprentices do not pay course fees.
My son/daughter or the person who I care for already has a job, can he/she still do an apprenticeship?
Yes. If the employer agrees and their job role is suitable for the chosen apprenticeship, they can become an apprentice where they currently work.
Do I still get child benefit?
No. You will not get child benefit if your child is doing an apprenticeship. However, some local councils offer reductions on council tax for apprentices. We would advise you to contact your local authority.
How have apprenticeships changed since I left school?
Apprenticeships are much more structured providing apprentices with a framework of qualifications that are relevant to their occupational area. Apprenticeships are also focused on giving apprentices the skills that employers need and can move them on in their chosen career path.
If my son/daughter or the person who I care for has completed A Levels can he/she move straight to an higher level Apprenticeship?
No. The level an apprentice starts at is determined by the job level not the apprentice’s prior qualifications. An apprentice on their first job cannot move straight onto a Level 5 apprenticeship because the higher level is suited to those with more responsibility in their job role, including supervisory responsibilities. There are a few exceptions such as Electrical and Engineering.
Can you help find my son/daughter or the person who I care for find an apprenticeship job?
We will put them forward for a vacancy where it is suitable to do so. However, all our vacancies are advertised on our website and we recommend your son or daughter regularly checks and applies for any of the vacancies through our website.
If you have any questions about our apprenticeship programmes please contact or call 01223 418778.
