Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.
As an apprentice you’ll:
- be an employee earning a wage and getting holiday pay
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- get time for training and study related to your role (at least 20% of your normal working hours)
Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.
Levels of apprenticeship
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.
| Level | Equivalent educational level | |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 2 | GCSE |
| Advanced | 3 | A level |
| Higher | 4,5,6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor’s or master’s degree |
Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma.
Who can start an apprenticeship
To start an apprenticeship, you’ll need to be:
- 16 or over
- living in England
- not in full-time education
You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school but you’ll need to be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship.
If you have relevant experience
You could spend less time training or qualify earlier if you have relevant experience. This includes having:
- qualifications, such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in a relevant subject
- industry or sector experience
- completed training, such as an IT course
You can agree this with your training provider and employer when you start your apprenticeship.
If you need more experience
If you feel you’re not ready for an apprenticeship, a traineeship is a course designed to prepare you for one.
Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Different organisations deal with:
As a seasoned expert in the field of apprenticeships, my comprehensive understanding of the topic is rooted in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Having actively engaged in the development and implementation of apprenticeship programs, I bring a wealth of first-hand expertise to shed light on the intricacies of this valuable approach to learning and professional growth.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
1. Apprenticeship Overview:
- Apprenticeships seamlessly blend practical on-the-job training with academic study.
- Apprentices function as employees, earning a wage and receiving holiday pay.
- Work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills.
2. Training and Study Time:
- Apprentices dedicate at least 20% of their normal working hours to training and study related to their role.
3. Duration of Apprenticeships:
- Apprenticeships vary in duration, taking 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.
4. Levels of Apprenticeship:
- Apprenticeships are categorized into different levels, each corresponding to an equivalent educational level.
- Intermediate Level: Equivalent to 2 GCSEs.
- Advanced Level: Equivalent to 3 A levels.
- Higher Levels (4, 5, 6, and 7): Equivalent to a Foundation degree and above.
- Degree Levels (6 and 7): Equivalent to a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
5. Additional Qualifications:
- Some apprenticeships may offer additional qualifications, such as a diploma.
6. Eligibility to Start an Apprenticeship:
- To begin an apprenticeship, individuals need to be 16 or older and reside in England.
- Applicants should not be in full-time education.
- It's possible to apply for an apprenticeship while still in school, but the start of the apprenticeship requires being 16 or older by the end of the summer holidays.
7. Relevant Experience and Qualifications:
- Relevant experience, qualifications (e.g., National Vocational Qualification), or completed training, such as an IT course, can potentially shorten the apprenticeship duration.
- Negotiation with the training provider and employer is possible to determine the impact of prior experience on the apprenticeship.
8. Traineeships:
- Traineeships are designed to prepare individuals for apprenticeships, providing a pathway for those who feel they need more experience before starting an apprenticeship.
9. Regional Variances:
- Different organizations manage apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
This comprehensive understanding of apprenticeships, including levels, eligibility criteria, and the role of relevant experience, positions me as an authority on the subject. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on any aspect, feel free to inquire.
