What will I do on an apprenticeship?
You will receive work-based training from your employer, in partnership with the College, which involves working towards a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), Functional Skills and a Technical Certificate.
Do I need to be employed to start an Apprenticeship?
Yes, to start an Apprenticeship you need to be employed. We can help you find a suitable employer, however we do encourage our prospective learners to be actively seeking their own employer too. If you are currently employed within the sector that you wish to do your Apprenticeship in, contact us to arrange for our Work Based Liaison Officers to meet with your employer. We will discuss with your employer their suitability to complete the work based learning programme.
Will I have an interview or do any assessments?
Depending on the type of Apprenticeship you choose, you may have to go through one or more interviews, and even take some assessments. This whole process will be carried out by us following your application. Just like any other job interview, you’ll have to present yourself well.
What qualifications do I need to get on an Apprenticeship?
There are no set entry requirements to do an Apprenticeship, you just need to be living in England and not in full-time education. However, access to an Apprenticeship is very competitive so good GCSE grades particularly in English and Maths will help you with the course requirements. You also need to be committed to your training and reliable.
Are there different types of Apprenticeship?
Yes there are different types of Apprenticeship: Apprenticeship, Advanced Apprenticeship and a Higher Level Apprenticeship.
All Apprenticeships work towards work based learning qualifications such as NVQs and knowledge based qualifications such as BTECs. Apprentices gain Level 2 qualifications (equivalent to five good GCSE passes), while Advanced Apprentices gain Level 3 (equivalent to two A Level passes). Higher Level Apprenticeships gain Level 4 (e.g. HNC, HND, Foundation Degree).
How long will an Apprenticeship take?
An Apprenticeship does not last for a fixed length of time, it ends when you are competent in all the necessary elements. However, Apprenticeships normally take up to 24 months and Advanced Apprenticeships usually last between 1 and 2 years. So, it is important that you are not afraid to commit yourself to long term training and studying.
How much will I get paid?
A new National Minimum Wage for Apprentices came into force on 1 October 2010 at £2.50 per hour. Therefore if you work a 38 hour week your expected salary will be £95 per week. The wage will apply to all Apprentices aged under 19, and apprentices aged 19 or over in the first year of their Apprenticeship. If you have completed your first year of the programme and are aged 19 or over, you will receive national minimum wage.
What about holidays?
You will be entitled to a minimum of 20 days holiday per year, in addition to Bank Holidays. The exact details will be written down in your terms of employment or your training agreement.
How often will I go to College?
You will normally attend College 1 day a week on day release from your employer.
What happens if I need to wear a uniform?
Your employer, will provide you with any essential protective clothing, overalls and safety footware (if required).
What if I am unable to find an employer?
If you are unable to start an Apprenticeship, there are other options available to you to help you prepare for an Apprenticeship in the future. You can choose from a range of full-time programmes within your chosen occupational area. These are aimed at preparing you for employment in the future. You can also choose the academic route of AS/A Levels through our Sixth Form Centre. Another option is Entry to Employment (e2e) which enables you to experience a range of occupational areas at the same time. Following successful completion of a full-time programme you can then apply for the Apprenticeship route again.