I am 16-18
Apprenticeships are a great way of getting
qualifications, work experience and a career. You also get paid to
learn on the job!
If you want to undertake an apprenticeship you will need to have
a job, but don't worry if you haven't got one, we can help you
with that - either way, register your interest below. We'll work
with you to find the perfect apprenticeship, employer and career
path!
Questions
What are apprenticeships?
What are the advantages of an
apprenticeship?
I've already got a job – can I still do an
apprenticeship?
What qualifications will I gain?
How long do apprenticeships take?
What support will I get?
Do I have to pay anything to become an
apprentice?
What do I do when I have
finished?
Where will my apprenticeship take
place?
Do apprentices take exams?
Are working hours and conditions the same as
other employees?
Do I need to already be in
employment?
Answers
An apprentice is an employee who earns a wage, working alongside
experienced staff to gain work skills. Off the job, apprentices
receive training towards nationally recognised qualifications,
usually at a local college. Anyone living in England, over 16 and
not in full-time education can apply.
Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete
depending on the level of apprenticeship, the apprentices' ability
and the industry sector.
As an apprentice, you earn while you learn, gaining practical
and transferable skills while keeping your options open. You
will:
- earn a salary
- get paid holidays
- receive training
- gain qualifications
- learn job-specific skills
You will do real work for a real employer, earning real money at
the same time as acquiring your qualifications. Although there is
no set rate of pay, all employed apprentices must receive a wage of
no less than £2.50 per hour for a minimum of 16 hours per week with
a recommended 30 hours per week. Career progression is excellent
and average earnings are higher than for those who do not do an
apprenticeship.
Yes. If your employer agrees, you can become an apprentice where
you work now.
Usually you will
work towards an NVQ or similar as your work based qualification,
this will be a Level 2 for an Intermediate Apprenticeship and
Level 3 for an Advanced Apprenticeship. At college, you work
towards a Technical Certificate at the same level. Also you will
normally work towards Key or Functional Skills in Maths, English
and ICT, Level 1 for an Apprenticeship and level 2 for an Advanced
Apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships can last from one to four years. Usually they
take 12 - 24 months. The time it takes to reach the level of
competence you need varies from one type of career to the next.
When
you start an apprenticeship you are assigned a mentor who will
create a learning plan for you and review your progress all the way
through the apprenticeship.
You will also have a tutor at college, an assessor for the work
based learning part of the programme, and access to the college's
student support department.
There are various paths an ex-apprentice can take. You may
progress to become a level 3 Advanced Apprentice, or continue to
train informally at your workplace if you are taken on permanently.
Alternatively you could take other types of course, such as full
time college courses at level 3 and go on to higher education.
Most apprenticeships take place at both work and at a training
provider's premises. Usually the college part is day release and
the rest of your time is spent with your employer.
No,
you pay nothing. Your employer will pay you a salary and support
you throughout your training. Most of the training is 'on the job'
at your workplace but the rest can be provided by a us at
Warwickshire College or in some cases it could all be provided by
your employer.
The National Apprenticeship Service will pay the costs of your
training depending on your age. Your employer will meet any
additional costs.
| Age |
National Apprenticeship Service
contribution |
| 16-18 |
100% |
| 19-24 |
50% |
| 25+ |
Contribution for specified
places |
Most assessment is carried out in the
workplace but there may be a requirement to take some tests,
particularly if you need to do Key/ Functional Skills in Maths,
English and ICT.
An apprentice is
essentially an employee. This means that you have exactly the same
employee rights as any one else employed by the company and that
your employer cannot exploit you.
Although you will still be in training during your time on an
apprenticeship, you will receive a regular wage and still be
entitled to holidays, fair working hours and rest breaks.
Some areas within the college have vacancies already, but not
all. It depends the industry you are entering.
Start by looking at the different types of apprenticeships
available and consider which may suit you. Think about your skills,
talents and interests and which industry or job may make the most
of them, and find out what is available in your area.
