What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are work based learning programmes, so you do much of your learning on the job. You build up knowledge, skills and essential work experience that are directly relevant to your role, whilst also studying towards a nationally recognised qualification, and you get paid a wage as well.

Employers recognise and value apprenticeships as they show that you’ve been trained in the skills they need. At any one time, over 150,000 employers are offering apprenticeships in more than 200,000 locations.

The benefits

• Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to work for a real employer, earn a real salary and gain a real qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills and experience. Anyone living in England, over 16 years old can apply to be an apprentice.
• Apprentices must receive the appropriate national minimum wage (the apprenticeship national minimum wage rate does not apply to Higher Apprenticeships).
• All apprenticeships must be at least 12 months long and lead to a national qualification that is respected by employers around the world.

What types of apprenticeships are there?

There are four types of apprenticeship you can apply for depending on your current skills and qualifications.

Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeships

• A nationally recognised vocational qualification
• Functional skills (e.g. Literacy, numeracy and ICT)
• A nationally recognised vocational qualification
• A technical certificate such as a BTEC or City & Guilds (relevant to your specific apprenticeship)
• Other professional qualifications or requirements as specified by the particular job.

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

• A nationally recognised vocational qualification
• A technical certificate such as BTEC or City & Guilds (relevant to your specific apprenticeship).

Other professional qualifications or requirements as specified by the particular job.

How do I find an apprenticeship?

• Register with the apprenticeship websites and then apply for any vacancies that you are interested in. The sites are updated regularly so you should check every couple of days for new vacancies
• If you are employed it may be possible to convert your job into an apprenticeship, with the support of your employer
• Approach employers and ask if they have any apprenticeship opportunities
• If you are in contact with an employer who is happy to employ you as an apprentice, just contact college who will organise the paperwork and training for you

Useful links

• West Notts Apprenticeships
• National Apprenticeships Website