An apprenticeship is a real job with training which allows apprentices to earn while they learn, whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships take between one and five years to complete and are available in many occupations across a number of industries varying from energy and utilities, construction, engineering, through to IT and the digital sectors.
An apprenticeship offers training and valuable work experience to gain the skills required for a specific job. Apprenticeships can be used for new and existing employees from age 16, are undertaken in the workplace combined with off-the-job learning.
Apprenticeships help you build the experience and skills that employers want to see. No matter what stage you’re at, they’ll help you get set for a bright future. And now, there are more ways than ever to get involved.
Apprenticeships take 1 to 4 years to complete depending on their level.
You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school. To start one, you’ll need to be:
The National Careers Service has advice on writing applications and what to do at interviews. You can contact the national careers helpdesk: 0800 015 0400 The list Apprenticeship available in England are kept up to date on Apply Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland are available as qualification-based frameworks. They start at levels 2 and 3. If you are unsure about which apprenticeship you want to follow, or just need more information on what the Apprenticeships programme can do for you, contact the helpline:
Contact details for further information on the Apprenticeships programme run by the Department for the Economy
Phone: Helpline: 0300 200 7876 (Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
Text number: Freephone 0800 3280 824 (for deaf and hard of hearing users only)
Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland continue to include vocational qualifications along with the core skills; numeracy, communication, information technology, problem solving and working with others. You can start a Modern Apprenticeship if you’ve reached the Scottish statutory minimum school leaving age – for most people that’s 16.
The Modern Apprenticeships available in Scotland can be found on Skills Development Scotland’s website Skills Development Scotland. You can see a full list of all the types of MA at World of Work
Apprenticeship frameworks in Wales continue to include competence and knowledge qualifications, along with the transferable skills, application of numbers, communications and where appropriate information technology.
Anyone who is over 16, living in Wales and not in full-time education can apply. For more information or to apply for an apprenticeship, visit the Careers Wales website Careers Wales