For the Apprentice

Apprentices - Shaping the Future for the Apprentice

What is an Apprenticeship?

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.

What you doAs an Apprentice

  • Work alongside experienced staff
  • Gain job-specific skills
  • Earn a wage and get holiday pay
  • Study towards a qualification or training programme

Benefits of apprenticeship

  • Earning a salary
  • Training in the skills employers want
  • Excellent progression opportunities
  • Increased future earning potential
  • Learning at a pace suited to the individual with the support of a mentor
  • Paid holiday

apprenticeshipin England

You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school. To start one, you’ll need to be:

  • 16 or over
  • Living in England
  • Not in full-time education

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

apprenticeshipin Northern Ireland

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)

Email: Apprenticeships@economy-ni.gov.uk

apprenticeshipin SCOTLAND

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

apprenticeshipin WALES

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

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