Here’s something you probably already know: advising young people on their next steps can be hard. They might know exactly what they want to do, they might have absolutely no idea, or maybe they know what they want, but don’t think they have a chance at getting it.
Where do apprenticeships come in, then? What are they? And are they just for people who didn’t go to sixth form or university?
Let’s answer that last one with a resounding ‘no’. For the other two, let’s break it down…
What is an apprenticeship?
‘Earn while you learn’ is a common rhyme here, and for good reason. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study, and unlike most forms of learning, apprentices get paid (a minimum of £4.30 per hour, at the time of writing). They’re mostly full-time positions, and are available in a variety of sectors, including customer service, business admin, hospitality, and more.
For 20% of the time apprentices must complete what is known as ‘off-the-job training’. This is any form of training or learning focused on improving their occupational proficiency, as well as any general apprenticeship work.
Why would an apprenticeship be useful for my child?
Apprenticeships offer a wide range of benefits for young people, including:
- Work experience in a new sector, as well as new skills and knowledge to improve their employability
- Learning how to conduct themselves in a professional manner
- A nationally recognised qualification, which could be equivalent to GCSEs, A-levels, a Foundation Degree, or even higher
- Functional Skills in Maths and English, if required
- Being paid for all of the above
What industries offer apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are available in a large range of industries, so it would be difficult to list them all here. At Apprentice Team Ltd, we currently offer apprenticeships in the follow sectors:
- Finance and Payroll
- Digital Marketing
- Procurement & Supply
- Hospitality
- Teaching
- Human Resources
- Business & Administration
- Retail
- Management
For a full list of our apprenticeships, please see the apprenticeships page on our website.
How long does an apprenticeship last?
It depends on the apprenticeship. Our apprenticeships last between twelve months and three years, and in general, the higher the level, the longer the programme length.
What are the entry requirements?
They must be at least sixteen years old, and must not be in another form of government-funded education (such as university or college). There’s no maximum age, although funding does work differently for those aged nineteen or older. Other than that, it depends on the apprenticeship. Some apprenticeships have no qualification requirements, except those set by the employer.
For higher level apprenticeships, however (Level 4 and above), GCSE Maths and English at grades A-C/9-4 are required. Equivalent qualifications, such as our Functional Skills courses, will also suffice, but must be completed before starting the apprenticeship.
How can I find out more?
If you’d like to get in contact with one of our friendly advisors, by email or by phone, please visit our contact page. Alternatively, you can click here to browse the current apprenticeships available for your child.
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