Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship? Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes. All Apprentices are employed by a business, with a contract of employment, a salary, and work towards a qualification whilst gaining all the skills they need for a particular role in the workplace. Apprenticeships are available at different levels: Advanced (Level 3) equivalent to 2 A levels Higher & Degree (Level 4-7) equivalent to HNC, HND, Foundation, BA or BSc, Masters

Progression Ladder Degree Higher Apprenticeship Traineeships Intermediate Apprenticeship Advanced Apprenticeship Higher Apprenticeship Degree

How does it work? Apprenticeships last a minimum of 12 months Normally employed between 16 and 30 hours a week Must be aged 16 or over Must be enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Supports the Apprentice throughout their qualification Delivers the qualification Could be a large FE college or University, or a small organisation On the job supervision and training Training Provider Employer A support for the employer and Apprentice Provides employment and a salary Apprenticeships last a minimum of 12 months They can take between 1 – 4, 5 or 6 years to complete depending on which Apprenticeship you do and at what level. It also depends on how quickly you progress.

Apprenticeships are available in over 1500 job roles in 170 industries: Accounting Agriculture and Horticulture Animal Care Banking Finance and Insurance Business Administration & Customer Service • Childcare Cyber Security Construction Law • Logistics Engineering • Intelligence Food, Science, Environment • Health and Social Care • Hospitality and Catering • IT Practitioner and Professional & ITQ Journalism • Management Media Motor Vehicle Sport & Leisure Teaching

Why would you consider an apprenticeship? You have a good idea of the industry area that you want to work in Earn a salary All your training and qualifications are paid for by your employer Receive relevant training and learn job specific skills Gain nationally recognised qualifications Work at your own pace, unit by unit Gain valuable employability skills Excellent Career Progression opportunities Can progress into University, or up the career ladder, or even gain a degree through an Apprenticeship Get paid holidays 6

But ……all of the above can be outweighed by However …… Apprenticeships are very competitive It’s hard work when you are working all day and studying You may have to look outside of your local area for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships But ……all of the above can be outweighed by Having your own independence Working with colleagues and being part of an organisation/company Being able to progress as far as you want Being able to make plans for your future Learning a range of new employability skills Having a job

Why you are good for business Young people learn quickly and are usually IT literate and Social media savvy The employer can develop and train you to their own standards Young people are enthusiastic and come with a fresh set of eyes 92% of businesses who employ Apprentices believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

What do Apprentices get paid? All 16 – 18 year old apprentices and those aged 19 or over in their first year must receive at least the national minimum wage of £3.70 per hour (minimum apprentice wage is therefore £136.90) per week (37 hours per week) Higher and Degree Apprenticeships will have a higher hourly rate. Some examples that I have seen – Banks: £18,000-20,000 per annum GCHQ: £17,000 per annum Army: £18,000 per annum EY Digital Innovation: £21,500 per annum

Eligibility and Entry Requirements Apprenticeships are for all ages BUT are available as a priority for 16 -24 year olds. Entry requirements and pay will vary according to the Company and the type of Apprenticeship – but the better your qualifications the more choice of apprenticeships you will have to apply for. Higher and Degree Apprenticeships Level 4-7 - will require at least 5 GCSE Grades 9-4 plus A Levels or a Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject area Levels 5-7 enable the apprentice to achieve a full Bachelors (BA,BSc) or Masters Degree (MA, MSci) Some recent IT Degree apprenticeships have required an A Level (or equivalent) grade range of ABB to CCC

How to Apply If you genuinely feel that you are ‘Ready for the Workplace’, first decide either on a Company that you want to target, for example Qinetiq, Jaguar, or a subject area, for example Engineering, Cyber Security, Fashion, Journalism Research the websites (take the list of suggestions) You can apply for up to 10 apprenticeships Check entry requirements, closing dates Application forms, CV’s Most ask for online applications, interviews, assessment centres, aptitude tests – it varies Apprenticeships are being advertised throughout the year, no specific set dates to apply

Degree Apprenticeships – newest and growing A Collaboration between a Company & a University For example Jaguar and Warwick University. Sponsored Degree Apprenticeships Company initiative, may involve distance learning  

Where to find out more www.gov.uk/apply.apprenticeship www.ucas.com/apply-apprenticeships-england www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/apprenticeships www.getingofar.gov.uk www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk www.successatschool. www.amazingapprenticeships.com www.successatschool.org apprenticeships@warickshireandwestmercia.pnn.police.uk Chamber of Commerce Company websites University Websites 13 13

Progression within framework Qualifications Specific to job role Apprenticeships Earn as you learn Structured Progression within framework Qualifications Specific to job role One the job experience Employer recognition No debt

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