What’s an apprenticeship?

It’s a genuine job, with training, meaning you can earn while you learn and gain the necessary skills and professional competencies in your chosen career.

 

What can I earn?

The minimum wage for apprentices is £3.50 per hour, but many employers pay more than this. This is dependent on the sector, region and apprenticeship level e.g. some higher apprenticeships pay up to £500 per week.

More details on salaries and entry criteria in specific apprenticeship occupations can be found on GOV.UK and search ‘apprenticeships’.

 

What levels are there?

All apprenticeships include elements of on the job and off the job training leading to industry recognised standards or qualifications. Some apprenticeships also require an assessment at the end of the programme to assess the apprentice’s ability and competence in their job role.

 

What’s in it for me?

  • Earn a real wage
  • Be trained in the skills employers want
  • You are more likely to progress quicker and higher than a typical student
  • Learn at a pace that suits you and be supported by a mentor
  • Have annual holidays
  • You will set yourself up for the future – apprentices enjoy marked salary increases when they complete their training, and those completing a higher apprenticeship could see increased earnings of an estimated £150,000 over their lifetime.

 

Entry requirements

Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England. There are different entry requirements depending on the sector and job. 7

Recent legislation has come into effect which changes the minimum English and maths requirements needed to complete an apprenticeship for people with a learning difficulty or disability. The changes will lower the English and maths requirements for these apprentices to an Entry Level 3 qualification.

A Disability Confident Employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria as defined by the employer. For more details search Disability Confident on GOV.UK.