What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships offer young people the chance to gain qualifications and earn money at the same time – they can build up skills and knowledge working with an employer. They are nationally recognised and available to young people who have left full-time education or are already in employment. An Apprenticeship lasts at least 12 months although this can depend on the skill area – for example construction Apprenticeships may take longer due to the skills and details that need to be learnt. An Advanced Apprenticeship can last at least two years. The training an apprentice receives is thorough, and will be delivered by both the employer and Grantham College, as the training provider.
What is studied?
A set of separate qualifications called a ‘framework’ make up the Apprenticeship, as this is not a qualification in its own right. Frameworks usually consist of three components – an NVQ, Keys skills, and a Technical Certificate, and are set by standard setting bodies that represent employers’ needs, called Sector Skills Councils. The apprentice will gain knowledge and develop their skills with Grantham College and put these to the test in practical situations with their employer – these practical experiences will form the basis of their NVQ assessments. Depending on the subject, the knowledge and skills training will be classroom, workshop or workplace based.
What qualifications do they need to become an apprentice?
The ability to complete the programme and determination to succeed are the most important attributes for a potential apprentice. General ability in the chosen area needs to be assessed by Grantham College, as the training provider.
What will an apprentice be paid?
From October 2010 the Government introduced a minimum wage rate for apprentices of £2.50 per hour. The new rate will apply to:
- Apprentices under 19
- Apprentices aged 19 and over but in the first year of their Apprenticeship.
Need advice on minimum wage?
The pay and rights helpline is 0800 9172 368
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships have many advantages, here are just some.
- They get paid, which means that they will be earning and learning
- The learning is delivered by a combination of attending college and learning at work – a good mix for those that do not want to remain in the classroom all day
- They will receive recognised qualifications including NVQs, Key Skills and a Technical Certificate
- They will be trained to do a job – and learn skills they can apply to real situations which they can use in the future to ‘hit the ground running’. They will also have a reference from their original employer that will support any future job applications
- Employers will often support their staff to study for higher qualifications such as HNC, HND, and Degrees so the apprentice can continue to study and work at the same time. This will help them avoid the costs that full-time undergraduates can face.
However, there are some disadvantages to Apprenticeships – Studying at a higher level can take longer with some Apprenticeships – but this should be offset against the debts incurred with full-time study Some young people would prefer to learn in an academic environment not the workplace Not every occupation can support Apprenticeships and they may have to take the academic route instead.
How do they get an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships should not be considered an easy option, and there is competition to gain one. Young people will need the following:
- The right qualifications (particularly for an Advanced Apprenticeship)
- To be aged between 16-25 years ideally – although older learners can apply and be accepted for an Apprenticeship
- An employer that is willing to take them on (although we can offer help with this in some cases)
- A willingness to learn and succeed, and a flair for the area that they are applying for.