Getting An Apprenticeship: What You Need To Know
More and more school leavers and college leavers are turning towards apprenticeships rather than unversity. Here’s our quick guide of everything you need to know.If you’re at school or have recently left school or college and are considering your options in the world of work, then you will be aware of apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships are available in a huge range of careers. An apprenticeship can drive your career forward to the very top of your chosen profession.
What Is An Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is simply a job with training. It includes gaining recognised training, qualifications and essential skills whilst working and earning a wage.
There are different levels of apprenticeships:
- Intermediate: Equivalent to 5 GCSEs A* to C
- Advanced: Equivalent to 2 A Levels
- Higher: Equivalent to a Foundation Degree
- Degree: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree
Why Apply For An Apprenticeship?
There are a number of great reasons to apply for an apprenticeship.
- Work alongside skilled and experienced staff
- Get skills that will last you a lifetime
- Earn while you learn
- Get recognised qualifications that will help you all throughout your career
- Gain useful qualifications without having to pay a penny
- Can study for a degree potentially without having to pay for tuition fees
Pay And Conditions For Apprentices
Apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage. Currently this is £3.40 per hour for apprentices and this applies to those apprentices who are under 19 and those who are over 19 who are in their first year of their apprenticeship.
Apprentices who have completed their first year and are over 19 are entitled to the full minimum wage for their age group:
- 18 – 20: £5.55 per hour
- 21 – 24: £6.95 per hour
- 25 and Over: £7.20 per hour
How To Find An Apprenticeship
There are various routes to finding the right apprenticeship and you can find out about opportunities from various sources:
- Your school/college careers service may advertise and advise you on vacancies
- Jobrapido – Search daily for a host of potential opportunities for apprentice across the UK
- Local press: You may see adverts for apprenticeship vacancies local newspapers and publications
- Friends and family – You may hear of opportunities from friends and family members
