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University is not the only, or most appropriate route for many students, if you would like to consider an apprenticeship then take a look at the apprenticeship route.
University is not the only, or most appropriate route for many students, if you would like to consider an apprenticeship then take a look at the apprenticeship route.
Apprenticeship and UCAS routes can be pursued at the same time, as few students are able to confirm an apprenticeship before the UCAS application deadline we would encourage students who are considering an apprenticeship route to also make an application via UCAS.
Apprenticeship and UCAS routes can be pursued at the same time, as few students are able to confirm an apprenticeship before the UCAS application deadline we would encourage students who are considering an apprenticeship route to also make an application via UCAS.
What is an apprenticeship?
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job, with hands-on experience, a salary and the chance to train and gain qualifications while you work.
An apprenticeship is a real job, with hands-on experience, a salary and the chance to train and gain qualifications while you work.
- You are treated just like all other employees, with a contract of employment, a salary and holiday leave.
- You are given real responsibilities.
- You will spend at least 20% (equivalent to 1 day a week) of your time completing off-the-job training, often at a college, university or with an independent training provider.
- You will train to be fully competent in your chosen occupation.
What are the benefits of an apprenticeship
What are the benefits of an apprenticeship
1. Job ready Through apprenticeships, you will learn the skills and knowledge that your employer feels are the most relevant to your job role, making you more competitive and employable.
1. Job ready Through apprenticeships, you will learn the skills and knowledge that your employer feels are the most relevant to your job role, making you more competitive and employable.
2. Paid while you learn You earn a salary and do not have any fees or debt for training and tuition. This gives apprentices financial independence.
2. Paid while you learn You earn a salary and do not have any fees or debt for training and tuition. This gives apprentices financial independence.
3. Gain professional accreditation Some apprenticeships also allow individuals to gain professional accreditation, which is an industry-wide qualification or certificate that demonstrates that you have the experiences, as well as the qualifications, to do that job role. Some industries require this of an individual before they can practise that profession, such as an Accountant or Solicitor, and apprenticeships provide that status immediately, compared to full-time education where they may have to seek further experience after their degree.
3. Gain professional accreditation Some apprenticeships also allow individuals to gain professional accreditation, which is an industry-wide qualification or certificate that demonstrates that you have the experiences, as well as the qualifications, to do that job role. Some industries require this of an individual before they can practise that profession, such as an Accountant or Solicitor, and apprenticeships provide that status immediately, compared to full-time education where they may have to seek further experience after their degree.
4. Experience You have transferable experience and skills, having worked on real projects and tasks in a business environment from day one. You are immediately immersed in your industry, learning industry-specific skills and an understanding of its priorities and landscape.
4. Experience You have transferable experience and skills, having worked on real projects and tasks in a business environment from day one. You are immediately immersed in your industry, learning industry-specific skills and an understanding of its priorities and landscape.
5. Support Your support network as an apprentice is vast, with your employer, colleagues, apprentice colleagues, training provider and many other networks providing both personal and professional support.
5. Support Your support network as an apprentice is vast, with your employer, colleagues, apprentice colleagues, training provider and many other networks providing both personal and professional support.
6. Networking Not only are you learning from experts and professionals within your organisation, but you will have opportunities to meet other professionals in the industry.
6. Networking Not only are you learning from experts and professionals within your organisation, but you will have opportunities to meet other professionals in the industry.
7. Long-term career Having so much practical experience, apprentices can often quickly progress through their organisation or industry, with many having moved on to manage their own teams of apprentices or becoming Directors of their organisation.
7. Long-term career Having so much practical experience, apprentices can often quickly progress through their organisation or industry, with many having moved on to manage their own teams of apprentices or becoming Directors of their organisation.
How will I study as an apprentice?
How will I study as an apprentice?
In apprenticeships, this is called ‘off-the-job training’ and should equate to 20% of your time. Your off-the-job training will be completed within your paid hours and will fit around the job commitment and needs of the business. There are different ways that off-the-job training can be delivered.
In apprenticeships, this is called ‘off-the-job training’ and should equate to 20% of your time. Your off-the-job training will be completed within your paid hours and will fit around the job commitment and needs of the business. There are different ways that off-the-job training can be delivered.
It could include:
It could include:
- Once a week (day release)
- In blocks of a week or more at scheduled times (e.g. a week in September)
- Studying online
- A combination of the above
Your employer will select the apprenticeship training provider that will support you with your programme.
Your employer will select the apprenticeship training provider that will support you with your programme.
What apprenticeships are there?
What apprenticeships are there?
There are thousands of apprenticeships in different job roles and industries. Each apprenticeship will also have a ‘level’ attached to it. The four levels of apprenticeship are:
There are thousands of apprenticeships in different job roles and industries. Each apprenticeship will also have a ‘level’ attached to it. The four levels of apprenticeship are:
- Intermediate - equivalent to 5 GCSE passes at A* - C or 9 - 4
- Advanced - equivalent to 2 A Level passes/Level 3 Diploma/ International Baccalaureate
- Higher - equivalent to Foundation degree or above
- Degree - equivalent to bachelor’s or master’s degree
How much will I be paid?
How much will I be paid?
Many people think that apprentices are low-paid, and this can sometimes be true, depending on the employer. Legally, an employer must pay an apprentice the National Minimum Wage for apprentices, which will rise to £4.15 in April 2020. This is lower than the normal National Minimum Wage, but it recognises that some people will be going into their first job with no experience at all.
Many people think that apprentices are low-paid, and this can sometimes be true, depending on the employer. Legally, an employer must pay an apprentice the National Minimum Wage for apprentices, which will rise to £4.15 in April 2020. This is lower than the normal National Minimum Wage, but it recognises that some people will be going into their first job with no experience at all.
How long does an apprenticeship take?
How long does an apprenticeship take?
It usually takes between 1 and 4 years to complete an apprenticeship, depending on which level you do. As a minimum, an apprenticeship must last for 12 months. Some apprenticeships, especially those at higher or degree level can last for between four to six years. This is because apprentices are balancing studying and working full-time at the same time, so it can take a bit longer to complete than the traditional route.
It usually takes between 1 and 4 years to complete an apprenticeship, depending on which level you do. As a minimum, an apprenticeship must last for 12 months. Some apprenticeships, especially those at higher or degree level can last for between four to six years. This is because apprentices are balancing studying and working full-time at the same time, so it can take a bit longer to complete than the traditional route.
Where can I find apprenticeship opportunities and further information?
Where can I find apprenticeship opportunities and further information?
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