What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is an opportunity to earn while you learn. They are offered by organisations (together with training providers) allowing you to study for a qualification at the same time as working. Apprenticeships are offered at different levels and each level apprenticeship will have a different entry requirement. After your A Levels, you would be looking for either a Higher or Degree level apprenticeship.

There are four types of Apprenticeships that depend on current qualifications and skills.

Advantages of a Degree Apprenticeship

• You will be paid a salary by the employer while you train - wages will vary but will be at least the minimum wage.

• Your tuition fee will be paid for by your employer, so once you have graduated you will be debut free.

• There is a high chance of being employed permanently with the employer as they have invested in you both time and money.

• You will still receive your degree and in some cases a postgraduate qualification.

Disadvantages of a Degree Apprenticeship

• You will be working 30 hours a week and are expected to study in the evenings and weekends.

• Although you will be attending a university, you won't have the same experience as other students due to only attending part-time and that you will not be living on campus.

Application Process

In the same way as any job vacancies, apprenticeships are advertised by the companies recruiting. Larger companies vacancies often start from September, but most start to advertise from January/ February onwards. You will find that the smaller businesses tend to start recruiting a month or two before the jobs starts, so if you are intending to start in August or September, you will need to start looking around March/ April.

If you have a particular employer you would like to work for, start by looking at their careers/ vacancies page on their website. If you are not sure which company you would like to work for but have an area you are interested in, have a look at the many websites to assist you in your search.

 Key websites for searching apprenticeships

• 100 Top Employers for school leavers

• Amazing Apprenticeships

• Find Apprenticeships

• Get my first job

• Multiverse

• Not Going to Uni

• Careers Finder