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Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Lectures, seminars and classrooms aren’t for everyone, a lot of people achieve their ‘learning’ from the ‘doing’.

Apprenticeships offer the chance to combine practical, on-the-job training as well as earning an income. This allows apprentices to gain experience in a work environment, improving their chances of getting a job once they’ve achieved their qualification.

An apprenticeship could be the perfect opportunity to prepare them for an exciting future in whichever industry they choose, while also earning some money during work and study.

If your child is keen on starting a job or earn further qualifications without spending their time in the classroom, this may be the best option for them to take.

No tuition debt! During an apprenticeship, practical training and wages are paid for by the employer. The ‘studying’ bit is overseen by a college, training organisation or university.

Apprenticeships can take between one and five years to complete depending on the level, and the the training that’s part of the apprenticeship is usually one day per week.

There are different apprenticeship levels available to apply for based on a person’s qualification level.

  • Intermediate Level 2 | equivalent to 5 GCSE passes grades 9-4
  • Advanced Level 3 | equivalent to an A level pass
  • Higher Levels 4-7 | equivalent to a foundation degree and above
  • Degree level 6 and 7 | equivalent to a bachelors or masters degree

So, if an apprentice wants to, they may have the chance to start an apprenticeship and work their way up to degree level.

Employers also look out for certain skills and qualities when searching for an apprentice, such as:

  • Enthusiasm
  • Creativity
  • Team-working
  • Attention to detail
  • Motivation
  • Good communication skills
  • And many more!

These are skills and qualities that can also be improved and perfected while studying an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are for:

  • Anyone over the age of 16
  • Those living in England
  • Those not in full-time education/work
  • (There is no upper age limit)
  • Journalism
  • Nursing
  • Cyber security
  • Teaching
  • Creative and digital
  • Aviation
  • Legal services
  • Many, many more!

Despite university courses and apprenticeships being incredibly different forms of higher education there are still some similarities:

Both routes require prior research in order to pick the right job/course for whoever is applying

Places can be competitive. Prospective students/apprentices should schedule some time to research how to make the most of their application in order to give themselves the best chance

There are minimum entry requirements to consider

Next steps

If you would like further information on apprenticeships, find out more here: