What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job that provides hands-on experience, a salary and the opportunity to train while you work. It is a great way for young people to gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed to get into many careers.
New apprenticeships reforms introduced in 2017 put employers in control of designing and developing the content of the programmes so that they reflect the skills industries actually need. This makes them a much more valuable asset for businesses who see them a solution to filling skills gaps, increasing productivity and improving staff retention.
What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are now available up to degree level and beyond, apprentices will also benefit from:
- Earning a regular salary while they learn – with no tuition fees or debt!
- Working alongside experienced staff and developing the skills that industries need.
- Gaining an industry recognised qualification.
- Following a faster route to qualify and progress in their chosen field.
- Benefiting from high quality, structured training and development opportunities.
- Receiving ongoing support from skills coaches.
How long do apprenticeships last?
The duration of an apprenticeship varies and depends on the level of the apprenticeships, the experience of the apprentice and how much learning is required to be competent within their role.
Typically, they run between one and three years.
Who can do an apprenticeship?
Learners must be 16 years or over, be living in England, not be in full-time education, and be a citizen of the UK or European Economic Area (EEA), or have lived in the UK for the last 3 years.
Apprenticeships are not just for young people however, employers can use them as a tool to train and develop the skills of existing staff.
What levels of apprenticeships are available?
The design of the new apprenticeships gives young people the opportunity to become qualified in a specific area, gain industry recognised qualifications, and higher-level qualifications in areas such as management, even a Masters degree.
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Name
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Level
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Equivalent educational level
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Intermediate
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2
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GCSE
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Advanced
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3
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A-level
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Higher
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4 and 5
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Foundation degree
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Degree
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6 and 7
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Bachelors and Masters degree
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How much is an apprentice paid?
Apprentices will be paid a salary which is determined by the employer and depends on the level of skills and the industry. The salary will cover their normal working hours, any training that is part of the apprenticeship and at least 20 days holidays per year (plus bank holidays).
There is a national minimum wage for apprentices which is currently £4.15/hr (for apprentices under 19 or those aged 19 or over in their first year) but many employers will pay more than this. Most apprentices will enjoy marked salary increases when they complete their training.
What if someone is not ready to do an apprenticeship?
They could try a traineeship to get work experience and improve their employability skills. Traineeships are flexible, short work experience programmes designed for 16-24-year olds that help young people not quite ready for work learn and develop the essential skills employers are looking for. GP Strategies offer local traineeships programmes [add link] across a range of sectors.
Apprenticeship programmes we offer:
