Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a work-based training program, that is designed to help employers train people for specific job roles. Meanwhile, apprentices get a paying job, along with work experience while working towards a qualification.
Who can do an apprenticeship/Entry Requirements?
Anyone over the age of 16, and not in full-time education (whether employed or not) can do an apprenticeship. The qualifications required, depends on the company and the college/university. There may not be any required qualifications, but most employers ask for a minimum grade C/5 in Maths, English and Science, and possibly the subject area that you wish to apply for.
How much will I earn?
You need to be getting paid at least minimum wage, which depends on your age, however most employers pay more than minimum wage. You can find the rates here: https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
While being an apprentice, you are employed and therefore have the same benefits as any other employee.
What qualification will I gain?
During your apprenticeship program, you will work towards gaining a nationally recognised qualification. This will depend on which apprenticeship you decide to pursue. There are many apprenticeships you can choose from, including finance, business, sports, and IT.
Depending on the business, education institution and your qualification, you may need to work towards functional skills in maths/English/IT.
How long does an apprenticeship last?
The duration of the apprenticeship entirely depends on the level of apprenticeship that you are doing.
As a guide, an Intermediate Level 2 apprenticeship normally takes around 12-18 months to complete; an Advanced Level 3 apprenticeship may take from 12-24 months; a Higher Level 4/Foundation/First year of university may take around 12-18 months; a higher Level 5 (equivalent to second year of university) may take around 12-24 months; a Higher Level 6(equivalent to third year of bachelor’s degree) may take from 12-24 months; a higher Level 5 and 6 (equivalent to a degree)/a degree apprenticeship may take 3-6 years; and a Level 7/Masters apprenticeship can take around 3-6 years.
How will training be delivered?
Training will depend on your employer and training institution. You may need to go to your education centre one or two days a week, while working rest of the weekdays, or you may attend in blocks and then work in blocks as well.
Additionally, you may need to build a portfolio of evidence. Your regional trainer may visit your workplace to assess you regularly.
If you are completing a Standard towards the end of your apprenticeship, you may have a meeting with your teacher/assessor to determine whether you are ready for your End Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA is completed to assess knowledge, skills, and behaviours that you have learned during your apprenticeship and you will only need to take the final assessment when you feel you are prepared. The content of the EPA will depend on the course/apprenticeship that you are completing.
What types of apprenticeships are available?
If I’ve already got a job, can I do an apprenticeship?
Yes. If you have a job, then you can do an apprenticeship with your employer if it is okay with them and if it’s in the sector you would like to become an apprentice in. You can also do an apprenticeship with another company if you wish, as long as:
If I have a qualification as the same level, can I still do an apprenticeship?
Yes, as long as it isn’t in the same sector (e.g. you cannot do a level 3 apprenticeship in business if you have already done one or you have a level 3/a level qualification in business.
Can I get a NUS extra card as an apprentice?
Yes, you can get an NUS apprentice card as an apprentice. You will need to fill out a form and get it signed by your college/university.
For more information. Click here to navigate to the NUS Page.
What happens if I leave my company?
Apprentices need to be employed to continue their learning/apprenticeship. It is possible to transfer the learning from one company to another, as long as both employers agree to do this and your new employer is willing to pay any applicable fees.
What happens at the end of my apprenticeship?
At the end of your apprenticeship, you can progress onto the next stage of your course (eg level 3 to level 4/degree). Depending on your quality of work and the vacancies available, you may be offered a full time role in the business.
How do I apply?
To find out more information, or to apply for any vacancies, click here.
An apprenticeship is a work-based training program, that is designed to help employers train people for specific job roles. Meanwhile, apprentices get a paying job, along with work experience while working towards a qualification.
Who can do an apprenticeship/Entry Requirements?
Anyone over the age of 16, and not in full-time education (whether employed or not) can do an apprenticeship. The qualifications required, depends on the company and the college/university. There may not be any required qualifications, but most employers ask for a minimum grade C/5 in Maths, English and Science, and possibly the subject area that you wish to apply for.
How much will I earn?
You need to be getting paid at least minimum wage, which depends on your age, however most employers pay more than minimum wage. You can find the rates here: https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
While being an apprentice, you are employed and therefore have the same benefits as any other employee.
What qualification will I gain?
During your apprenticeship program, you will work towards gaining a nationally recognised qualification. This will depend on which apprenticeship you decide to pursue. There are many apprenticeships you can choose from, including finance, business, sports, and IT.
Depending on the business, education institution and your qualification, you may need to work towards functional skills in maths/English/IT.
How long does an apprenticeship last?
The duration of the apprenticeship entirely depends on the level of apprenticeship that you are doing.
As a guide, an Intermediate Level 2 apprenticeship normally takes around 12-18 months to complete; an Advanced Level 3 apprenticeship may take from 12-24 months; a Higher Level 4/Foundation/First year of university may take around 12-18 months; a higher Level 5 (equivalent to second year of university) may take around 12-24 months; a Higher Level 6(equivalent to third year of bachelor’s degree) may take from 12-24 months; a higher Level 5 and 6 (equivalent to a degree)/a degree apprenticeship may take 3-6 years; and a Level 7/Masters apprenticeship can take around 3-6 years.
How will training be delivered?
Training will depend on your employer and training institution. You may need to go to your education centre one or two days a week, while working rest of the weekdays, or you may attend in blocks and then work in blocks as well.
Additionally, you may need to build a portfolio of evidence. Your regional trainer may visit your workplace to assess you regularly.
If you are completing a Standard towards the end of your apprenticeship, you may have a meeting with your teacher/assessor to determine whether you are ready for your End Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA is completed to assess knowledge, skills, and behaviours that you have learned during your apprenticeship and you will only need to take the final assessment when you feel you are prepared. The content of the EPA will depend on the course/apprenticeship that you are completing.
What types of apprenticeships are available?
- Intermediate - Level 2(equivalent to a GCSE) - 12-18 months
- Advanced- Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels) - 12-24 months
- Higher Level 4/5/6 (equivalent to a foundation/degree 12-72 months
- Level 7 (equivalent to a Masters) - 3-6 years.
If I’ve already got a job, can I do an apprenticeship?
Yes. If you have a job, then you can do an apprenticeship with your employer if it is okay with them and if it’s in the sector you would like to become an apprentice in. You can also do an apprenticeship with another company if you wish, as long as:
- your hours at both workplaces don't conflict
- you have time to complete your coursework
- you attend your education institution
If I have a qualification as the same level, can I still do an apprenticeship?
Yes, as long as it isn’t in the same sector (e.g. you cannot do a level 3 apprenticeship in business if you have already done one or you have a level 3/a level qualification in business.
Can I get a NUS extra card as an apprentice?
Yes, you can get an NUS apprentice card as an apprentice. You will need to fill out a form and get it signed by your college/university.
For more information. Click here to navigate to the NUS Page.
What happens if I leave my company?
Apprentices need to be employed to continue their learning/apprenticeship. It is possible to transfer the learning from one company to another, as long as both employers agree to do this and your new employer is willing to pay any applicable fees.
What happens at the end of my apprenticeship?
At the end of your apprenticeship, you can progress onto the next stage of your course (eg level 3 to level 4/degree). Depending on your quality of work and the vacancies available, you may be offered a full time role in the business.
How do I apply?
To find out more information, or to apply for any vacancies, click here.