Understanding Apprenticeships

​

​

As a parent, you want your child to get the best possible start in their career. There are many options available to young people after they leave school, and in this guide, we outline information and benefits about apprenticeships as a key route into a successful career. What’s an apprenticeship? It is a genuine job, with training, meaning you can earn while you learn and gain a nationally recognised qualification.

​

​

What Are The Benefits 

​

​

Apprenticeships are now available up to degree level and beyond. Over 70 national universities are currently offering a range of degree apprenticeships with more to be confirmed throughout the year. – Earning a salary and paid holiday; – Excellent progression opportunities, whether looking to study further or climb the ranks within the workplace; – Increased future earning potential – apprentices enjoy marked salary increases on finishing their training and those completing a higher apprenticeship could see increased earnings of an estimated £150,000 over their lifetime.

Salaries The minimum wage for apprentices is £4.30 per hour, but many employers pay more than this. This is dependent on the sector, region and apprenticeship level E.g. some higher apprenticeships pay up to £500 per week. More details on salaries and entry criteria in specific apprenticeship occupations can be accessed by looking at the vacancies on ‘Find an apprenticeship’.

​

​

Entry Requirements 

​

​

Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England. There are different entry requirements depending on the sector and job. Recent legislation has come into effect which changes the minimum English and maths requirements needed to complete an apprenticeship for people with a learning difficulty or disability. The changes will lower the English and maths requirements for these apprentices to an Entry Level 3 qualification. A Disability Confident Employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria as defined by the employer. For more details, search Disability Confident on GOV.UK.

​

​

School Leaving Age

​

​

The government has stated that all young people must stay in some form of education or training until at least their 18th birthday. This does not necessarily mean staying in school; young people have a choice about how they continue in education or training post 16, which could be through an apprenticeship or traineeship.

​

​

The Different Types Of Levels

​

​

There are various levels of apprenticeship to apply for depending on current skills and qualifications. Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

​

 

​