What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job with training so you can earn while you learn, and gain nationally recognised qualifications along the way!
Apprenticeships normally take one to four years to complete, depending on the level, and are available across a wide range of different sectors and industries.
There are three types of apprenticeships:
- Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2)
- Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3)
- Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4 or above).
Apprenticeships are designed with employers, and provide a structured framework that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. You will be in the workplace for most of the week, as your training takes place on-the-job, and will usually attend college one day a week to study towards nationally recognised qualifications. You can even get a degree!
Benefits to you
- After finishing, the majority of apprentices (90%) stay in employment, with seven in ten (71%) staying with the same employer.
- A quarter of former apprentices had been promoted (23%) within 12 months of finishing.
- 89% of apprentices are satisfied with their apprenticeship; 85% of apprentices said their ability to do the job had imporved, and 83% of apprentices said their career prospects had improved.
- On average, individuals with an advanced apprenticeship earn between £77,000 and £117,000 more over lifetime than similar individuals with Level 2 qualifications.
- Those completing a higher apprenticeship could see increased earnings of an estimated £150,000 over their lifetime.
- Nearly a fifth (19%) of advanced apprentices progress to higher education over time following their apprenticeship, either at college or university.