An apprentice is a young person or adult, who is learning a craft, trade or profession, gets paid during training and gains a qualification at the same time.
Anyone who is over 16 living in England and not in full time education can apply for a place on an apprenticeship scheme. Apprenticeships are available in all kinds of subjects including accountancy, animal care, business administration, construction, engineering, hair and beauty, motor vehicle, management and warehousing and distribution to mention only a few.
As employees, apprentices work alongside experienced staff to develop the practical skills they need to do their job well. Any technical skills they need may be provided on a day release basis by a college of further education or a private training provider.
Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of apprenticeship and the industry sector.
Levels of apprenticeships
Apprenticeships (equivalent to five good GCSE passes)
• Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ level 2, Functional Skills and, in some cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification such as a BTEC.
• These provide the skills needed for their chosen career and allow entry to an Advanced Apprenticeship.
Advanced apprenticeships (equivalent to two A level passes)
• Advanced apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as NVQ level 3, Functional Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge based certificate such as a BTEC.
• To start this programme, applicants should ideally have five GCSEs (grade C or above) or have completed an apprenticeship.
Higher apprenticeships
• Those on higher apprenticeship programmes work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ level 4
• In some cases, a knowledge-based qualification such as a foundation degree. Functional skills at level 3 (level 4/5 optional)
A range of other opportunities are also available to advanced apprentices who want to progress to higher education including, HNCs, HNDs, professional qualifications at level 4, foundation degrees, honours degrees, masters degrees and PHDs.
In the majority of cases advanced apprentices who have completed their qualifications at level 3 will wish to remain in employment. There are a wide range of opportunities available however, that will help apprentices to progress and improve their career options if they choose to do so. The good news is that advanced apprentices do not need to give up their employment to study at a higher level as many of the courses available part-time or by distance learning.
Visit our page for approved higher level courses that advanced apprentices can progress to:
http://www.yourfuture-eastmidlands.co.uk/apprentices.aspx
There is also information about Open University courses that advanced apprentices can progress to in the below leaflet: