What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a programme of learning, completed in the workplace, which provides individuals with the skills, knowledge and competence they need to progress in their chosen career or industry resulting in a nationally recognised qualification. They are have two levels:

Apprenticeship (Level 2) - equivalent to GCSEs.
Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) - equivalent to A levels.

An Apprenticeship is made up of the following:

- NVQ (National Vocational Qualification), which demonstrates the persons competence in day-to-day work, and is assessed in the workplace.

- Key Skills address the 'soft skills' required for work, such as Communication and Numeracy.

- Technical Certificate provides and tests the underpinning knowledge required for the industry or job role.

- Employment Rights and Responsibilities which is not formally assessed, but ensures that apprentices know their key rights and responsibilities for their job roles.