Apprenticeships - all you need to know.

An Apprenticeship is a great career route for you to choose, as it gives you the chance to learn and gain a recognised qualification, whilst getting a wage. Traditionally 'Apprenticeship' was a word attached to manual jobs such as construction and engineering. Nowadays Apprenticeships are available in over 80 different sectors, allowing you a choice of industries and employers.

There are two types of Apprenticeship qualification, a Level 2 and a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. The level you start at will depend on your skills and experience. No matter what industry you choose, all Apprenticeships include the following: an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Qualification, Functional Skills and a Technical Certificate. An Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised qualification that gives you the best start to your career.

• NVQ’s are work-related qualifications based on national occupational standards that develop the practical skills and knowledge needed in a specific job. They are split into units and each unit is assessed. Assessment will be through the observation of practical work and the creation of a portfolio of evidence.

• Key skills are a range of essential skills required in everyday life and in the workplace. These include: Communication, Information Technology, and Application of Numbers.

• Technical certificates are recognised by employers and are aimed at developing your skills and knowledge in a particular aspect of your job.

To be eligible, you need to be aged 16 or over. If you took your GCSE’s more than five years ago and didn’t gain a top grade (A or A*), or you don’t have good GCSE grades in Maths and English you will need to take a basic skills test.

In most cases, you will be paid at the start of your Apprenticeship. The wage or salary you will receive will depend on your employer, however it will at the least be in line with the minimum wage.

When working with an employer, you will be entitled to paid holidays just like any other employee. The amount of holiday days you will get will depend on the terms of your employment