Apprenticeships Guide 2021

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a training programme that combines hands-on experience and learning while being paid a salary.

Your apprenticeship can take between one and six years to complete, depending on which apprenticeship you choose, what level it is, and your previous experience.

Find out more about apprenticeships.

Can anyone take an apprenticeship?

There is no upper age limit for taking an apprenticeship, although funding arrangements are different if you are over 24.

Apprenticeships embrace fair access, so your age shouldn't affect whether you will get onto one.

What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?

The top benefits of taking an apprenticeship include:

• Learning skills employers want
• Earn a wage while you learn
• Progress at your own pace
• Increase your future potential
• Become more confident
• Expand your network of contacts
• Make new friends
• Get student discounts
• Enter a profession and gain a qualification.

How do I get an apprenticeship?

To apply for an apprenticeship, you should:

1. Search the Internet for apprenticeship vacancies

This includes job sites and individual companies.

2. Meet the minimum entry requirements

This will usually be GCSEs in Maths, English and Science.

3. Talk about any work experience or traineeships

Mention anything relevant you thnk might help your application.

4. Make sure your application is filled out correctly

Check it carefully for spelling and grammar issues, and send it off.

Are apprenticeships hard?

It's important not to see an apprenticeship as an "easy" option.

Remember that you will be working and studying at the same time, which takes a lot of effort and commitment.

This won't be the right option for everyone, so think carefully about whether you think you can cope with this.

How do I choose an apprenticeship?

To choose the right apprenticeship, we recommend you:

1. Look at the different levels

Decide which is the correct one for you. These include: intermediate, advanced, higher and degree apprenticeships.

2. Choose what sector you are interested in

There are many to choose from, so do your homework and see what's out there. After all, you want to do an apprenticeship in an area you actually enjoy.

3. Think about the future

Will this apprenticeship help you get into your chosen career? Where do you want to be in 5 years' time? And will you learn all the skills and knowledge you want to?

What is an apprenticeship interview like?

To prepare for a successful apprenticeship interview, you should:

1. Research the company and the role

Make sure you do your homework and look at the company's website, as well as what's involved in the apprenticeship. Think about why would be a good fit for the company and what you can bring to the table.

2. Read through your CV and cover letter

Jot down some notes about all your relevant skills and experience so you're ready to talk about them in the interview.

3. Practice, practice, practice

Ask a family member or friend to act as the interviewer and run through some practice questions. This will help you prepare for the real thing, and build your confidence.

4. Dress smart

Remember, first impressions always count! So make sure you wear something smart and appropriate on the day of your interview, turn up on the time, and give honest, clear answers to all their questions.

You should also back everything up with examples to demonstrate you have all the skills and abilities required to perform the role well.

5. Ask them questions too

It's fine to prepare a few questions for the company to ask at the end of the interview, so try to think of some appropriate ones that will allow you to find out more information.

These could be about the position itself, or the company and how it operates, or about future prospects once you have completed the apprenticeship.

How much do apprentices get paid?

The minimum that apprentices are entitled to depends on their age and length of time on a programme. Apprentices must be paid at least £4.15 per hour if they are under 19 or in their first year.

After the first year, if the apprentice is 19 or over, they will be entitled to the minimum wage for their age group.

For more information about how much apprentices get paid, please see our apprenticeship wages 2020 guide.

What is a degree apprenticeship?

Degree apprenticeships are an opportunity for school and college leavers to get a debt-free, industry-designed degree and leap straight into a career.

They are a relatively new program, where employers partner up with a university, and the apprentice will split their time between working for them, and studying for a degree at the partner university.

Find out more in our degree apprenticeships guide.