Apprenticeships

For learners

What is an apprenticeship?

• It’s a nationally-recognised qualification that you study whilst working.
• You might learn all of your skills on the job or you may attend college once a week.
• You are earning a wage and learning a trade on an apprenticeship.
• You will be assigned a tutor throughout the apprenticeship who will set your assignments and help you through the coursework.

For employers

Through our employer engagement team, Vision Business, we deliver high quality training to local and national employers from small, family-run businesses to global corporations - recruiting, training and assessing apprentices.

Apprenticeships for employers

Frequently asked questions

• When can I apply for an apprenticeship?

  We would advise that you start applying around April/May before you’re due to leave Year 11.

• How old must I be to start an apprenticeship?

  As long as you’re over 16 you can apply. And you can go on to be an apprentice in a trade in your 20s, 30s, 40s and further!

• What industries offer apprenticeships?

  There are so many industries, from engineering to healthcare, retail, software development, construction. The list is endless.

• How can I find out which companies do apprenticeships?

  Do some research! Go online and look at vacancies on a company’s pages, give them a ring and ask directly.

• How long does an apprenticeship last?

  It depends on the level you’re studying at. It may be for one year or it could stretch to two years.

• How much would I get paid?

  Pay varies from company to company and it depends on the level of the apprenticeship, so it’s best to research online and see what different companies are paying their apprentices.

• Would I get holidays?

  Yes, once you’re working for a company on an apprenticeship you will get all staff benefits such as holidays, sick pay and eligibility to join their pension. Holiday entitlements vary from company to company but as a general rule you may get 20 days holiday in a full-time position.

• How do I apply?

  Start by looking at our apprenticeship pages online and see what area you’d like to study in. Give us a call and one of our members of staff can help guide you further 0800 121 8317.

• What if I don’t get accepted the first time I apply?

  Don’t worry – we always suggest to have a plan B in place. Apply for a college place in an area that interests you at the same time as applying for an apprenticeship. It’s ok to do this and it will give you more chances of success. If you end up on the college course, there’s often the opportunity to swap courses once you’ve begun, so there may be an apprenticeship offer open.

• So I apply through college for the qualification, but how do I get into the actual workplace?

  Don’t worry – once you apply through college for the apprenticeship, we sort that link between you and the employer.

• Will I still have the job at the end of the apprenticeship or do I move on?

  This all depends on the company’s budget, but generally their aim is to keep you on in the company as they’ve invested in you and want your new skills to stay in the business.

• How can I find out more?

  Give us a call today on 0808 100 3626 and ask to speak to someone about the latest apprenticeships and always keep an eye open on our website to see when the next apprenticeship open event is planned.