Apprenticeships
At Global Skills, we’re on a mission to transform lives through education and training. Since our establishment, we’ve been dedicated to equipping individuals with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing global marketplace.
Become An Apprentice
Do you want to start an apprenticeship?
Employ An Apprentice
Do you want to employ an apprentice?
What is an apprenticeship?
Are you looking for a way to start or advance your career, earn a salary and gain valuable skills and qualifications? If so, you might want to consider an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship is an educational programme that combines practical on-the-job training with classroom learning.
Depending on your interests and abilities, you can apply for an apprenticeship in different sectors and levels. In this article, we will outline some of the advantages of apprenticeships and some of the sectors you can choose from.
An apprenticeship has many benefits, both for individuals and employers. Here are some of them:
- You get practical experience: As an apprentice, you get to work alongside experienced professionals and gain useful work experience while completing your studies. This can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs in the future.
- You improve your skills: Becoming an apprentice is a great opportunity to improve the essential skills you can use in future jobs, such as communication, teamwork, leadership and analytical thinking. You also get to learn new skills that are specific to your role and industry.
- You get paid to learn: As an apprentice, you earn a wage and get holiday pay while gaining job-specific skills and qualifications. You also don’t have to pay any tuition fees or student loans, as apprenticeships are funded by the government and your employer.
- You gain industry-recognised qualifications: Depending on the level and sector of your apprenticeship, you can gain qualifications ranging from GCSEs to degrees. These qualifications are recognised and valued by employers across different industries.
- You get a feel for the work environment: An apprenticeship allows you to experience the culture and expectations of a workplace, which can help you decide if it’s the right fit for you. You also get to build relationships with your colleagues, managers and mentors, who can support you throughout your apprenticeship and beyond.
- You improve your employability: An apprenticeship can help you boost your CV and make you more attractive to potential employers. According to a survey by the Department for Education, 90% of apprentices stayed in employment after completing their apprenticeship, 67% with the same employer.
- You enjoy student discounts: As an apprentice, you are still entitled to student discounts on various products and services, such as travel, entertainment and shopping.
There are hundreds of apprenticeships available across different sectors and industries. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Business and administration: This sector covers a range of roles such as office manager, project manager, human resources assistant and marketing executive. You can learn skills such as communication, organisation, problem-solving and customer service.
- Health and social care: This sector covers a range of roles such as nurse, midwife, dental nurse and care worker. You can learn skills such as patient care, infection control, health promotion and safeguarding.
- Digital: This sector covers a range of roles such as software developer, web designer, cyber security analyst and data analyst. You can learn skills such as coding, programming, designing and analysing.
These are just some examples of the sectors you can choose from. There are many more options available for you to explore.
If you are interested in becoming an apprentice or hiring one for your business, you can visit www.apprenticeships.gov.uk for more information and guidance or come speak to one of our Experts and start your journey with Global Skills today.
Specific criteria and requirements must be met for an apprenticeship in the UK. Here are the critical criteria:
Age: Apprenticeships in England are available to individuals aged 16 and over.
Eligibility: Apprenticeships are open to both new entrants and existing employees. You can apply for an apprenticeship if you’re a school leaver, a college or university graduate, or if you’re already working and want to gain additional skills.
Residency: Apprenticeships are open to residents all residents of the UK. As an Apprentice, you must have the right to work in the UK, This may require you to have the necessary visas or permits.
Education: The specific educational requirements can vary depending on the apprenticeship. Some apprenticeships may require a minimum level of education, such as certain GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education), while others may have no formal educational requirements.
Employment: Apprenticeships are a combination of on-the-job training and classroom-based learning. Therefore, you need to secure an apprenticeship position with an employer who is willing to hire you as an apprentice. This involves applying for vacancies and going through the employer’s selection process.
It’s important to note that the specific criteria and requirements can vary depending on the type of apprenticeship, the industry, and the employer.
Entry Requirements
As each type of apprenticeship offers a different level qualification their entry requirements will vary. Generally speaking, they are as follows:
To apply for an intermediate apprenticeship, you’ll just need to be over 16 years old and no longer in full-time education.
For an advanced apprenticeship, you’re likely to be asked for prior work experience and at least three 9-4 grade GCSEs or equivalent – such as an intermediate apprenticeship qualification.
As higher apprenticeships are the equivalent of a foundation degree, HNC or first year of a Bachelors, you’ll usually need at least five 9-4 grade GCSEs, as well as some Level 3 qualifications in relevant subjects, to apply. Your Level 3 qualifications could be AS-levels, a BTEC National or a Level 3 NVQ.
Degree apprenticeships will have the tightest entry requirements. These may include three A-levels in a specified grade range or a higher apprenticeship qualification, on top of at least five 9-4 GCSE grades. It’s also likely you’ll be required to have prior work experience.
You can apply for apprenticeships at any time of year – whether you’re successful depends on if an employer has a vacancy or if you are upskilling as existing employee. You’ll be able to check the specific entry requirements of your chosen apprenticeship once the position opens.
Age Limit
There’s no upper age limit on being an apprentice. As long as you’re 16 and over and have the right credentials, you’ll be eligible to apply for your chosen apprenticeship.
Pay rate and working hours
If you’re aged under 19 and an apprentice, or 19 or over and still in your first year as an apprentice, you’ll be entitled to the apprenticeship wage of £6.40 per hour. Apprentices aged 19 or over and who’ve completed their first year will be able to claim the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW). For more information, see GOV.UK – Become an apprentice.
This pay rate is stated as a guideline – some employers pay you a higher wage. You’ll also be entitled to sick pay, any additional benefits your employer offers to its other employees, such as healthcare plans and childcare vouchers, and at least 20 days of paid holiday per year. Visit GOV.UK – Calculate holiday entitlement to work out your exact entitlement. Working hours vary depending on your employer, as a full-time employee you won’t be able to work more than 40 hours per week or any fewer than 30. Typically, you’ll work between 35 and 37.5 hours per week. The sector you’re entering will determine the nature of your daily working hours. While most apprentices can expect to work a 9 am-5.30 pm day with an hour’s break for lunch, those in hospitality or healthcare roles, for instance, should expect to work antisocial shifts.
Length of apprenticeships
The length of your apprenticeship will depend on several factors, such as the level of the apprenticeship, your chosen sector, employer requirements, your working hours, and your individual ability.
Apprenticeships practical training will usually last between one and six years. Their length follows a basic framework:
- Intermediate apprenticeships typically last between one year and 18 months
- Advanced apprenticeships are usually studied over two years
- Higher and degree apprenticeships take three to six years to complete
It’s worth checking directly with your employer and training provider before applying to check how long your course will last, as some won’t follow this structure.
Apprenticeship Levels
There are four different levels of apprenticeship:
- Intermediate – equivalent to five good GCSE passes.
- Advanced – equivalent to two A-level passes.
- Higher – equivalent to the first stages of higher education, such as a foundation degree.
Degree – comparable to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
KSBs
Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviour (KSB) – these are the 3 components learners need to evidence in their apprenticeship training. New knowledge, skills, and behaviours can be usually gained through training, studying, or researching. There are many methods that can be used to gather KSB evidence and improve oneself. Our Coach will be able to offer support to both learners and employers where needed.
Off the Job
Off-The-Job Training is a mandatory requirement of the apprenticeship standards.
All learners who work fulltime must complete a minimum of 6 hours per week to learn new knowledge, skills and behaviours. The minimum number of hours will differ depending on the learner’s employment working hours. Employers must agree to enable their staff the expected hour off from their working hours to gain new KSBs.
EPA
End Point Assessment begins after the practical training end date of the apprenticeship programme (no less than 12 months) and learners have 3 months (sometimes longer depending on the standard) to undertake their end point assessments. The assessment methods will differ depending on the apprenticeship standard chosen. There are usually two methods of assessment as a minimum. For example, a multiple-choice test and a professional discussion.
Funding your Apprenticeship
Most Apprenticeships are 95% Government funded and 5% Employer funded. This means that as an Apprentice, you will study for free, learn new skills, and progress in your career.