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Apprenticeship Week

What do you know about apprenticeships?

Whether learning and earning straight after school or choosing a higher level or degree apprenticeship, there are many apprentice opportunities out there. Week commencing Monday 3 February 2020 is National Apprenticeship Week and an opportunity to celebrate apprenticeships and find out more.

Not everyone is suited to classroom learning - some prefer to be hands-on and learn whilst doing. There are also different levels of apprenticeship, so you might decide to go straight into work (and learning) after GCSEs or you might do A levels and then choose to do a Degree level apprenticeship (and thus get a degree whilst a. being paid and b. avoiding a large student debt).

The good news is that there is no upper age limit for becoming an apprentice, so whether you choose an apprenticeship at the age of 16, 18 or later still (although arrangements for funding do differ if you are over 24), you can learn new skills and increase your employability.

FAQs:

Is an apprenticeship a real job?
Yes  – you are employed, have a contract of employment and are paid a salary.  At least 20% of your time (equivalent to one day a week) is spent in off the job training, often at a college, university or with a training provider.

Do apprentices pay for their training?
No – the employer and government pay for all of the training costs meaning that you don’t occur any student debt.

Will an apprenticeship limit your career opportunities?
No – there are apprenticeship opportunities in every career sector, with many qualifications that can lead to very impressive job roles. You’re on a career path - with lots of potential in your future.

Are apprenticeships only for young people aged 16-18?
No – it doesn’t matter how old you are. In 2016, 39% of all people that started an apprenticeship were over the age of 24.

What are the different apprenticeship levels?

Name Level Equivalent educational level
Intermediate 2 GCSE
Advanced 3 A level
Higher 4,5,6 and 7 Foundation degree and above
Degree 6 and 7 Bachelor’s or master’s degree

So an apprentice can achieve a degree?
Yes – through a degree apprenticeship.  More than 80 universities across the country now offer degree apprenticeships in a range of sectors,  from engineering and manufacturing, health and science, creative design and much more...

Whether looking at what to do immediately after GCSEs at Deer Park or thinking further ahead, there are many apprentice options available and the perception of apprenticeships as entry-level, trade-based, low-quality courses has moved on. Apprentices gain highly transferable skills and training (whilst earning), with hands-on experience in a real-world setting – invaluable for future employment.

Have a look at what you could do...

apprenticeships 2020 posters

Useful Links:

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