Why not earn while you learn? Apprenticeships offer you the chance to undertake a job and gain valuable work skills in a specific role. Alongside this, you will get to study with a training provider. This is called “off-the-job training” and might be with a college or university, this makes up 20% of your working hours and is usually one day a week. Apprenticeships will usually take between 1 – 4 years depending on the levels and this will lead to a nationally recognised qualification.
Apprenticeships
Levels
Apprenticeships can start from Level 2 and can go up to level 7 and each level equates to different qualification levels.
| Level | Equivalent Education Level | |
| Intermediate | 2 | GCSE |
| Advanced | 3 | A Level |
| Higher | 4,5,6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelors or Masters Degree |
Don’t panic – If you don’t feel you are ready to undertake a Level 2 qualification right away there are different programmes to help you get started. You might also like to consider a Traineeships. They provide an opportunity to gain some skills and experience before moving on to an apprenticeship and preparing for work.
The different types of apprenticeships
The NHS and Care sector is huge and employs one in ten of the working population. Whatever you are interested in, there is an apprenticeship for you. They include hands-on clinical roles such as Healthcare assistants, nurses and even doctors to those who work behind the scenes e.g. business admin, plumbers, chefs, finance – the list is endless. The list of apprenticeships on offer continues to grow and develop each and every year. You can see the full list of apprenticeships available via this link –https://haso.skillsforhealth.org.uk/pathways/
What is off the job training?
As part of an apprenticeship, you are required to spend 20% of your working hours off the job. This will help you gain the training you need to complete your apprenticeship. The training is delivered by subject experts and is usually delivered by a training provider (e.g. college or university) and can include:
- classroom lessons, lectures and online learning to gain the theory
- shadowing, mentoring or visits to other departments to gain practical training
- learning support and time to write assignments
Off the job training must equal 20% of your overall contracted hours for the duration of the apprenticeship. It can be delivered flexibly, for example, as part of each day, once a week, or as a block release.
*To find out more information about Apprenticeships available please visit our resources section*
FAQs
- Do I have to start at Level 2
You can start an apprenticeship at any level, but you will need qualifications in English and maths. Don’t panic if you don’t have these – there is often additional training in English or maths to ensure you are at the right level
- How much will I earn?What you earn will depend on the industry, location and type of apprenticeship you choose.As a guide – If you’re aged 16 to 18 or in the first year of your apprenticeship, you’re entitled to the apprentice rate.If you’re 19 or over and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage.This is the minimum you’ll earn but many employers will pay their apprentices more that this.
- Who can do an apprenticeship?
To become an apprentice you must:
- be 16 or over
- not already be in full-time education
- live in England
- How many hours will I have to work?
Apprentices should work for a minimum of 30 hours a week, and a maximum of 40. Time spent doing your off the job trianing is included in this.
- Will it cost me anything to do an apprenticeship?No – you won’t have to contribute anything to do an apprenticeship. Your employer and the government will pay any tuition fees, including degree apprenticeships. This means you can get your qualification debt-free.An apprenticeship is like a real job, so you aren’t eligible for student loans, and you’ll need to cover your day-to-day expenses like living costs, rent and travel in most cases.
- Can existing staff do an apprenticeship?
Yes definitely – managers can use apprenticeships to develop their staff. The employee must be developing significant new skills and this can be identified through their personal development reviews.
Apply Now – this would redirect user to Vacancies page where one can find opportunities and possibly apply by filling in form
