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IMPORTANT: 14-19 option choices are under review by the Government and therefore the information in this article may be subject to change. 

What are Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are for people who have a specific career in mind who wish to learn and develop skills whilst earning money. They are designed to give you work based skills and experience, which you will need to progress within that career. Structured training programmes allow you to achieve a recognised qualification. The main principle is that you learn on the job by building up a knowledge of skills.

Are Apprenticeships for me?

 An Apprenticeship could be for you if you:

• are serious and committed to your chosen area of work
• are prepared for further study
• want to earn a real wage
• want to gain new qualifications such as NVQs
• want to gain new knowledge and skills

What level is best for me?

Apprenticeships are available at different levels, letting you choose the speed you wish to learn. You don't have to stop learning as once you've completed an Advanced Apprenticeship you could go on to do a Foundation Degree. Deciding which level is right for you will depend on your experience and the opportunities in your area.

There are different levels of Apprenticeships to suit your level of learning giving you the opportunity to gain a recognised National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) from Level 1 to Level 3. These are:

• Young Apprenticeships for 14-16 year olds. A high quality opportunity for you to spend up to two days a week in the workplace learning a trade. Initial opportunities will be in engineering, automotive industries, business administration, logistics, the arts and creative industries. Check with your teachers whether Young Apprenticeships are available at your school.
• Apprenticeships - leads to a NVQ level 2 qualification.
• Advanced Apprenticeships - leads to a NVQ level 3 qualification.

How are Apprenticeships assessed?

Apprenticeships take at least 1 year but some can take up to 5 years. This is based on your ability and the employer’s requirements. Your employer assesses your competence within the workplace by the standard of your work and timescale of completion. You need to be able to show that you can accomplish tasks without supervision. Usually you will spend at least one day a week at a training institute doing theory work relating to your career.

How much will I get paid?

If you are under 19 or 19 but in the first year of your apprenticeship there is a minimum wage of £2.50 per hour. Many apprentices however will receive more than this. 

What Apprenticeships are available and how can I apply?

There are over 200 different Apprenticeships available and you can find a whole list on the Apprenticeship website. You can search and apply for an Apprenticeship by registering with the Apprenticeship vacancy matching service.

Help Lines

• Connexions Direct - 080 800 13 2 19
• National Apprenticeships Helpline – 02476 826482 (for vacancy queries)
• Pay and Work Rights Helpline  - 0800 917 2368 (for pay queries)

Useful websites

Apprenticeships
Find out more about apprenticeships, answer your questions and read success stories.  

Directgov
Additional information on Apprenticeships.

Young Engineers
Young Engineers’ aim is to inspire young people to develop an interest in engineering and recognise the importance and excitement of engineering as a future career. 

Essex Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship programme for young people in Essex.

Last updated: 21/11/10

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