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Apprenticeship week is here
Have you got questions about Apprenticeships?
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions
What Apprentice qualifications are there, and what do the levels mean?
Intermediate Apprenticeship
Is equivalent to five good GCSE passes. Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2, Key Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification such as a BTEC.
Advanced Apprenticeships
Are a step above Intermediate Apprenticeships, and are designed for more challenging roles and developing advanced skills. They offer you a Level 3 qualification – equivalent to having two A-level passes. Advanced Apprenticeships last around 24 months
Higher Apprenticeships
Offer a Level 4 or above qualification, which is the equivalent of higher education qualification. The programmes will give you a mix of on and off-the-job training.
Degree Apprenticeships
Offer the chance to achieve a full bachelor's or master's degree – at Levels 6 and 7 – as a core component of the programmes. While Degree Apprenticeships must last a minimum of one year, the programmes generally last longer than this, typically up to four years.
What training will I do?
As an Apprentice, you will spend most of your time working for an employer and learning on-the-job, but you will also spend some time (20%) training for your qualification. At Aspire to Learn, we teach our learners on a 1:1 or small group at the employer's site and/or online.
Some employers use a 'block training' approach, concentrating the required off-the-job training into weekly or fortnightly even monthly slots across the year.
What will I learn?
If you have not achieved GCSE grade A-C / 4-9 Maths and English, you can achieve a Functional Skills qualification equivalent to C grade alongside your knowledge-based qualification.
What industries can I access?
Apprenticeships are available in all sorts of areas and industries with all types of companies, from healthcare and education to digital media, retail and law. There are hundreds of Apprenticeship vacancies advertised on the Find an Apprenticeship page in the industries listed below:
What entry requirements do I need?
Employers decide the entry requirements typically; 5 GCSEs (grades A*-C/4-9) or equivalent or for higher apprenticeships applicants to have already completed an Intermediate Apprenticeship or possess equivalent qualifications such as A Levels.
However, many employers will be happy with commitment to the job and willingness to learn and achieve the role's desired qualification.
However, many employers will be happy with commitment to the job and willingness to learn and achieve the role's desired qualification.
What will my I earn in an Apprenticeship?
The Apprentice National Minimum Wage is currently £4.15 an hour, but many employers pay their apprentices more than that.
The Apprentice National Minimum Wage applies to all 16-18-year-old apprentices and those aged 19 and over in the first year of their apprenticeship; after the first year of the apprenticeship, people aged 19 and over must get paid the full National Minimum Wage for their age group.
If you would like to talk to us or find out more about Apprenticeships, email us or call us on 0208 989 9832.
Other useful Apprenticeship tips, news and views can be found on our blog:
Choosing The Right Apprenticeship For You
The Myths and Facts about Apprenticeships
03 Feb 2021
