Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships allow you to start your career and gain valuable work skills and experience, whilst also continuing your learning at college. Apprenticeships will gain a qualification equivalent to either GCSE’s A Levels, or a University degree depending on which level of apprenticeship is studied.
What are Apprenticeships?
Apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experiences staff to gain job specific skills. Off the job, usually a day release basis, apprentices received training to work toward a nationally recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of apprenticeship, the apprentices ability and the industry sector.
What levels are there?
All apprenticeships include elements of on the job and off the job training, leading to industry recognised standards or qualifications. The levels range from intermediate (Level 2) through to Degree apprenticeships (Level 7) equivalent to a Master’s Degree. Here is an explanation of each of
An Intermediate Apprenticeship
An Intermediate apprenticeships are a Level 2 apprenticeships, and generally considered to be the same level as five GCSE passes. After this, you can work towards a completing a an advanced and higher apprenticeships.
Entry requirements for intermediate apprenticeships vary, with some employers asking for two or more GCSEs, although you may not need any formal qualifications. If you don’t have GCSEs in English and maths, you are usually required to take qualifications in these subjects as part of the apprenticeships
An Advanced Apprenticeship
Advanced apprenticeships are also called Level 3 apprenticeships, and generally considered to be the same as two A Level passes. Some people who already have Level 3 qualifications, including A Levels, choose the advanced apprenticeship route because it enables them to develop work -based skills and experience in a particular job and sector. This means some advanced apprenticeships are highly competitive.
Entry requirements may vary, but you will usually need at least five GCSEs with grades 9 to 4 /A* to C, including English and Maths.
Higher & Degree Apprenticeships
This link provides information for young people on the opportunities progression and benefits of doing a higher or degree apprenticeship:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
What do apprentices earn?
The national minimum wage (NMW) for apprentices is currently £4.30 per hour from April 2021. The apprentice NMW applies to apprentices aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in their first year of their apprenticeship. Apprentices aged 25 and over, and not in the first year of their apprenticeship, will be entitled to the National Minimum Wage. For more information click here.
Entry Requirements
Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England and have no upper age limit. All vacancies on Find an Apprenticeship will clearly state what the entry requirements are for the job role being advertised. These will different entry requirements depending on the industry, job role and the apprenticeship level.
Latest Vacancies
Click on the link below to get an up to date list of the apprenticeship vacancies together with links to apply directly for them – this is regularly update and you can sign up for email alerts and updates from this page:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Check your email
Apprenticeship and school leaver opportunities that come to our attention are regularly emailed round to the year groups and on Parentmail, so do keep an eye on your email and make sure you are not missing out on some fantastic opportunities. Check your spam mail
Know your rights and responsibilities as an apprentice in the world of work
Thinking of becoming an Apprentice?
Take a short quiz to test your knowledge! https://apprenticesurvey.co.uk/learnerquiz/
Apprenticeships – Everything You Need to Know
Amazing Apprenticeships Parent Pack
Apprenticeship Links
North Devon Hospital Trust Apprenticeship Opportunities film
Cornwall Colleges Apprenticeships
(Bicton, Duchy, Falmouth & Cornwall Colleges)
Employer Links
Moor Training Apprenticeships (Plumbing & Heating)
North Devon Manufacturing Association
Getting Ready for Work (Discount card for Apprenticeships – Making your money go further)
