What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship combines hands-on work with the opportunity to train and obtain qualifications. Apprenticeships, which must last for a minimum of 12 months are open to anyone aged 16 and over who is not in full-time education, there is no upper aged limit!
As an apprentice you’ll be employed and will study for a qualification with the full support and commitment of your employer, at least 20% of your working hours are set aside for learning, often at a college, university or training provider, however there are lots of ways to undertake learning depending on your organisation and job role.
Key benefits of an apprenticeship
- Earn a salary while you learn, as well as other employee benefits
- progress your career – Employers think that qualified apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications
- achieve sought-after qualifications – apprenticeships are the gold standard for work-based learning, and you can gain valuable workplace skills and experience
- learn job-specific skills – your employer will provide ‘on the job’ training. You’ll work alongside them and learn the ropes from inside the business
- get paid holidays.
Apprenticeships can be found in the following industries
Apprenticeships follow one of 15 technical routes to skilled employment. Each route shares a range of occupationally related skills and knowledge and underpin all technical education, apprenticeships and T-Levels.
Agriculture, environmental and animal care | Business and Administration | Care services | Catering and hospitality | Construction | Creative and design | Digital | Education and childcare | Engineering and manufacturing | Hair and Beauty | Health and science | Legal, finance and accounting | Protective services | Sales, marketing and procurement | Transport and logistics
To see the range of approved and in development apprenticeship standards within each technical route visit the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
What types of Apprenticeship are there?
There are four types of Apprenticeship you can apply for depending on your current skills and qualifications:
- Intermediate Level Apprenticeships, where you work towards Level 2 qualifications and Functional Skills.
- Advanced Level Apprenticeships, where you work towards Level 3 qualifications and Functional Skills.
- Higher Level Apprenticeships, give you the opportunity to gain qualifications up to Level 5 which is the equivalent of a Foundation Degree.
- Degree level Apprenticeships, give you the opportunity to gain qualifications up to Level 7 which is the equivalent of Masters Degree.
For more information about the entry requirements for an apprenticeship
Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
Employers advertise their vacancies throughout the year, however many higher and degree apprenticeship vacancies are often listed between October and April ready for a September start. The Higher and Degree Vacancy Listing (Feb 2021) provides a snapshot of the vacancies available with a variety of apprenticeship employers.
A real alternative
Apprenticeships offer a valid alternative to university, with the qualifications to match. If you choose a degree apprenticeship, you still get to graduate with your cap and gown, along with several years of work experience
under your belt. First and foremost, though, an apprenticeship is a job with substantial training and the development of transferable skills. It’s a way to earn and learn, gaining a real qualification, long-term career path and the possibility for higher earnings. And, best of all, no university debts: you’ll have been earning for the length of your apprenticeship and there are no tuition fees.
What is a higher and degree apprenticeship?
Higher and degree apprenticeships are available at levels 4 to 7. They combine work with study and may include a work-based, academic or combined qualification or a professional qualification relevant to the industry.
Higher apprenticeships go from level 4 to 7 and are equivalent to a foundation degree and above e.g. a professional qualification. Degree apprenticeships are available at levels 6 and 7 (full bachelor’s and Master’s).
Visit Amazing Apprenticeships to discover more.
The complete guide to higher and degree apprenticeships
Which? University, in conjunction with the National Apprenticeship Service, has published The Complete Guide to Higher and Degree Apprenticeships .
The guide covers what you need to know about apprenticeships; this includes an introduction to what they are, how much you can earn while you learn, subjects, universities and employers involved in higher and degree apprenticeships and real stories from apprentices and employers. There’s also practical information around long term career prospects and the next steps to apply – and succeed.
For more information on becoming an apprentice in Wiltshire
There are a lot of resources available to you across the internet about apprenticeships. Below we have provided some key information from GOV.UK to answer your questions; alternatively you could click on the image below to view our information booklet or call a member of the Employment and Skills Team on 01225 716890.
- Become an apprentice
- Pay and Conditions
- Parents resources from Amazing Apprenticeships
- Create an apprenticeship account to manage your applications and get alerts about new apprenticeships
Apprentices Stories
Real apprentices within Wiltshire describe their experience of being an apprentice and local businesses share the benefits they have found in helping their business grow.
Recruitment dates
Alternatively, some businesses recruit apprenticeships at certain times of the year or only advertise on their own website, therefore please follow the link below when these are.
Vacancy Snapshot
The national vacancy snapshot showcases many large and national employers, and can be used with students, teachers & parents to identify upcoming opportunities, as well as learn more about the employer and their recruitment methods.
Information for Employers
Are you an employer looking to recruit an apprentice or learn more about how the apprenticeship reforms affect your business? Looking for a training provider to support existing employees? Everything you need to know can be found here.
External Resources
This updated government website features everything you need to know about becoming an apprentice, or if you are an employer it takes you through the processes needed to recruit new staff and upskill existing staff using apprenticeships
The South West Apprenticeship Company Ltd (SWAC) is committed to successfully matching employers to apprentices, providing support and guidance every step of the way. SWAC offers a new flexible, low cost, low risk way of delivering Apprenticeships, which benefits everyone involved.
This website contains apprenticeships information, jobs, reviews, top employers & careers advice for school and college leavers.
Shared Apprenticeships South West is a Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) initiative which works with construction companies based or operating within the region.
Apprentices are recruited, trained and managed through the scheme. The shared element means apprentices have the opportunity for fixed-term on-the-job placements with one or more construction companies or projects during their apprenticeship.
Alternatively, if you have any questions you can click on the National Careers Service logo to open a webchat.
