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Apprenticeships

Would you like to earn while you learn? 

Do you want to know more about what an apprenticeship is, what kind of things you can do and what doors it could open for you?    

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. By the end of an apprenticeship, you'll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.

As an apprentice you’ll:

  • learn and train for a specific job
  • get paid and receive holiday leave
  • get hands-on experience in a real job
  • study for at least 20% of your working hours - usually at a college, university or with a training provider
  • complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship
  • be on a career path with lots of future potential

 

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Real Apprentices Stories 

New challenge, new career, new life

"As an apprentice in the NHS, you do feel you're supported. I've never felt so looked after. I couldn't just go and do a nursing degree, so the apprenticeship gave me that opportunity to get my foot in the door."
Sarah
50, TRAINEE OPHTHALMIC NHS NURSE, NORFOLK

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My mum found my apprenticeship and I’ve never looked back

"Being an apprentice has been the best time of my life, I've been able to do things that I'm passionate about. I've been able to meet so many different people. I've built up my confidence. It's been the best experience it could have been."
Alim
22, CHANNEL 4, LONDON

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Earn and learn straight from school

"I found the confidence I needed to take the apprenticeship, because I knew theatre is what I loved and where I wanted to be.There's never really a typical day. There's always different working hours and different people, which is my favourite part of it."
Hosanna
18, TECHNICAL APPRENTICE, LONDON

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Valuable hands-on experience

"I wasn't a hundred percent sure what I wanted to do after 6th form. Then, my mum showed me an ad in the local paper for an apprenticeship. I want to be earning six figures by the time I'm thirty. And that's the beauty of starting young, it's all possible."
Ella
22, OPERATIONS MANAGER, CHIPPING CAMPDEN

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 For further advice on Apprenticeships at all levels click on this link to watch a video that gives more detail.

Subjects that link to Apprenticeships

The following subjects are linked to a wide range of apprenticeships.  Click on a link to view a short video for more info:

Science PE & Sport Maths
MFL Computer Science History
Geography Food & Nutrition English
Drama Business Studies Art & Design

 

What career sectors provide apprenticeships?
 

Agriculture Creative Law and Finance
Animal Care Digital Retail
Arts and Media Education and Childcare Sales & Marketing
Business and Admin Engineering Science and Maths
Construction Health and Social Care Transport & Logistics

Search currently available apprenticeships by county:

Specific Companies

At what levels are courses available? 

It can take between one and 5 years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience. It’s funded from contributions made by the government and, in some instances, your employer.

Apprenticeships are broadly equivalent to the following academic levels:

Course Level Equivalent Academic Level
Intermediate Apprenticeship   2 5 x GCSE
Advanced Apprenticeship  3 2 x A level
Higher Apprenticeship 4,5,6 & 7 Foundation degree and above
Degree Apprenticeship   6 & 7  Bachelor’s or master’s degree

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Advice on Higher and Degree Apprenticeships: This video helps explain 

Am I eligible? 

To become an apprentice, you must:

  • be 16 or over (there is no upper age limit)
  • not already be in full-time education
  • live in England

You can start an apprenticeship whether you’re beginning your career, want a change or you're upskilling in your current job. You can have a previous qualification such as a degree and still do an apprenticeship.

Do I have to pay for my training? 

Apprenticeships are funded from contributions made by the government and, in some instances, your employer. This means you will not have any student loans or tuition fees.

You'll just need to cover the cost of your day-to-day expenses, such as lunch and travel.

If you're 16 to 24 and a care leaver, you'll receive a £1,000 bursary payment to support you in the first year of your apprenticeship.

How do I get one? 

There are hundreds of different apprenticeships to choose from. To apply for one, you’ll need to create an account on the Find an Apprenticeship service. You can also save any apprenticeships you like and then apply for them later.

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If you’ve seen an apprenticeship you like on the employer’s website, you can apply for it directly.

Once you find the right apprenticeship, it will be likely that you will need a CV and a cover letter to apply. If you need help, you can find out how to write a CV here.

It's a good idea to apply for a few apprenticeships at a time. This increases your chances and means you’re not waiting for a response from one employer.

It's normal to feel nervous when you're applying for an apprenticeship or waiting to hear back from an employer. Try to find out the closing date of the application as this may give you a clue about when you’ll hear back.

It usually takes a few applications to find the right apprenticeship. So if you don’t hear back or get an interview, don’t take it personally - it’s normal and happens to everyone.

Check out the training providers that are delivering apprenticeships in Norfolk and Suffolk.

It is important to bear in mind that if you are not applying for a vacancy, then you would need to have an employer in place in order to complete an apprenticeship. Why not try contacting employers you would like to work with and see if they'd be interested in taking you on as an apprentice? You may want to ask if they could give you some work experience so you could find out more about the jobs there, and they can find out more about you!

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How do Apprenticeships work? 

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. By the end of an apprenticeship, you'll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.

As an apprentice you’ll:

  • learn and train for a specific job
  • get paid and receive holiday leave
  • get hands-on experience in a real job
  • study for at least 20% of your working hours - usually at a college, university or with a training provider
  • complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship
  • be on a career path with lots of future potential

It can take between one and 5 years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience. It’s funded from contributions made by the government and, in some instances, your employer.

Apprenticeships are broadly equivalent to the following academic levels:

Courses Levels Equivalent Academic Levels
Intermediate Apprenticeship   2 5 x GCSE
Advanced Apprenticeship  3 2 x A level
Higher Apprenticeship 4,5,6 & 7 Foundation degree and above
Degree Apprenticeship   6 & 7  Bachelor’s or master’s degree

 

How long does an apprenticeship last? 

Your apprenticeship will last a minimum of 12 months, but will usually last between one to five years (unless you have prior learning or attainment that has been recorded) depending on the level of the apprenticeship, the industry and your current abilities.

If you work less than 30 hours a week, the duration of the apprenticeship is extended to take account of this.

How will I be assessed? 

During your apprenticeship, you’ll be assessed to make sure you’re achieving the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for your chosen apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships also include an end-point assessment. It’s an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship to make sure you’re fully competent in your specific occupation.

Your end-point assessment, known as an EPA, is carried out by an independent organisation known as an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO). It usually includes a practical demonstration of your skills as well as a discussion with an assessor that demonstrates your learning and your ability to do your chosen occupation.

Your employer or training provider will tell you what to expect and when the assessment will take place.

If you pass the assessment, you’ll receive a certificate, meaning you have completed your apprenticeship successfully. Depending on the apprenticeship you are doing, you may also receive a qualification.

What will I get paid? 

What you earn will depend on the industry, location and type of apprenticeship you choose.

If you're aged 16 to 18 or in the first year of your apprenticeship, you’re entitled to at least the apprentice rate (currently £4.15 an hour)

If you're 19 or over and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage for your age. You can find the latest rates here 

This is the minimum you’ll earn - many employers pay a lot more and offer their apprentices a competitive salary.

Where will I have to go to learn? 

Most of your time on an apprenticeship is spent working and learning with your employer. 

You’ll also spend at least 20% of your working time doing ‘off-the-job training’ for your apprenticeship. There are lots of different ways you can do this training. You may be required to attend a college or training centre, on a day release or block release. Alternatively, your training provider may deliver this training in your workplace. Some elements of training may be able to be completed online.

Career Specific Course Advice Podcasts 

NEACO have produced a series of podcasts about specific Apprenticeships.  To access all the podcasts  click here.

  1. Mythbusting - Naomi sets out to bust some common apprenticeship myths!
  2. Find an Apprenticeship - Rupert finds out about how to find apprenticeships.
  3. Application & Interview Advice - Heloise gets advice about applications and interviews.
  4. A Parent's perspective - Tiff hears all about the experience of being an apprentice.
  5. Healthcare Apprenticeships -  Clare talks about NHS apprenticeships
  6. Nursing & Allied Professions - Rupert learns more about NHS healthcare roles.
  7. Science Apprenticeships - Luci finds out about various science-based roles. 
  8. Healthcare in Suffolk - Tiff chats about local NHS apprenticeship opportunities.
  9. Apprentice Perspective 1 - Rupert hears about a Nursing Degree Apprenticeship in Cambridge.
  10. Apprentice Perspective 2 - Rupert chats about a Nursing Degree Apprenticeship in West Suffolk.
  11. Construction and Engineering - Mythbusting Apprenticeships in Construction
  12. Construction and Engineering - Construction Apprenticeships at Balfour Beatty
  13. Construction and Engineering - Civil Engineering Apprenticeships at Balfour Beatty
  14. Construction and Engineering - Railway Engineering Apprenticeships at Balfour Beatty
  15. Construction and Engineering - Construction and Engineering Apprenticeships at Brafe
  16. Construction and Engineering - Construction Apprenticeships at Morgan Sindall
  17. Construction and Engineering - Lucie's Perspective as a Trainee Site Manager
  18. Construction and Engineering - Adam's Perspective as an Assistant Site Manager 
  19. Construction and Engineering - Housing Apprenticeships with the Flagship Group
  20. Construction and Engineering - Ellen's Perspective as a Conveyancing Law Apprentice
  21. Construction and Engineering - Jordan's Perspective as a Wind Turbine Technician Apprentice 
  22. Policing - Police Apprenticeships with Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies
  23. Policing -  A Surveillance Officer's Perspective

Advice for Parents/Carers 

Top Tips if your young person is applying for an Apprenticeship:

  • Research and preparation is key. Explore Work Experience options with your young person to help them get a feel for the sector.
  • Remind your young person that they must apply for Apprenticeships separately, just like applying for a job.
  • A strong CV will be essential to help your young person secure a good apprenticeship. You could help them to complete a skills audit and jot down scenarios where they showcased these skills.
  • Remind your young person that recruitment for Apprenticeships may be earlier than expected. It is not unusual for vacancies aimed at school leavers to be advertised the previous Autumn.

For further advice to Parents/Careers  watch this video.

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External Links

For Apprenticeships Advice that is specific to where you live visit:

Search currently available apprenticeships by county:

The Young Professionals App

Everything you need to find an apprenticeship or work experience scheme, all in one place.

Search for your ideal job, employer and key location quickly and easily

Receive notifications about all of the jobs that match your choices and your job match profile.

Create your own profile to showcase you to potential employers!

Pick your favourite employers and follow them to grab the best opportunities as soon as they are listed.