Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a type of educational training program that provides individuals with hands on experience in a specific trade or profession.

They typically involve a combination of on the job training and classroom or online delivery. They can vary in length from several months to several years depending on the field.  

Apprenticeships are traditionally used in skilled trades such as construction, plumbing or electrical work.

However, for the past six years, the landscape of apprenticeship has completely changed. 

Apprenticeships can now be found in healthcare, IT, finance, management and leadership, business administration and many more fields. The goal of an apprenticeship is to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful professionals in their chosen field. 

Reach your goals

Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to learn on the job while also earning a wage.

It allows you:

• To reach for that career goal or new pathway
• the opportunity to earn while on the job
• work alongside professionals within that field and working across many different environments
• explore more opportunities that you would traditionally get through a nonapprenticeship route through education.   

Earn While You Learn One

While traditional university and college courses offer theoretical knowledge, apprenticeships provide hands on experience in the workplace.

This allows you to learn practical skills that are relevant to your chosen industry, and get a taste of what working in that field is like. You'll be able to work alongside experienced professionals, gaining valuable insights and advice that will help you grow in your career.

Earn While You Learn One of the biggest benefits of apprenticeships is that you'll be earning money while you learn. This means that you will not only avoid the debt that comes with university tuition fees, but you'll also be able to start saving for your future. Apprenticeships offer a real alternative to the traditional university route, especially for those who cannot afford to study full-time or do not want to take on debt.  

Help your progress in your career

Apprenticeships provide a clear path to career progression. You'll be able to start at the bottom and work your way up, gaining the skills and experience you need to take on more senior roles.

Many apprenticeship programs offer opportunities for further training and development, allowing you to take your career to the next level.

Industry Connections is another advantage of apprenticeships is the connections you'll make in your chosen industry. You'll be working alongside experienced professionals who can offer valuable advice and guidance, and you'll also be able to build a network of contacts that could help you in your future career. Many apprentices remain with the company they trained with for years after their apprenticeship has ended, moving up the ranks and taking on more senior roles.  

Personal development

Apprenticeships offer an opportunity for personal development. You'll be challenged to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities, which will help you grow as a person. You'll also gain confidence, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities which are all highly valued in the workplace. Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to learn on the job. They provide hands on experience, clear career progression and valuable industry connections.

If you're looking for a different path to a career, then consider an apprenticeship. It might just be the best decision you ever make. 

Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 or over who is not in full time education.

They are designed for individuals who want to gain practical experience within a role that they want to undertake as a profession, passion or stepping stone to something bigger. 

Apprenticeships are specific work based learning programmes that need to be related to the role that an individual is undertaking, be this a newly recruited to role or an existing one. The key to a successful apprenticeship is enabling an individual to gain new knowledge skills and behaviours during the term of the apprenticeship within their role.  

To be eligible for apprenticeship funding you must:  

• Be a resident of English for 3 or more years (exceptions can be made for individuals who hold indefinite right to remain)  
• Be contracted within the Trust to at least 30 hours a week (exceptions can be made if apprenticeship provision can support).  

Apprenticeships are a great way to gain hands-on experience and training in a specific trade or profession. They provide a pathway for individuals to develop the skills and knowledge they need to become successful professionals in their chosen field.  

There are over 700 apprenticeships currently approved for delivery by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and Department for Education (DfE) in the UK. These apprenticeships cover a wide range of industries and professions, from healthcare and education to business and technology. The list of approved apprenticeships is regularly updated and can be found on the government's apprenticeship website. www.instituteforapprenticeships.org  

Level 2 Apprenticeships  

Level 2 apprenticeships are equivalent to GCSEs and provide a foundation for individuals looking to start a career in a specific trade or profession. They typically last for around 12 to 18 months and involve a combination of on the job training and classroom instruction.  

Examples of level 2 apprenticeships include:  

• Healthcare support worker  

• Customer service practitioner.  

Level 3 Apprenticeships  

Level 3 apprenticeships are equivalent to A-levels and provide more advanced training for individuals looking to progress in their chosen careers. They typically last for around 18-24 months and involve a higher level of responsibility and autonomy than level 2 apprenticeships.  

Examples of level 3 apprenticeships include:  

• Dental nurse - Engineering technician  

• Data, IT Solutions and Support 

• Business Administrator  

• Catering, chief, facilities. 

Level 4 and 5 Apprenticeships  

Level 4 and 5 apprenticeships are equivalent to foundation and undergraduate degrees respectively. They provide individuals with the advanced skills and knowledge they need to become experts in their field and often lead to management or leadership roles. These apprenticeships typically last for around 24 to 36 months and involve a high level of responsibility and autonomy.  

Examples of level 4 and 5 apprenticeships include:  

• Accounting and finance assistants  

• Digital and Communications  

• Operations and Team Management  

• Nurse Associate.  

Level 6 and 7 Apprenticeships  

Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships are equivalent to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and provide individuals with the highest level of training available for their chosen profession. These apprenticeships are designed for individuals who want to become experts in their field and often lead to senior management or leadership roles.  

Examples of level 6 and 7 apprenticeships include:  

• Senior leadership  

• Advanced clinical practitioner  

• Digital, Finance and technology professionals  .