General FAQs
Q: Are there any entry requirements for apprenticeship programmes?
A: Yes, each apprenticeship standard has its own entry requirements. At a minimum you need to be working in a relevant job role to meet the learning outcomes of the apprenticeship.
Your employment contract must be of sufficient length to allow you to complete the apprenticeship. If you are on a fixed term contract you may not be eligible. Ideally you should be working 30 hours or more each week – if you are part-time we can discuss this with you.
If the apprenticeship is Level 4 or above, you need to have English and Maths at Level 2 this means GCSE A – C or 4-9. ‘O’ Level C or above or Functional Skills Level 2, Adult Literacy level 2, Adult Numeracy level 2. If you are unsure if your qualifications are suitable the apprenticeship team can check certificates for you.
Further details can be found in the drop down below.
Q: Is there an age limit to do an apprenticeship?
A: No! Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers. We currently have over 400 staff on apprenticeship programmes from Level 2 Healthcare Support to Level 7 Advanced Clinical Practice and Level 2 Customer Service to Level 7 Senior Leader. There are apprenticeships for every occupation and job role and professional qualifications including degrees, professional registrations are embedded in the apprenticeship standards.
Q: How can I find out more about apprenticeships?
A: The apprenticeship team run a monthly apprenticeship surgery.
These are informal virtual information sessions that will give you the opportunity to look at what is on offer and to be able to get more tailored advice to your needs. Bookings can be made via the link above. Skills for Health is a very useful website.
Q: I have lost my certificates, is there anything I can do?
A: You can apply for copies of old certificates if your exams were taken in or after 2001. Contact the apprenticeship team if this applies to you.
Q: Why do I need to do maths and English?
A: The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education require the apprentice to achieve approved math's and English qualification if not already achieved. Proof of achievement is required to gain exemption and to progress to End Point Assessment.
Q: I already hold a degree, why do I still need to do maths and English?
A: Please see the trust apprenticeship policy.
Policies and procedures :: YourSpace Mersey Care HR49 Apprenticeship Policy
Q: I need to take my Maths and or English qualification, how do I do this?
A:The trust can support you with this. Visit Section 5 of the Learning and Development Prospectus for details of the course and instructions on how to apply.
Learning and Development Prospectus - Course (merseycare.nhs.uk)
Only applications that have managers approval are processed. When you complete the CPD (Continuing Professional Development) form your manager will be sent an email with a link that will take them to the CPD form to approve your application. Once it has been approved your details are sent to the training provider who will then contact you directly to arrange enrolment and start date.
Q: If I have studied outside of the UK, Can my Maths and English Qualifications be used?
A: For Apprenticeship study all qualifications studied outside of the UK can be matched to understand their equivalency. However in some cases, the UK equivalent may be different to that studied outside of the UK. All matching is done on a case-by-case basis with the apprenticeship provider, inline with the Uk Government apprenticeship funding rules.
Q:I applied for functional skills a while ago and have not heard anything.
A:Only applications that have managers approval are processed. When you complete the CPD (Continuing Professional Development) form your manager will be sent an email with a link that will take them to the CPD form to approve your application. Once it has been approved your details are sent to the training provider who will then contact you directly to arrange enrolment and start date.
Q:My manager has approved my functional skills application but I haven’t heard anything.
A: The training provider contacts all applicants once there is a place available, this can take several weeks.
Q:What days are functional skills classes?
A: There are several sessions running throughout the week virtually and there is also a face-to-face-class. The training provider will discuss class days and times during enrolment.
Apprenticeships General Entry Requirements are the minimum standards that an individual must meet in order to be eligible for an apprenticeship program in the United Kingdom. These requirements are set by the government and are designed to ensure that apprentices are able to successfully complete their training and contribute to the workforce.
The general entry requirements apprenticeships include:
- Age: Individuals must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for an apprenticeship program. Some programs may have additional age requirements, so it's important to check the specific requirements for the program you are interested in.
- Education: There are no specific educational requirements for most apprenticeships in England, but some programmes may require a certain level of education or qualification. All apprenticeships at level 3 and above require candidates to hold Level 2 English and Maths before they can complete the apprenticeship. Our trust policy requires staff to have achieved English and Maths and to be able to provide the evidence of this prior to enrolment on apprenticeships at level 4 or higher. If you require reprints of qualifaction evidence please click HERE
- Residency: Apprenticeship programs in the England are typically only available to individuals who are legally entitled to work in the England. This means that individuals must be English resident, EU citizens, or have a valid work visa.
- Skills and Qualities: Most apprenticeships require individuals to have certain skills or qualities, such as good communication skills, the ability to work as part of a team, and a willingness to learn. Some programs will require you to be based within an environment or role that directly relates to the Apprenitcship you wish to undertake.
- Availability: Apprenticeships require a significant commitment of time and effort, so individuals must be willing and able to dedicate themselves to the program. Some programs may also require individuals to be available for flexible working hours or to travel to different locations for training.
Course specific FAQs
Q: What kind of business administration apprenticeships are available?
A: There are a variety of business administration apprenticeships available, including customer service, business administration, and team leading.
Q: What are the benefits of doing a business administration apprenticeship?
A: Business administration apprenticeships offer a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning, which provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while earning a salary. Additionally, apprenticeships can lead to nationally recognized qualifications and can provide a clear pathway for career progression.
Q: What qualifications do I need to start a business administration apprenticeship?
A: The qualifications required for a business administration apprenticeship will vary depending on the specific apprenticeship you are interested in. However, most business administration apprenticeships will require you to have a minimum of GCSEs in English and maths or Functional Skills Level 2.
Q: What kind of leadership and management apprenticeships are available in the England?
A: There are a variety of leadership and management apprenticeships available, including team leader, operations manager, Chartered Manager and senior leader.
Q: What are the benefits of doing a leadership and management apprenticeship?
A: Leadership and management apprenticeships offer a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning, which provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while earning a salary. Additionally, apprenticeships can lead to nationally recognized qualifications and can provide a clear pathway for career progression.
Q: What qualifications do I need to start a leadership and management apprenticeship?
A: The qualifications required for a leadership and management apprenticeship will vary depending on the specific apprenticeship you are interested in. However, most leadership and management apprenticeships will require you to have a minimum of GCSEs in English and maths or Functional Skills Level 2.
Q: What kind of project management apprenticeships are available in the UK?
A: There are a variety of project management apprenticeships available in the UK, including project manager, project coordinator, and project analyst.
Q: What are the benefits of doing a project management apprenticeship?
A: Project management apprenticeships offer a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning, which provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while earning a salary. Additionally, apprenticeships can lead to nationally recognized qualifications and can provide a clear pathway for career progression.
Q: What qualifications do I need to start a project management apprenticeship?
A: The qualifications required for a project management apprenticeship will vary depending on the specific apprenticeship you are interested in. However, most project management apprenticeships will require you to have a minimum of GCSEs in English and maths Functional Skills Level 2, as well as some current ot prior experience in project management or a related field.
Q:What qualifications do I need to join the Trainee Nursing Associate Apprenticeship?
A:You will need:
- A level 3 qualification which holds 32 UCAS points or
- A Level 3 Healthcare qualification e.g. NVQ
- Level 2 or equivalent English
- Level 2 or equivalent Maths
- Experience of caring.
Q:How do I get a Level 3 qualification in Healthcare?
A:Staff are offered the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship route in order to gain the Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support. This is a fully funded course and you would remain in your job role with same terms and conditions.
You would need to be released from work for study one day a week so the first thing you would need to do is ensure your manager is able to support you at this time.
We have attached the link to the apprenticeship standard, you will see there are 6 options within it and your job role will determine which is the best route for you – you can let us know.2023.09.25-ST0217-L3-Senior-Healthcare-Support-Worker-Standard.pdf (skillsforhealth.org.uk)