Find Apprenticeship Information for young people in the UK
If you're aged 16-18 your Apprenticeship will be fully funded; for 19-24 year-olds your employer will be expected to contribute to your training costs
If you fancy learning the trade of your choice and earning as you go, an apprenticeship might be just the thing.
What exactly is an Apprenticeship?
- An Apprenticeship offers a practical balance between learning a trade and earning a living
- You're paid a small sum to work within a skilled environment and get the skills you need while learning with a local training provider, like a college
- It's becoming a popular career option; since 1996/7 over two million people have started an Apprenticeship and numbers of new starts are increasing every year
- The length of time it takes to complete an Apprenticeship varies; they generally last between one and three years
Do i have any rights as an apprentice?
-
You will be paid a minimum of £95 per week, but the average salary is £170 per week and some apprentices even earn over £200 per week
-
If you're aged 16-18 your Apprenticeship will be fully funded; for 19-24 year-olds your employer will be expected to contribute to your training costs
-
You'll receive work benefits such as pension contributions and holiday periods; each year you will be given at least 20 days' paid holiday as well as bank holidays
What's in an Apprenticeship for me?
You can take all kinds of apprenticeships; there are over 180 different career choices in 80 different industries, from childcare to plumbing, tourism or even design. Whatever you choose to pursue, they all lead to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), and Key Skills qualifications. Some apprenticeships also offer BTEC or City & Guilds certificates and some can even help you build up UCAS points to apply to university.
If you're clear about your career path, and it requires mastering a practical skill, then an apprenticeship could benefit you. If you're still unsure, it gives you the opportunity to experience a certain industry first-hand. It doesn't guarantee a job for life, but it will give you the opportunity you need to learn on the job and gain valuable skills and experience - which can only appeal to future employers.
How to Apply for an apprenticeship
Applying for an apprenticeship is very much like applying for a job; you choose where you would like to work and then apply for a place. Search for vacancies on the website for the country you live in (listed in our Next Steps box, right). You can apply at any time during the year, but if you're successful, the start date for your apprenticeship will be decided by your employer. It's likely that you'll be interviewed, and you might also be asked to take some tests to make sure you're the right person for the job.
useful links:
Working with City & Guilds helps both training centres and employers grow business, and gives an apprentice the head start they need for a great career.
McDonald's Offer Apprenticeships:
If you would like to apply for a McDonald's apprenticeship click here
