Apprenticeships

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.

It can take between one and six 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 your employer.

The low-down on apprenticeships

We carried out a survey to ask parents what they thought about apprenticeships. Here’s what we found…

• Almost 50% of parents told us that they believed apprenticeships were only for individuals who wanted to go into trade professions
• 1/4 of parents felt that their child’s school or college provided inadequate information about apprenticeships
• Parents use the word “opportunities” as the most common word to describe apprenticeships

To find out what else parents thought, read our Parent’s View on Apprenticeships Guide.

Are you looking for apprenticeship application advice?

Are you curious as to what life is really like in the role of an apprentice?

Would you like tips & tricks to stand out in front of employers?

With Success at School’s new ‘Ask An Apprentice!’ platform, students can ask an apprentice absolutely anything. You will gain access to their inspiring team of apprentices from top employers across the UK.

The best part – these apprentices will reply directly with personalised advice.

Apprenticeships Guide 2024

Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship Hints & Tips For Parents & Carers

Sign up to receive the latest Apprenticeship vacancy listings

Apprenticeship Vacancies (via Amazing Apprenticeships)

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships have become increasingly more popular over the past five years, even more so now. There is a wide range of different and diverse roles you can pursue through an apprenticeship, be that in engineering, health and social care, business or even science.

BENEFITS OF AN APPRENTICESHIP

• Earn while you learn
• High quality training
• You can still get a degree
• Gain hands on experience in your chosen career and much more!

APPRENTICESHIP MYTHS

“Apprenticeships are for those who do not perform academically.”
FALSE – They are a fantastic opportunity for all kinds of people looking to expand their knowledge and upgrade their skill sets, by getting stuck right into a job.

“Apprenticeships are only for manual trade jobs.”
FALSE – This is not entirely true, although there may be a wide range of apprenticeships in construction, engineering, IT services, which are very hands-on, there are also a vast choice of vocational trades such as law, fashion, media.

“Apprentices have no scope for progression.”
FALSE – Approximately 65% of apprentices are hired on a permanent basis by their current employer after their programme has finished and a third who remain in the same company receive a promotion in their first year.

“Apprenticeships are only for entry level or low-level workers.”
FALSE – Whilst there are apprenticeships at lower levels, there are also a wide range of higher level and degree level apprenticeships. There is something for everyone.

“University graduates earn more than apprentices.”
FALSE – There is a common misconception among young people (and parents) that university will set them up to earn more in the future. By the time a graduate has just qualified, an apprentice will have completed their End Point Assessment and will already have a year or two experience in the industry putting them ahead of fellow university graduates.

Useful Information

DfE Careers guidance and access for education and training providers – October 2018

Link to the Gov.uk website regarding apprenticeships
This includes a guide to apprenticeships and students can also access a link to search for apprenticeship vacancies.
https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships