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FAQ

Here are a range of questions and answers regarding Apprenticeships.

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining qualifications and workplace experience. As an employee, you can earn as you learn and you gain practical skills from the workplace.

What types of Apprenticeships are there?

Apprenticeships are available in the following sectors:

They generally fall into one of three categories:

If I change employers, do I have to restart my Apprenticeship?

No – You can continue on the same Apprenticeship programme. If you are aged 19 and over and change employers after you have completed your first year, you will also be able to receive the national minimum wage.

How can I get started?

Think about where a qualification could take you in your career - decide on the kind of skills and knowledge that you will need to get ahead. If you are already employed, you may want to talk to your employer or a workmate to help you with this.

For further information and guidance on getting started with your Apprenticeship call Employer Services on 01902 317691.

How is learning done through an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is essentially a set of qualifications called a ‘framework’ developed by Sector Skills Councils.

The college provides the knowledge and develops skills while the employer provides the practical experience to put those skills to the test. Training can be classroom based, in a workshop or in a workplace, depending on the subject and on the learning provider.

Career Benefits

What are the advantages of an Apprenticeship?

Getting qualified while on the job can also mean:

Will an Apprenticeship give me a good career?

Career progression is excellent for apprentices, and over the course of their careers, those with an Apprenticeship earn, on average, £100,000 more than those without. [A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Apprenticeships and Other Vocational Qualifications, University of Sheffield, 2007]

Some Apprenticeships already attract UCAS points or allow you to study for a Technical Certificate. Once the Apprenticeship has finished there’s the opportunity to carry on working, maybe get promoted or go on to higher education in a college or university.

The National Apprenticeship Service is working with UCAS to extend this system so that more qualifications gained during an Apprenticeship count towards an individual’s university application.

Training and Employment

Do I get to choose where to work?

Yes. It’s up to you to choose an employer.

Do I get paid?

All employed apprentices must receive a minimum wage of £95 per week. However, as skills develop, many employers tend to increase wages – in fact, research has found that apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week.

Do I have to pay tax and National Insurance?

As is the case of all employees aged over 16, all apprentices must still pay tax and national insurance on their income.

What’s the role of the employer?

The employer will give you an induction into the company and your role. They provide on-the-job training and pay your wages. Each apprentice has a manager at work who will be responsible for helping you throughout your training.

What are the minimum and maximum work hours for an apprentice?

An apprentice must be offered a minimum of 16 hours of work per week to complete their Apprenticeship. Generally, however, most apprentices are employed full-time.

Aspects of the employment agreement like how many hours an apprentice is expected to work and the breaks to which they are entitled is determined by the employer and the apprentice.

Do I get holidays?

Like most other employees, you will be given at least 20 days’ paid holiday per year as well as bank holidays.

I’ve already got a job – can I still do an Apprenticeship?

Yes. If your employer agrees, you can become an apprentice where you work now.

What time of year can I start?

You can apply at any time of year. When you begin the work-based training depends upon the availability of a position at an employer.

What’s involved in the selection process?

The selection process is just like any other job application process. Individuals are put through a series of interviews, and in some cases, tests, to establish if they are the right fit for the role.

Can apprentices claim additional benefits (such as childcare)?

Yes. In some limited cases, apprentices can claim additional benefits. You can find out more on benefit claims at www.dwp.gov.uk.

Do I have to pay anything to become an apprentice?

No. While you are on an Apprenticeship, your employer pays you a salary and supports you whilst you undertake your training. Most of the training is ‘on the job’ within the workplace however the rest can be provided by City of Wolverhampton College.

What are my employment rights as an apprentice?

Most apprentices are employed and therefore have the same rights as other employees. To find out more about your rights as an apprentice go to www.worksmart.org.uk.

How long does it take?

The length of an Apprenticeship varies depending on prior skills levels of the apprentice, the qualification being obtained and industry sector. Generally, Apprenticeships take between one and four years to complete.

Is there an upper age limit for Apprenticeships?

No.

What are the entry requirements of an Apprenticeship?

Different Apprenticeships have different entry requirements. However the most important requirements are that:

What are transferable skills?

Many different industry sectors share the same skill sets. These core skills are transferable across sectors and are built into the Apprenticeship to maximise flexibility and choice for employers and apprentices. They include:

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