1. An apprenticeship is a real job with training.
As an apprentice, you are expected to work hard, and are given real responsibilities, a contract of employment, holiday, and sick pay – exactly the same as any other member of staff! You will also gain a qualification, and valuable skills and experience.
2. You will work towards a qualification.
You will be supported by a training provider (a university or college), that will help you achieve your qualification and make sure you complete your apprenticeship.
3. An apprenticeship usually takes between one and four years to complete.
It depends on the level of apprenticeship/qualification you are taking, and what you have achieved so far.
4. Apprenticeships have changed.
They’re alternatives to traditional, full-time university or college courses, and there is a wide range of Modern Apprenticeships available.
5. There are currently Graduate-Level Apprenticeships available in several subject areas and industries.
Take a look at what’s currently available.
6. The majority of apprentices (around 92%) stay in employment.
If they do change companies, it’s usually because they’re able to compete for a better job, perhaps with more pay or more responsibility.
7. They offer the benefits of higher education.
This includes the opportunity to earn a salary from day one, so you will actually get paid to study.
8. Apprenticeships are still quite new.
This means there are only a limited number of vacancies at the moment, but it’s expected that the number and range of vacancies will grow over the next few years.
9. You can progress from a Foundation or Modern Apprenticeship to a Degree / Graduate-Level Apprenticeship.
If you complete these programmes, you can apply to become an apprentice at the next level of apprenticeship or education.
10. You can apply for Apprenticeships at the same time as applying to uni or college.
Applications for apprenticeships are usually made directly to the employer, through their own application process. Details of how to apply will be given on each apprenticeship advert.
Keen to find out more? Head to ucas.com/apprenticeships