Is an apprenticeship right for me?
Is an apprenticeship right for you? Find out if an apprenticeship can take you where you want to go!
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Is an apprenticeship right for you? Find out if an apprenticeship can take you where you want to go!
Apprenticeships are a popular choice in the UK. In 2019/2020, there were 719,000 apprentices in England. But itâs not always easy deciding if an apprenticeship is right for you. You need to think ahead and decide what you want to do in life. And whatâs the best route to get you there? Should you go to university instead? Can you get the job you want without a degree? This is no easy task. And the answer will be completely unique to each individual.
In todayâs blog, weâre talking everything apprenticeship. Letâs jump right in!
Apprenticeships are set periods of time where you enroll onto a course of study. But unlike regular study, you also work in the field at the same time. This allows you to earn while you learn. And you gain hands-on experience, developing your skills. Most apprenticeships last 12 months or more. But they can last up to four years depending on your area of study.
There are 4 different levels of apprenticeships: intermediate, advanced, higher and degree level.
Intermediate apprenticeships are equal to 5 GCSEs grades A to C. The qualification could be an NVQ level 2 or a BTEC. Once completed, you can move onto the advanced level.
If you already have 5 GCSEs grades A-C, you can jump straight into the advanced level. Youâll receive an NVQ level 3 or a BTEC qualification. Once completed, youâll have the equivalent of 2 A levels.
Higher apprenticeships take your skills even further. Once completed, youâll receive either an NVQ level 4 , a foundation degree, a diploma or a HNC.
There are jobs that require you to have a degree or equal. Degree level apprenticeships combine university study with work. This allows you to gain hands-on experience while learning. The government or your employer pays for the cost.
Anybody can enroll onto an apprenticeship so long as youâre not in full-time study. Thereâs no age limit. In 2019, 47% of new apprentices were age 24 or over. The only requirement is that youâre at least 16 years old. If youâre aged between 16-18, the government will fund your apprenticeship. If youâre over 18, you may need to pay for part (or all) of your apprenticeship. But itâs also possible to find an employer who will fund part (or all) of your qualification.
People tend to think apprenticeships are just for blue collar work. But these days, thereâs an apprenticeship for pretty much anything!
The apprenticeship wage varies depending on your age. Youâll be entitled to a minimum wage, but many employers pay above the minimum.
If youâre aged 16-18, the national minimum wage for apprentices is currently ÂŁ4.81 per hour.
If youâre aged 19 or over and in your first year of apprenticeship, youâre entitled to the national minimum wage for apprentices of ÂŁ4.81 per hour.
If youâre aged 19 or over and in your second year of apprenticeship, youâre entitled to full national minimum wage.
Think the wage sounds low? Just remember, many employers choose to pay above the minimum wage!
Apprenticeships are a great alternative for many reasons. If you donât want to pay the cost of university tuition fees, an apprenticeship could be a great route. And hey, heavy study isn’t for everyone. If you learn best through doing, apprenticeships are a fantastic route! One of the best places to find apprenticeships is on the government website.
Want to browse zero experience jobs? Search for junior roles on your phone on the SonicJobs app!
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