If you would like to speak to someone about why an apprenticeship maybe right for you, please call 0800 098 8825 and speak with an advisor today.
Frequently Asked Questions
So what is an Apprenticeship?
An apprentice is employed as an employee by an organisation and learns job-specific skills from experienced staff
in the workplace. He or she will also undertake off-the-job training, usually on a day-release basis, with a local
provider such as a college.
Who can take an Apprenticeship?
As long as you live in England, over 16 years old and are not in full-time education you can apply. There are no
other formal entry requirements.
How much does it cost to become an Apprentice?
It won't cost you anything. The Learning and Skills Council will cover all the costs of your training.
What Apprenticeships are available?
There is a diverse range for you to choose from - over 180 career choices in over 80 sectors of industry and commerce.
Apprenticeships will fall into either two categories. 'Apprenticeships', equivalent to GCSE level or 'Advanced
Apprenticeships', equivalent to A-levels.
How long does an Apprenticeship take?
Each apprenticeship is different and there is no set time to complete the apprenticeship. In general they can take between
1 and 4 years to complete.
How do I get on to an Apprenticeship?
As like any employee you will be interviewed to determine your suitability for the role and you may even be asked to
undertake some tests. Obtaining an Apprenticeship is very much like applying for a job - you will need to show your
enthusiasm and keenness for the job role.
Will I get paid during my Apprenticeship?
Yes! Currently all employed Apprentices must be paid no less than £80 per week (£95 from August 2009),
though recent research found the average wage paid to Apprentices is £170 net pay per week.
So what does the local training provider do?
Your training provider will usually be a local college or specialist training organisation where you receive off-the-job
training. The provider will appoint you a personal mentor who will work with your employer and ensure that your training
is well planned. They will then offer guidance throughout your training and help you deal with any issues that arise.
What does the employer do for an Apprentice?
Your employer is fundamental to your Apprenticeship. It is the employer that gives you the on-the-job training and
experience to help you further for career and they also pay your wage! Your employer will also ensure that you have
a manager who will be there to support you throughout your Apprenticeship.
Can I choose my employer?
Of course. Your training provider can help you decide which employer is right for you, but ultimately the choice
is yours.
Can I take an Apprenticeship with my existing employer?
Yes. As long as your employer is happy to do it, you can become an Apprentice in your existing place of work.
Can I start straight away?
You can apply straight away, but your on-the-job training can only start when a suitable position becomes available
with an employer.
Do Apprentices get holidays?
You will receive the same holiday entitlement as most paid employment - 20 days' paid holiday per year, plus Bank
Holidays.
Is there a difference between an Apprenticeship and a Modern Apprenticeship?
No difference at all. In 2004 Modern Apprenticeships were re-branded Apprenticeships, but in practice they are exactly
the same thing.
Will there be a job interview?
Yes as the selection process is the same as applying for a job.
You will be asked to attend several interviews and in some cases you will need to sit tests, but these are just to make sure you're right for the position.
Are some Apprenticeships more popular than others?
There are lots of Apprenticeships available in lots of business sectors, but the most popular right now are Business
Administration, Engineering, Hospitality and Construction.
How many Apprentices are there?
In 2007 more than 130,000 businesses offered Apprentices in England alone and 110,000 individuals completed their
Apprenticeships.
Are Apprenticeships difficult to get on?
Sometimes they can be, but it varies according to the company and the sector in which you want to work. For example,
engineering company NG Bailey receives an average 4,000 applications for the 80-100 Apprenticeships it offers each
year, while BT Openreach recently had 6,000 applicants for the 600 Apprenticeships it advertised. But that's hardly
surprising when you see how well previous Apprentices have faired: more than 500 former Apprentices are still
employed, many in senior positions.
How realistic is the TV programme 'The Apprentice' to the Apprenticeship undertaken?
'The Apprentice' was great at raising awareness of Apprenticeship Schemes but in reality, the two are very different.
The show made for good TV as it showed the fast paced nature of the fierce competition and the ups and downs of driving the business forward but really apprenticeships are there to encourage you to learn and grow your confidence in a stable work place environment.
Could I go on to University from an Apprenticeship?
Yes. Qualifications gained on some Apprenticeships already earn UCAS points, and we're hoping that UCAS will roll
this out to all Apprenticeships in the future. In the meantime Higher Apprenticeships are available in IT, engineering,
purchasing and supply, which means you can study for a Foundation Degree, get on-the-job experience and training and
earn a wage at the same time.
So is doing an Apprenticeship better than going to University?
Neither route is better than the other. Should you choose not to go to University, work-based learning is seen as a
serious alternative.
Some individuals find that Apprenticeships offer the chance to train, learn and earn at the same time. There are many examples of successful businessmen and even celebrities who started off as apprentices.
In a nutshell, why should I do an Apprenticeship?
As an Apprentice you earn as you learn, gaining valuable, practical and transferable skills whilst keeping all your
options open. And once you've completed your Apprenticeship, the outlook is excellent: over the course of your career
you'll earn on average £100,000 more than your counterparts who didn't receive the same training.
For any other questions or to make an enquiry please contact a Kent Apprenticeship advisor on 0800 098 8825 or email inform@kentapprenticeships.com.