An apprenticeship gives a job with training alongside it. Most individuals will spend all of their time in work, but they will also undertake training. This might be on day release to College or with an Assessor that comes out to the workplace. Apprentices will be paid at least the national minimum wage, though some employers may choose to pay you more.
An apprenticeship can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level and type of industry. There are four different levels of apprenticeship:
- Intermediate Apprenticeship – Level 2
- Advanced Apprenticeship – Level 3
- Higher Apprenticeship – Level 4 – 5
- Degree Apprenticeship – Level 6 – 7
Many apprenticeship vacancies are advertised on the National Apprenticeship Website, though others may be only advertised on the employer`s own website. So just like looking for a job, careful and continuous research and action will be required from your child.
Your son/daughter should register and sign up for alerts on; National Apprenticeship Website
Other great websites for finding apprenticeships are:
- Not Going to Uni: https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/
- UCAS: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/16-18-choices/search-and-apply/post-16-apprenticeships
Top Tip– Being proactive and finding an employer who is willing to offer an apprenticeship is a great way to get on this pathway for training. Ask friends and family about contacts that they may have! If you find an employer then you can contact the college’s Apprenticeship Team to discuss how they can support on 01246 500500.
You can also visit our Apprenticeship Page on the college website
They will need to put a lot of effort in when completing an application form for an apprenticeship, as they will be applying in competition with many others. It is important that they carefully consider why they want the apprenticeship, why they believe they can do the role (match themselves to skills and qualities that are being looked for and provide examples) and what they have to offer. It may be a generic National Apprenticeship application form OR the employer may have their own bespoke application. Your support in reading and checking the application may be vital to their success.
Please be aware that your son or daughter may not be able to study for a particular Intermediate or Advanced Apprenticeship if it covers the same material/same qualification as courses they may have already completed. For more information please contact our apprenticeship team.
Useful Apprenticeship links and resources:
- https://www.chesterfield.ac.uk/apprenticeships
- https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/
- https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/working-for-us/careers-and-work-experience/apprenticeships/apprenticeships-with-us.aspx
- https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/jobs-training-skills-and-apprenticeships/apprenticeships.aspx
- https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/work-us/apprentices
What is a Higher/Degree Apprenticeship?
Higher or Degree apprenticeships offer a job alongside higher level training, This will enable them to get a higher education qualification (Level 4 to 7), relevant work experience and no student debt. They can offer a work-based route into professions, which have traditionally been the preserve of graduates.
Higher apprenticeships go from level 4 to 7 and are equivalent to a foundation degree and above. Degree apprenticeships are available at levels 6 and 7 and are equivalent to a full bachelor’s and Master’s.
They combine work with study and may include a work-based, academic or combined qualification or a professional qualification relevant to the industry.
How to apply?
Search and apply for degree apprenticeships by visiting employer websites, and through:
- https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch
- https://www.thetechpartnership.com/
- https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/
Useful links and resources:
- https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships/what-you-need-know-about-apprenticeships/higher-apprenticeships-level-4-and-5
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships