Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a way of continuing learning while working and gaining nationally recognised qualifications valued by today’s employers. It is a government-funded scheme that is available to anyone in a wide range of occupations.

Courses come in two levels – Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). You start at the level that suits you. Both levels lead to a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) which acknowledge the knowledge and skills you have learnt to do your job. You also gain key skills and technical certificates where appropriate.

How long do they take?

The time taken to complete an Apprenticeship depends on various elements including you, your employer and the occupation. They can take anything from one year to four years.

Who can do Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships aren’t suitable for everyone – you’ll need to decide which career suits you best. You’ll then need to decide whether you are able to juggle work for an employer one day and then study at college for a qualification (for example) on the next.

Entry requirements are flexible because they aren’t just based on academic achievement. Practical skills count together with your interest in the area of work you’ve chosen. 

The most important requirement is that you must be employed for at least 16 hours a week and have a contract of employment. Literacy and numeracy skills are required and minimum GCSE grades may be needed, but consideration will be made for applicants with other qualifications and experience.

ApprenticeshipS through the college

At Abingdon & Witney College we can offer Apprenticeships in the following industries. All are available at either Level 2 or Level 3 (with the exception of Team Leading, Childcare and Play Work which are Level 2 only).

• Accounting
• Amenity Horticulture
• Business Administration  
• Childcare
• Customer Service
• Engineering
• Play Work
• Vehicle Fitting Operations
• Warehousing & Storage

For each of these Apprenticeships trainees must be employed in the relevant industry and will attend college during the academic year. The Apprenticeship will take between 12-24 months to complete, with assessments carried out within the workplace. 

How will I benefit from an Apprenticeship?

There are many advantages in training as an apprentice. Here are just a few:

1. You get paid. The level of pay depends on your employer and the skill area in which you are training. But, compared to staying on at school or college, where you may have to work in the evenings or at weekends to earn some money, you’re going to be better off.
2. You will learn by a combination of attending college and your employer. You are out of the school classroom and much of the learning will be by doing things rather than having to remember facts. So, if you don’t enjoy school then this may be a better option for you. 
3. You gain recognised qualifications – NVQs, Functional Skills and a Technical Certificate.
4. You will be trained to do a job. So, unlike those who stay on at school and take A-levels, you will have a qualification that shows that you have the skills necessary to do that job. Employers know that they will not have to spend a lot of time training you – you will have the ability to ‘hit the ground running’ and, all being well, a good reference from your employer to support you.

How much will I earn?

All employed apprentices are entitled to a wage of at least £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. (As is the case of all employees aged over 16, all apprentices must still pay tax and national insurance on their income.)

For further information contact the Work Based Learning Manager at john.revis@abingdon-witney.ac.uk