FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the difference between an Intermediate Apprenticeship and an Advanced Apprenticeship?
A. Intermediate Apprenticeships usually last at least a year and the apprentice works towards a National Vocational Qualification at Level 2, Key Skills and in most cases a technical certificate. Advanced Apprenticeships are at a higher level and usually last at least two years and the advanced apprentice works towards a National Vocational Qualification at Level 3, Key Skills and a technical certificate. Advanced apprentices will normally have some experience in the relevant industry or occupation as well as a good basic education.
Q. Who can be an apprentice?
A. There are no set entry requirements for Apprenticeships. Apprentices just need to be living in England and not taking part in full-time education. It should be noted that Apprenticeships are fully funded by the Government for applicants aged 16 - 18 (i.e. those that start their apprenticeship before their 19th birthday) and there is a reduced level of funding available for applicants aged 16 - 24 which may mean that a fee will be charged - usually to the employer. For applicants who are not eligible for government funding an Apprenticeship programme will cost between £3,000 and £15,000, depending on the industry. Graduates are not eligible for Apprenticeship programmes.
Q. How do Apprenticeships work?
A. The employer pays the apprentice a wage and gives the apprentice on-the-job training which allows the apprentice to achieve National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). The apprentice also spends time with a training organisation, sometimes called training providers, gaining key skills that'll be useful in the job market - like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology. In addition, the apprentice studies for a technical certificate, a recognised qualification which gives further knowledge and understanding of the apprentice's job.
Q. Do Apprentices learn at work or at other places as well?
A. Apprentices usually spend the majority of their time at work. The amount of time that is spent away from work can vary greatly between different industries and different training organisations. Use the search function on this site and check how training is organised by training organisations that offer apprenticeships in your chosen occupation.
Q. How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship?
A. There is no set time to complete an Apprenticeship as they vary widely in content and size. The length of time taken will depend on the ability of the individual apprentice and the employer's requirements. An Apprenticeship will usually take anything from 1 to 3 years.
Q. Who organises apprenticeships?
A. Training organisations can be private organisations or local colleges. These organisations receive funding to help with the costs of apprenticeships and organise and monitor the training programme.
Q. Do training organisations find jobs for people who want to be apprentices?
A. Some training organisations offer this service. Use the search function on this site and check the details of the services of training organisations offering your chosen occupation.
Q. Do training organisations find new recruits for employers that want to take on an apprentice?
A. Most training organisations offer this service. Use the search function on this site and check the details of your chosen organisation.
Q. How can you find the right apprenticeship for you?
A. The search function on this site enables you to select the nearest town to where you live or work and the occupation that you are interested in. The results display information about the training organisations that are best suited to help you. You can then contact these organisations by e-mail or via an enquiry form.
Q. If I want to do an Apprenticeship but I'm not sure which occupation to choose - what should I do?
A. You need to be sure of what occupation you would like to get into before you apply for an apprenticeship. It is also advisable to talk to a Connexions Personal Adviser. See our links page for details on the Connexions service and for other useful sources of information. Also see the occupation page on this site.
Q. How are Apprenticeships developed and who sets the course content?
A. Apprenticeships are designed by business for business. Organisations called Sector Skills Councils composed of business representatives from the relevant sector or industry decide on the course content within their own sector. And because they genuinely understand each business sector, the training will be relevant to the job.
Q. How much do Apprentices get paid?
A. Yes, all employed apprentices will get a wage. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for apprentices is £2.60 per hour (please note that wage rates for roles within the Agricultural sector may differ from the minimum wage stated above). 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. The apprentice NMW applies to all 16 to 18 year olds and to those aged 19 and over in the first year of their Apprenticeship. If an apprentice reaches age 19 and has completed the first year of the Apprenticeship the employer must pay at least the full NMW rate for those aged 18 to 20. If an apprentice is already 19 and has completed the first year of the Apprenticeship the apprentice must be paid at least the NMW rate for their age. The NMW needs to be paid for time spent training and for holidays agreed in the apprentice's contract of employment. For more information click here.
Q. Do Apprentices get holidays?
A.
Yes. Employed apprentices are entitled to those holidays provided by their
terms of employment. The Working Time Directive specifies the
number of paid holiday per year as a minimum for employees.
Just like any other job, the employer will have rules about
how far in advance holidays need to be booked, and times
that holidays cannot be taken.
Q. What qualifications do Apprentices achieve?
A. Apprentices get a package of qualifications - a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), a technical certificate such as a BTEC National Diploma or a City & Guilds Progression Award, and Key Skills qualifications. Apprenticeships lead to either an NVQ Level 2 or an NVQ Level 3. Apprenticeships can also help you to enter higher education.
Q. How much does it cost an employer to take on an apprentice?
A. The cost to an employer will be the weekly wage or training allowance that is paid to the apprentice. The cost will also depend on if the Apprentice is eligible for government funding and if so how much - which will depend on the age of the apprentice and the occupational sector.
Q. Are Apprenticeships open to a company's existing employees?
A. Yes.
Q. Do apprentices have to complete their training with their employer and do employers have to keep the apprentice to the end of their training?
A. Obviously the ideal situation is one where the apprentice and the employer stay together for the duration of the Apprenticeship. In reality this can't always be the case and there must be flexibility on both sides. If an apprentice leaves their employment they can continue with their apprenticeship elsewhere depending on the circumstances.
Q. Are all apprentices employed?
A. Yes.
Q. Are apprenticeships popular?
A. Since their introduction in 1994, over 1 million young people have taken part in the Apprenticeship programme. Currently over a quarter of a million Apprentices are in training. There are over 85,000 employers offering Apprenticeships in more than 130,000 locations.
Q What is a National Vocational Qualification?
A. NVQs are qualifications that train somebody in the skills and knowledge that are needed to do a job. To get the qualification a trainee will need to show that they can use their skills effectively in real work situations by proving this to an independent assessor. NVQs are available in most occupations and can be taken on their own or as part of an Apprenticeship.
Q What is the position with apprentices and Council Tax?
A. Apprentices are not counted as adults for Ciuncil Tax purposes. For more information click here.
For more FAQs go to the National Apprenticeship website by clicking here for apprentice questions and here for employer questions..