Apprenticeships

Here at ourbob.com, we are fully supportive of the opportunities apprenticeships can bring for people.

There are so many reasons why people choose to follow the apprenticeship route to qualifications and career success, most notably:

The concept of ‘earn while you learn’ is such an attractive one, giving people an income whilst still building up professional knowledge and gaining qualifications
The route to a great career without the need to go to University full time
Some people are not academically gifted and are not keen on pursuing further studies, however learning ‘on the job’ gives them every chance of the successful career they are seeking.

What is an Apprenticeship?

It is a job with training. Being an apprentice means that you have a job and the ability to gain recognised qualifications and essential skills whilst you are working and earning a wage.

There are four main types of Apprenticeships:

Foundation Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship
Higher Apprenticeship
Degree Apprenticeship

There are four different types because different jobs need different levels of qualifications, some higher than others.

How long do Apprenticeships Last?

They would normally last between two and three years. This can depend on the type of apprenticeship and the level of qualification you are working towards.

What would I Learn?

This depends on the job you are training for. There are over 150 different apprenticeship routes available, and every apprentice follows an approved study programme. That means that you will gain a recognised qualification.

By the end of your apprenticeship you will have the qualifications, skills and experience which match exactly what your employer wants. It also makes you far more employable when you want or need to move on.

Where would I Train?

Where you train during your apprenticeship will all depend on what you are doing. Your employer will decide how they want you to be trained to do their work, and this could include:

On the job training
At college which could be full-time or part-time
At a training centre which you could attend once a week or in blocks of a few days or weeks

What is certain is that you will have training but how, how often, when and where will be up to your new employer.

How can I secure an Apprenticeship?

To gain an apprenticeship, you need to be aged 16 or over. There is no upper age limit for apprenticeships.

You have to apply for an apprenticeship just like any other job, and your potential new employer needs to know you are committed to being a successful apprentice before they will hire you.

What Will I be Paid?

Pay for apprentices can vary from employer to employer, with some offering quite high salaries even for apprenticeship positions. There is a national minimum wage for apprentices which you can read all about HERE.