Common questions
Here we fill in the gaps so you're fully in the picture.
How do apprenticeships work in practice?
You'll be employed and receive a wage just like every other worker. The apprenticeship is made up of these elements:How much do I get paid and will I get holidays?
Wages vary amongst employers, but often you'll get paid the same as other employees your age who aren't on apprenticeships. But don't forget you'll have the advantages of getting valuable on-the-job training from your employer and coming out with a qualification.Like any other employee you'll get holidays. Most employers give you at least 20 days a year, on top of standard time off such as weekends and bank holidays. Check the terms of employment on your contract to find out what your company's policy is on booking holidays.
Who's eligible for apprenticeships?
In England, for all apprenticeships you'll need to be aged 16–24, be permanentyl resident in England and not in full-time education. If you start an apprenticeship just before your 25th birthday, you can carry on beyond 25 until you've completed it. Conditions may vary in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. See What Next? section.There are no standard entry qualifications for all apprenticeships, but some occupations set their own entry requirements. For more info about entry requirements for construction apprenticeships, see the Spotlight on construction section.
What kind of people choose apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships might be right up your street if you've made your mind up which job you want to train for. If you've not made your mind up which specific job you want to do, you might be more suited to a general vocational qualifications, such as Vocational A-levels or a BTEC course. These general vocational courses introduce you to a broad sector of work. While you're on these courses you can decide what to specialise in afterwards and how to go about it.If you choose an apprenticeship you'll have to be prepared to work hard, both when working for your employer and when studying for your qualifications. You'll also have to be committed to finishing what could be up to a five-year training programme.
You should have gathered info and advice about your chosen job, and be sure of why you think you'll be suited to it. Carefully considering your options will help you make an informed decision and will increase your chances of success. Being able to explain why you're suited to the job also comes in useful for interviews.
You should be a responsible, reliable person and be capable of taking your work and study time seriously. You should be up for a challenge and be comfortable working both in a team and on your own with your own initiative.
I'm not in England
Apprenticeships are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. See the What next? section for further contacts.
