What is involved in an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships give you the chance to work for an employer, learn on the job and earn money. You can choose from a wide range of job areas depending on local availability.
There are three levels of Apprenticeship available:
- Intermediate Level Apprenticeships
- Advanced Level Apprenticeships
- Higher Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships typically take between one and four years, although there is no set time to complete as Apprenticeships 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.
Apprentices work towards an appropriate work-based qualification. As an employee the apprentice will be in the workplace for the majority of their time, as most training takes place on the job. The rest usually takes place at a local college or a specialist training organisation. Apprentices can complete this off-the-job training on day release or over a number of days in a block.
Your Personal Adviser in school will help you to apply for Apprenticeships in Year 11.
Visit Apprenticeships to find out more.
Can I get an apprenticeship if I don’t have any qualifications?
Entry requirements will vary depending on the Apprenticeship and the industry sector. However competition for places with employers can be fierce, so you will need to show that you are committed, and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you. You also need to be happy to work as both part of a team and individually, and be able to use your own initiative.
Some employers will require qualifications such as five good GCSEs (grades A*-C), and may also want particular subjects.
You can apply for Apprenticeships on Apprenticeship Vacancies, where you will find details of apprenticeship opportunities throughout the country.
How do I find out about jobs?
Use our cnx2jobs website to find out about jobs for young people in Greater Manchester. Your Personal Adviser will be able to tell you more about these vacancies. If you are at school these vacancies may also be displayed on your school's Connexions notice board. Jobs aimed at school leavers won’t start until after the official school leaving date, which is the last Friday in June each year, but you often have to apply earlier in the year.
What employment opportunities are available to me at 18?
Most young people leaving college at 18 go on to Higher Education but a number choose to go into jobs and Apprenticeships. Your Connexions Centre will have more details, as well as the following websites:
Where can I get more advice and guidance if I need help in making my decisions?
There are a number of people who can help you. Contact your Personal Adviser who can help you choose which option is right for you and give advice on opportunities, training and funding.
What help can I get if I’m in a job without training?
The best thing is to talk to your Personal Adviser about this and how you could get training.