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Apprenticeships

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COVID-19 apprenticeship advice

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Why should you become an apprentice?

An apprenticeship is real job with hands-on experience and a chance to earn money and train while you work. You will become a team member, treated like other employees and will have a contract of employment and holiday leave.

Apprenticeships prepare you for the world of work, give you a salary, real world experience and supercharge your career options to help you get on the job ladder. They are available to those aged 16 plus and you can gain a wide range of qualifications.

Apprentices in The Heart of the South West

How do you become an apprentice?

Find an apprenticeship on GOV.UK

Latest from www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk

Apprenticeship Support if you are made redundant due to COVID-19 (coronavirus)

The Apprenticeship redundancy Support Service is here to support you if you are facing redundancy or have been made redundant due to the effects of COVID-19.

You can access the redundancy support service help line by calling 08000150400.

You can access the vacancy sharing service with can help you find employers who are interested in hiring redundant apprentices.

Click here for Apprenticeship Support Service Click here for Find another apprenticeship

Information and advice for schools

ASK (Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge for Schools and Colleges)

“The Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge for Schools and Colleges programme (ASK) is funded by the National Apprenticeship Service, part of the Department for Education. The programme is designed to give schools, colleges and other educational establishments across England free support to develop and transform how your students think about apprenticeships.”

Find out more on amazingapprenticeships.com

Who can become an apprentice?

You can become an apprentice if:

  • You are 16 or over. Apprentices of all ages are welcome.
  • You spend at least 50% of your working hours in England for the duration of the apprenticeship.
  • You are not in full-time education.

The amazing apprenticeship website can help you find out more about apprenticeships.

Click here for amazing apprenticeship website

Find resources and case studies to support career options, including apprenticeships, with our Career Hub.

Our Careers Hub works with secondary schools, colleges and FE institutes working together with employers, universities and career professionals to deliver the Gatsby Benchmarks and ensuring that careers outcomes are improved for all young people.

Click here for Career Hub

How long will it take?

1-6 years depending on the type of apprenticeship, the level it is at, and the students previous experience.

Will I get a qualification?

Apprenticeships are available at the following levels:

  • Intermediate: Level 2 – equivalent to five GCSEs
  • Advanced: Level 3 – equivalent to two A Levels
  • Higher: Level 4 – equivalent to a higher education diploma
  • Higher: Level 5 – equivalent to a foundation degree
  • Level 6 – equivalent to a Bachelor Degree
  • Level 7 – equivalent to a Masters Degree
  • Level 8 – equivalent to a Doctorate
More about apprenticeships on GOV.UK
Find an apprenticeship near you

Employers and businesses why should you take on an apprentice?

Apprentices breathe life into organisations. They provide a new viewpoint, often have unique skill sets and help an organisation to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.

They can empower and build confidence in the staff members who are training them.

As an employer, you can get additional help with funding an apprentice from the government.

“Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way for any organisation to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. 86% of employers said apprenticeships developed skills relevant to their organisation and 78% reported improved productivity. (apprenticeship.gov.uk)”

More about apprenticeship benefits on GOV.UK More about apprenticeships as an employer on GOV.UK

What do employers have to say about apprenticeships?

Apprenticeship Employers in the Heart of the South West

River Cottage

Wild Beer (Somerset)

Axminster Tools

MB Aerospace

What is an apprenticeship standard?

Apprenticeship standards show what an apprentice will be doing and the skills required of them, by job role. Standards are developed by employer groups known as ‘trailblazers’.

Search for an Apprenticeship Standard for your organisation on GOV.UK

How to fund apprenticeships?

How much is it going to cost on GOV.UK
Apprenticeship Funding Information
Create an apprenticeship service account on GOV.UK

Need help with apprenticeships?

We have many great organisations in the Heart of the South West that can help you with finding an apprenticeship provider, understanding apprenticeships, which may include advice on funding, the benefits of being an apprentice or employing one, support with qualifications and more.