An Apprenticeship combines paid work and study to gain qualifications. There are Apprenticeships in many different occupations.
Different types of Apprenticeships are available and the right one for
you will depend on your interests, experience and opportunities in your
area. All Apprenticeships include the following basic elements:
NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) at level 2 or 3 - this proves you can do the job.
- Technical Certificate This shows you have the full underpinning knowledge required within the NVQ.
- Key
Skills Such as Communication and Application of Number. (If you have
good, recent GCSE results, you may not need to do these at all.)
- ERR (Employment Rights and Responsibilities) module – may be required.
- Enhancements
These are other qualifications or requirements that may be specified by
particular occupations, eg First Aid certificate.
What are the Levels of Apprenticeship?
Apprentice - This is an NVQ Level 2 Apprenticeship. At this level you
will be working under the direction of a supervisor carrying out
routine and slightly more complex tasks.
Advanced Apprentice - This is an NVQ Level 3 Apprenticeship. At this
level you will be taking control of and responsibility for more
complex tasks. You may also be supervising, or delegating to other
staff.
How Long Does it Take?
The time to complete an Apprenticeship depends on the ability of the
apprentice, the employer’s requirements and the chosen profession, but
they usually last between one and two years for each level.