You earn and learn, working for an employer who trains you in job-specific skills. You work alongside their experienced staff, and typically spend one day a week in college doing a range of topics which will cover theory and practical skills, plus English and Maths.

Importantly, it means you work towards recognised qualifications.

All sorts! From large mulit-nationals like BMW and Orange, through medium sized corporate organisations down to smaller local businesses.

There are now over 100,000 employers offering Apprenticeships across England.

Assignments
Exams
Observation in your place of work

Your qualification will be a valuable asset and boost your employment and promotion prospects.

Employer recognition
Many apprentices progress with their employers and benefit from promotion and salary increases. Employers often encourage staff to take an Advanced or Higher Apprenticeship, or other industry-related qualifications.

Earning potential
Research shows that apprentices earn, on average, over £100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees in the same jobs.

A route to university?
Absolutely. Some Apprenticeships already attract UCAS points. The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) are working with UCAS to extend this system and ensure that the qualifications gained during an Apprenticeship count towards an individual’s university application.

Higher Apprenticeship programmes are available in some areas, e.g. IT, engineering, purchasing and supply sectors, enabling apprentices to study for a Foundation Degree, learn valuable new skills and earn a living at the same time.

The Government pays college costs for 16 – 18s. If you are over 19 your employer will have to contribute.

Your employer pays your salary.

You are treated like any other employee – so you receive a salary, holidays (a minimum of 20 days per year, plus bank holidays) and other statutory benefits such as pension contributions. You may also find a subsidised canteen and leisure facilities but this will vary by employer.

At 16 – 18 the minimum you must receive is £2.50 per hour. At 19+ you will also get £2.50 per hour, but only for your first year. If you continue with an Apprenticeship into a second year, you are then entitled to the national minimum wage. In all cases you will be paid for a 5 day week – providing you have 100% attendance.

Many employers will pay more* – as your skills develop, and subject to your performance levels.

*A recent National Apprenticeship Service study showed that the average weekly wage for an apprentice is now around £170.

You may also get additional money for essential books, clothing or equipment, or for help with a disability.

The key message is – you 'earn while you learn'.

Lots! The college takes full responsibility for your off-the-job training. We will also appoint a tutor/assessor who will work with your employer to make sure your training is well-planned. We’ll also ensure it fits your personal requirements, and offers the skills needed both for the job, and to satisfy the national standards. The aim is to make sure you succeed, so we’ll monitor your progress regularly and be available to help you through any difficult times.

Your employer will give you an induction into the company and your role. They will provide your on-the-job training and pay your wages. You will have a manager at work who will be responsible for helping you throughout your training.

The college maintains regular contact with employers to make sure our apprentices succeed.

Usually one day a week. Some programmes may operate a block release where you will spend several days at a time in college. Some courses may provide some learning online.

Learning is based around a framework that will cover:

An appropriate work-based qualification such as an National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at levels 2 or 3
Functional skills, e.g. communication, application of number, ICT
Personal skills, e.g. working with others, problem solving
A technical qualification such as a BTEC or City & Guilds – relevant to your specific apprenticeship
Plus any other occupation-specific requirement

Generally between one and three years, but this depends on the area you’re working in, and on how long it takes you to achieve the required competence levels.

Absolutely not! We’ll ensure your programme of study works with your existing qualifications, and these may fast-track you – subject to your employer’s needs.

With good GCSE results you may be able to go straight onto an Advanced Apprenticeship programme – requirements vary by subject.

There are three levels of Apprenticeships:

• Apprenticeships – equivalent to five good GCSEs
• Advanced Apprenticeships – equivalent to two A Level passes
• Higher Apprenticeships – these work towards work-based qualifications (e.g. NVQ level 4) and in some cases a knowledge-based qualification such as a Foundation degree.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone with the right attitude and a desire to do well.

Some apprenticeships will have additional eligibility criteria. We’ll guide you through these when you select the one you are interested in.

It’s important to us that we find the right level of Apprenticeship for you. So we’ll work with you to ensure you start on the right course, at the right level.

Apprenticeships are designed to enable you to progress at a pace that’s right for you and your employer.

A survey of employers* who have Apprentices found that:
• 80% say they make the workplace more productive
• 88% say they lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce
• 83% rely on them to provide the skilled workers they need for the future

* Source: National Apprenticeship Service

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 employs you. You’ll need to turn up on time and demonstrate that you are reliable, trustworthy, eager and able to learn.

Someone who:

• Has a keen interest in their chosen field
• Wants to learn and develop new skills
• Likes to use their initiative
• Likes working as part of a team, but can also work independently

They’re open to all age groups (16 years +). You could be:
• Just leaving School
• Unemployed – looking for work and training opportunities
• Employed – looking for new opportunities with your current or a new employer

If you’re 14-16 you may even be able to do a Young Apprentice scheme while still at school.

There are more than 190 Apprenticeships available ranging from accountancy to bricklaying, engineering to hairdressing, business administration to construction. Click here to see what you could do at Harlow College.

They generally fall into two categories:
1. ‘Apprenticeships’, equivalent to GCSE level / Level 2
2. ‘Advanced Apprenticeships’, equivalent to A-levels / Level 3