CAREERS & WORK EXPERIENCE

Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a way to 'earn while you learn' - you're employed to work whilst studying for a qualification. By the end of your apprenticeship, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your chosen career or progress onto the next apprenticeship level or into a job. There are Apprenticeships on offer in most professions, ranging from intermediate to degree levels.

An apprentice can be a new recruit or current employee aged 16 or over who has not already completed a qualification in a similar role.

To be an apprentice, you must:

Have left full-time education
Be a citizen of the UK or have permanent residency in the UK and have been living for the past 3 consecutive years
Not be in full-time education

Apprenticeship Levels

An 'Intermediate' or Level 2 apprenticeship is ideal for school leavers wanting to start work or explore a specific industry. It combines on-the-job training with studying for a Level 2 NVQ or vocational certificate, equivalent to 5 GCSEs (9-4).

During the apprenticeship, you'll work at least 30 hours a week and study through a college, training provider, or virtually. It usually takes 12-18 months, with opportunities to advance to a Level 3 apprenticeship afterward.

No formal qualifications are typically needed, but some employers may require GCSEs or basic skills tests. The apprenticeship involves 80% workplace learning and 20% studying, and might also offer additional qualifications related to your role.

There are over 120 Level 2 apprenticeships available in fields like finance, care, beauty, and construction. The minimum wage for apprentices is £6.40 per hour, increasing to the national minimum wage for your age in the second year.

To find opportunities, check West London College's Apprenticeships page or careermap.co.uk.

An 'Advanced' or Level 3 apprenticeship is a great option for school leavers who want to build on Level 2 skills or prepare for higher education. It combines on-the-job training with academic study, and some apprenticeships offer the chance to gain chartered status, like with the ICAEW apprenticeship.

An advanced apprenticeship is equivalent to 2 A-level passes and typically lasts around 24 months, though it can vary between 12 and 36 months. It’s often pursued after completing a Level 2 apprenticeship.

You’ll spend 20% of your time studying towards a nationally recognized qualification and 80% working. If you don’t have GCSE Maths and English, the apprenticeship will include functional skills training. Depending on the employer, you might also gain additional qualifications related to your field.

Advanced apprenticeships are available in over 192 areas, including accountancy, engineering, IT, and healthcare. The minimum wage for apprentices is £6.40 per hour in the first year, increasing to the national minimum wage for your age in the second year.

For more information and to find opportunities, visit West London College's Apprenticeships page or careermap.co.uk.

Higher apprenticeships are a strong alternative to university, suitable if you’ve completed a Level 3 course or an advanced apprenticeship. They offer qualifications up to Level 5, and degree apprenticeships can reach Level 7.

You’ll spend 20% of your time studying at a college or university and 80% working. Level 4 apprenticeships are equivalent to the first year of a degree, while Level 5 is equivalent to the second year. Typically, these apprenticeships last 2-4+ years.

To qualify, you'll need 5 GCSEs (including English and maths) and a Level 3 qualification. Experience in the sector may also be considered. Higher apprenticeships provide significant responsibilities and support, with the possibility of gaining Chartered status.

They’re available in various fields like accountancy, engineering, and IT. Pay starts at £6.40 per hour, rising to the national minimum wage for your age in the second year.

For more details and opportunities, visit West London College's Apprenticeships page or careermap.co.uk.

Degree apprenticeships are an excellent alternative to university, allowing you to earn a degree without paying tuition fees. These apprenticeships combine academic study with work experience, leading to qualifications up to Level 7 (master's level).

Degree apprenticeships typically involve spending 20% of your time studying at a university and 80% working with an employer. They generally take 3 to 6 years to complete and result in a BA(Hons), BSc(Hons), MA, or MSc.

To qualify, you'll need at least a Level 3 qualification, such as A-levels or an advanced apprenticeship, and often five GCSEs, including English and maths. If you have relevant work experience, you might also be considered.

Degree apprenticeships are available in various fields, including accountancy, engineering, and IT. Pay starts at £6.40 per hour, increasing to the national minimum wage for your age in the second year.

For more information and opportunities, visit West London College's Apprenticeships page or careermap.co.uk.