These qualifications can include:

• Functional skills – GCSE-level qualifications in English, maths and IT.
• National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) – from Level 2 (comparable to five GCSEs) up to Level 5 (similar to a postgraduate degree).
• Technical certificates – such as BTEC, City and Guild Progression Award etc.
• Academic qualifications – including a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND), foundation degree or the equivalent of a full Bachelors degree.
• Apprenticeship Standard – an overall qualification which says you possess the knowledge, skills and behaviours for the standard you have studied.

You’ll also be constantly developing your transferable skills, otherwise known as soft skills, which are highly valued by employers. These include communication, teamwork and problem-solving, as well as knowledge of IT and the application of numbers.

Apprenticeship Levels

There are four different levels of apprenticeship:

• Intermediate – equivalent to five good GCSE passes.
• Advanced – equivalent to two A-level passes.
• Higher – equivalent to the first stages of higher education, such as a foundation degree.
• Degree – comparable to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree./li>

Length of Apprenticeships

The length of your apprenticeship will depend on several factors, such as the level of the apprenticeship, your chosen sector, employer requirements, your working hours, and your individual ability.

Apprenticeships practical training will usually last between one and six years. Their length follows a basic framework:

• Intermediate apprenticeships typically last between one year and 18 months
• Advanced apprenticeships are usually studied over two years
• Higher and degree apprenticeships take three to six years to complete

It’s worth checking directly with your employer and training provider before applying to check how long your course will last, as some won’t follow this structure.

Pay Rates and Working Hours

If you’re aged under 19 and an apprentice, or 19 or over and still in your first year as an apprentice, you’ll be entitled to the apprenticeship wage of £5.28 per hour. Apprentices aged 19 or over and who’ve completed their first year will be able to claim the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW). For more information, see GOV.UK – Become an apprentice.

This pay rate is stated as a guideline – some employers pay you a higher wage. You’ll also be entitled to sick pay, any additional benefits your employer offers to its other employees, such as healthcare plans and childcare vouchers, and at least 20 days of paid holiday per year. Visit GOV.UK – Calculate holiday entitlement to work out your exact entitlement.

Working hours vary depending on your employer, as a full-time employee you won’t be able to work more than 40 hours per week or any fewer than 30. Typically, you’ll work between 35 and 37.5 hours per week. The sector you’re entering will determine the nature of your daily working hours. While most apprentices can expect to work a 9 am-5.30 pm day with an hour’s break for lunch, those in hospitality or healthcare roles, for instance, should expect to work antisocial shifts.

Age Limit

There’s no upper age limit on being an apprentice. As long as you’re 16 and over and have the right credentials, you’ll be eligible to apply for your chosen apprenticeship.

Entry Requirements

As each type of apprenticeship offers a different level qualification their entry requirements will vary. Generally speaking, they are as follows:

• To apply for an intermediate apprenticeship, you’ll just need to be over 16 years old and no longer in full-time education.
• For an advanced apprenticeship, you’re likely to be asked for prior work experience and at least three 9-4 grade GCSEs or equivalent – such as an intermediate apprenticeship qualification.
• As higher apprenticeships are the equivalent of a foundation degree, HNC or first year of a Bachelors, you’ll usually need at least five 9-4 grade GCSEs, as well as some Level 3 qualifications in relevant subjects, to apply. Your Level 3 qualifications could be AS-levels, a BTEC National or a Level 3 NVQ.
• • Degree apprenticeships will have the tightest entry requirements. These may include three A-levels in a specified grade range or a higher apprenticeship qualification, on top of at least five 9-4 GCSE grades. It’s also likely you’ll be required to have prior work experience.

You can apply for apprenticeships at any time of year – whether you’re successful depends on if an employer has a vacancy or if you are upskilling as existing employee. You’ll be able to check the specific entry requirements of your chosen apprenticeship once the position opens.

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Key Elements

End Point Assessment begins after the practical training end date of the apprenticeship programme (no less than 12 months) and learners have 3 months (sometimes longer depending on the standard) to undertake their end point assessments.

The assessment methods will differ depending on the apprenticeship standard chosen. There is usually two methods of assessment as a minimum. For example, a multiple-choice test and a professional discussion.

Off The Job Training (OTJT)

Off-The-Job Training is a mandatory requirement of the apprenticeship standards.
All learners who work fulltime must complete a minimum of 6 hours per week to learn new knowledge, skills and behaviours.

The minimum number of hours will differ depending on the learner’s employment working hours. Employers must agree to enable their staff the expected hour off from their working hours to gain new KSBs.

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Knowledge, Skills & Behaviour (KSB)

Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviour (KSB) – these are the 3 components learners need to evidence in their apprenticeship training. New knowledge, skills, and behaviours can be usually gained through training, studying, or researching. There are many methods that can be used to gather KSB evidence and improve oneself. Our Coach will be able to offer support to both learners and employers where needed.