Have you recently graduated? Finding an apprenticeship could be the next step for you. You’ll be glad to know that there are many apprenticeship options available to you in the UK. However, the fine print surrounding apprenticeships can be quite complicated. This is especially the case after completing a previous qualification. We look to break down the details for you and make your options as straightforward as possible.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a hands-on method of learning a job, trade or skill. Apprentices work alongside experienced staff. They gain job-specific skills and are given time for training or study related to the role (usually one day a week at a college, university or training centre).
As an apprentice, you’ll earn at least the national minimum wage while you train and you’ll also receive holiday pay. Depending on the level of the apprenticeship, it can take between 1 and 6 years to complete.
Benefits of Finding an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships vary depending on the role you’re training for. However, all apprentices will follow an approved training programme. Upon completion of your apprenticeship, you’ll receive a nationally-recognised qualification. These qualifications include:
- Functional skills – GCSE-level qualifications in English, maths and IT
- National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) – from Level 2 (equal to five GCSEs) up to Level 5 (like a postgraduate degree)
- Technical certificates – i.e. BTEC, City and Guild Progression Award, etc.
- Academic qualifications – i.e. Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND), foundation degree or the equivalent of a full bachelor’s degree
While doing an apprenticeship, you’re constantly gaining real-world experience in your chosen sector. You’re not only developing the hard skills of doing the job in question, but you’re also improving your soft skills which are transferable skills. This means that they can be taken from one job to another spanning different job sectors. They include communication, teamwork and problem-solving, as well as knowledge of IT and the application of numbers.
As an apprentice, you’ll learn valuable job-specific skills by working with experienced professionals. During your apprenticeship, you will earn a wage and be entitled to holiday pay. You will also get dedicated time to study and upskill. This makes up at least 20% of your working hours.
To sum up, finding an apprenticeship will enable you to develop both soft skills and industry-specific skills, gain on-the-job experience, and earn a salary as you learn.
Finding an Apprenticeship: Types of Apprenticeships
Most job sectors across the UK offer apprenticeships. There is also a wide range of different roles within each specific sector. Examples of apprenticeships include:
- Business apprenticeships in business administration, business development, consultancy and leadership
- Construction apprenticeships like bricklaying apprenticeships, plumbing, electrician and quantity surveying apprenticeships
- Health and Beauty apprenticeships like barber apprenticeships or hairdresser apprenticeships, and beauticians
- Healthcare apprenticeships such as childcare apprenticeships, nursing apprenticeships, midwifery apprenticeships, and paramedic apprenticeships
- Law apprenticeships at paralegal, legal executive and solicitor levels
- Marketing apprenticeships in digital marketing, social media and public relations (PR)
- Retail apprenticeships in buying, merchandising and management
What are the Entry Requirements for an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship entry requirements are quite straightforward. In order to start an application you must be:
- Over 16 years old
- Living in the UK
- Not in full-time education
As apprenticeships go up to a master’s degree level, it is possible to do a standard undergraduate degree followed by a level 7 degree apprenticeship in the same or a similar field. For example, on completing an undergraduate degree in business studies, you would be able to progress from there into the Master of Business Administration Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Essex. Or if your undergraduate degree was in geography, you could move into the MSc (Masters of Sciences) Spatial Planning Degree Apprenticeship at University College London.
While this is an excellent option for those who have an undergraduate degree relevant to a master’s level apprenticeship, the selection of these apprenticeships is narrow due to their highly specialised nature.
On the other hand, things can become complicated when looking at whether students with an undergraduate degree can start a lower level apprenticeship (e.g. one level below the educational equivalent of an undergraduate degree). The guidelines for apprenticeships suggest that you cannot repeat any previously studied material. However, for every apprenticeship applicant, the training provider (the organisation or institution running the qualification element of the apprenticeship) will use their discretion to decide whether the content of an apprenticeship teaches them enough new skills and knowledge.
How Much Does an Apprenticeship Cost?
Apprenticeships don’t cost you a penny. The government and the employer will cover all tuition fees including training and your wage. This also applies to degree apprenticeships.
Furthermore, pay rates depend on the age of the apprentice and the level of experience. If you are under 19 and an apprentice, or 19 or over and still in your first year as an apprentice, you’ll be entitled to a £4.81 per hour apprenticeship wage. Apprentices aged 19 or over and who’ve completed their first year will be able to claim the National Minimum Wage. From April 2022, this has been set at £6.83 per hour (for those aged 18-20), £9.18 (21-22) and £9.50 (23 and above).
Apprentices can expect to work between 35 and 37.5 hours per week. However, the sector you’re entering will determine the nature of your daily working hours. While most apprentices will work a 9 am-5.30 pm day with a 1-hour lunch break, those in hospitality or healthcare roles, for instance, should expect to work more antisocial shifts.
How to Find an Apprenticeship UK
The best way of finding an apprenticeship in the UK is to search for apprenticeships in your area. Check out the following government sites for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Developing a Student has a wealth of useful resources for students and apprentices in the UK, including life after graduation, finding a job, and writing a cover letter.
If you’re looking for job or apprentice opportunities in your area, be sure to check out our live job board for up-to-date listings in your area and around the UK.
