Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining qualifications and workplace experience. You get paid an apprenticeship wage, earning as you learn and gaining practical skills from the workplace.

There are three levels of apprenticeship available for those aged 16 and over:

1. General Apprenticeships
2. Advanced Apprenticeships
3. Higher Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. There are targets and checks to make sure that your employer is supporting you and you are making progress. As an employee you will be in employment for most of your time as most training takes place on the job. The rest usually takes place at our centre. You can complete this off-the-job training on day release.

Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money all at the same time. You work towards a work-based qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and other nationally recognised qualifications. Employers all over the country recognise and value of apprenticeships as they show that you’ve been trained in the skills they need.

Childcare Apprenticeships at Level 2 takes about one year and Advanced Apprenticeships at Level 3 takes two years to complete. There is no set time to complete an apprenticeship as they vary widely in content and size. The length of time taken will depend on the ability of the individual apprentice and the employer's requirements.

Apprentices do real jobs for real employers. So you’re paid while you learn. If you are entering work for the first time, you will start earning from day one of your apprenticeship. There is no set rate of pay for apprentices, however, all employed apprentices must receive a wage of no less than £95 per week and a recent survey showed that the average wage per week for an apprentice is now around £170 and in some job roles around £210 per week. As your skills develop, your pay will increase accordingly. You may also get additional money for essential books, clothing or equipment, or to help you with a disability. As an apprentice, you will receive the same benefits as other employees such as pension contributions, subsidised canteen and leisure facilities.

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