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Apprenticeships - Frequently Asked Questions

What types of Apprenticeships are available?
There are over 190 types of apprenticeships across a range of industry sectors, from engineering to tourism.
Apprenticeships fall into three categories:
  • Apprenticeships
  • Advanced Apprenticeships
  • Higher Apprenticeships
apprenticeships frequently asked questions
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are another way of gaining qualifications in a workplace. You also get to earn as you learn and gain valuable workplace experience and skills.

Can I do an Apprenticeship if I have a degree?
Yes- however you will not be eligible for funding, therefore your employer would have to pay your training costs.

What are the benefits of an Apprenticeship?
Benefits include:
Getting paid whilst learning
Improve and gain skills and knowledge that will help you gain your qualification faster
You learn at your own pace
You receive support and mentoring
It can set you up in a job or move onto better jobs

Do I get paid?
Yes- all employed apprentices aged 16 or above must receive a wage of at least £2.65 an hour, but in practice many get much higher. Your salary will increase as you get older and get more experience.

Do I have to pay tax and National Insurance?
All employees aged over 16 must still pay tax and national insurance on their income.

What are the minimum and maximum work hours for an apprentice?
All apprentices must be offered a minimum of 16 hours of work per week but generally, most apprentices are employed full time. Your working hours are determined by your employer.

Do I get holidays?
As you are an employee you will be given at least 20 days' paid holiday per year on top of bank holidays.

Can I still do an Apprenticeship if I've already got a job?
Yes, if your employer agrees that you can become an apprentice where you work now.

What time of the year can I start?
You can apply at any time of the year. Starting your training just depends upon the availability of a position at an employer.

Do I have to pay anything to become an apprentice?
No. Your employer pays you a salary and also supports you whilst you do your training. The National Apprenticeship Service will pay for the costs of your training depending on your age.

Age NAS contribution
16-18 100%
19-24 50%
25+ Contribution for specific places

How long does an Apprenticeship take?
The duration of an Apprenticeship varies depending on prior skills levels of the apprentices and the industry sector of the Apprenticeship. Generally, Apprenticeships take between one and four years to complete.

What are the entry requirements?
Different Apprenticeships require different entry requirements however the main points to take in account is that:
  • You must be living in the UK and not in full-time education and;
  • You must be aged 16 or over

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