APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprenticeships offer the chance for over-16s to earn a salary while gaining a recognised qualification and valuable work experience. They last at least 12 months and are full time and workplace based, with additional teaching online or at a college or training provider. With 280 types of apprenticeships and more than 1,500 job roles, they offer plenty of choice.
There are four main levels of apprenticeship:
• Intermediate level, which is considered to be the same as five GCSE passes.
• Advanced level, which is widely regarded as being the same as two A level passes.
• Higher level, which can lead to NVQ Level 4 and above, or a foundation degree.
• Degree apprenticeships – offered at some universities, these enable participants to achieve a full Bachelors or Masters degree as part of their apprenticeship. There’ s more information about higher and degree apprenticeships on page 79.
Is it right for your child?
• If your child has decided on a particular career path or sector and would prefer to gain qualifications in a‘ real’ work environment, this could be the right choice for them.
• They will be paid a salary while they learn.
• Entry requirements vary, but to get onto an advanced apprenticeship many recruiters ask for four or five GCSEs including English and maths.
• Your child could choose to go on to a higher or degree-level apprenticeship, or take a professional qualification for a specific job role. Depending on the qualifications they gain during the apprenticeship, they could also choose to go to university.
GOOD TO KNOW
Remember that because apprenticeships are paid, you will no longer be eligible for Child Benefit or Child Tax Credits if your child begins an apprenticeship.
After finishing, the majority of apprentices( 90 %) will stay in employment( including 2 % self-employed), with 7 in 10( 71 %) staying with the same employer. Skills Funding Agency, 2016
Other work-related schemes your child might come across during their research include:
• Traineeships – lasting between six weeks and six months, these offer work experience and numeracy and literacy skills, providing a foundation for an apprenticeship or work.
• School leaver programmes – these are similar to higher level apprenticeships, offering paid, on-the-job training which may include gaining a qualification. They can take between 12 months and five years.
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