► What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a qualification which takes place in the workplace and assesses your ability to undertake specific parts of the job.
The qualification usually is made up of 3 parts:
► The NVQ
This is job specific where you demonstrate that you are competent to undertake specific tasks within the role.
► A Technical Certificate
This is a qualification which provides an academic assessment of your knowledge. (Some frameworks do not have a technical certificate)
► Key Skills
These are the skills that you need for any working role such as communications and working with others. If you have other qualifications you can get credit for you key skills without having to be assessed.
You may also have to take some sector specific qualifications as part of your apprenticeship.
► What level of qualification is this on the National Qualifications Framework?
An Apprenticeship is a level 2 qualifications and an Advanced Apprenticeship is a level 3 qualification. Because apprenticeships are a different way to learn and involve learning new skills for work, even if you already have a level 2 qualification you will be expected to start on an apprenticeship at level 2. To start some apprenticeships you would be expected to pass an Industry Standard Entrance Test (Plumbing, Electrical) or have GCSE’s at A* - C. It is very unlikely that you would be able to start an Advanced Apprentice unless you had completed an apprenticeship because you need to develop these skills.
► When and where would I study for an Apprenticeship?
Most people start their apprenticeship between the age of 16 and 19 but you could be older. There are some Young Apprenticeship frameworks which you could take during Year 10 and 11. The apprenticeship is studied in the workplace but you may spend some time in a training centre or college.
This could be either:
► Day-release
Where you attend a college or work based learning centre for single days for example: once a week or once a month.
► Block release
Where you go to a college or training centre for a block of time to work on your qualification this could be between 1-6 week at a time.
► What subjects are available?
Apprenticeships relate directly to job roles there are 180 different frameworks for study in 80 different work sectors however not all are available in every area. In County Durham you could undertake an apprenticeship in jobs such as administration, hairdressing, bricklaying, joinery, etc.
For a full list of what is available locally check out the Area Wide Prospectus.
► Apprenticeships Matrix
This matrix gives an overview of the different types of Apprenticeships that are available in the North East.
Click the image below to view the document in fullscreen
► How long does it take?
An apprenticeship and advanced apprenticeship can take between 1-4 years to complete depending on the complexity of the framework and how quickly you develop the skills.
► How is an Apprenticeship assessed?
The different parts of the apprenticeship are assessed in different ways: the NVQ is assessed by observation and demonstration of practical skills, your employer or assessor will observe you doing a particular job task and assess you as either ‘competent’ (you can do it) or ‘not competent’ which means that you need some further practice before being assessed again. The technical certificate is assessed according to the awarding body criteria; this could be assignment, project, practical skills text or exam.
► What Can I do after an Apprenticeship?
After the apprenticeship you may want to complete the advance apprenticeship to get further skills. On completion you will be fully trained to do the job and supervise others in doing it too, most qualified apprentices go into employment.
If you wanted to gain higher qualifications you could also go into Higher Education to study for a Foundation Degree, A Higher National Certificate, Diploma or a Degree.
► Is there anything else I need to know?
Yes, if you are employed as an apprentice you will be paid the National Minimum wage rate for apprentices which from 1st October 2010 is £2.50 per hour. You are entitled to 1½ days paid holiday for each month of your apprenticeship and bank holidays.
There is a high demand for apprenticeship places so applying early and preparing well is important.You can find out more by visiting the national apprenticeship website www.apprenticeships.org.uk or phoning the helpline on 08000 150 600.
► National Apprenticeship Service
It’s easy to apply for an Apprenticeship. You can get there from the Area Wide Prospectus or go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
► Young Apprenticeships
Young Apprenticeships have been available since 2004; a few schools in County Durham offer this learning route. Young apprentices continue to take their core national curriculum subjects but spend 2 days per week in the workplace with an employer, college or work based learning provider. They gain industry specific qualifications such as NVQ2.
