Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships give you the chance to learn and gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst earning a wage. Most of the training is delivered in the workplace alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills.
The rest of the training will be given by your training organisation; either in the workplace, day release to a college or training provider or via e-learning. An Apprenticeship can take between eight months and five years to complete, depending on the level of qualification.
All Apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage and many employers pay significantly more. The current minimum wage rate for an Apprentice is £8.00 per hour. This rate applies to Apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over, who are in their first year.
Your current skills and qualifications will form the starting point for your Apprenticeship journey. Learners starting on an Intermediate Apprenticeship Level 2 can progress onto an Advanced Apprenticeship level 3. Some learners, depending on qualifications will commence the programme at Level 3 and then they can progress onto a Higher Apprenticeship.
Key Benefits:
- Earn a wage
- Paid holidays
- Learn job specific skills
- Full support whilst training
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification
- Enjoy great career prospects
There are plenty of options on completing an Apprenticeship programme to enter skilled employment and further training or to progress onto a Higher Apprenticeship either part time or full time.
Step by step guide to applying for an Apprenticeship
Foundation Apprenticeships
Foundation apprenticeships are designed to provide young people aged 16-21 (up to 24 for those with EHCP) with a pathway into meaningful careers, particularly in sectors facing workforce shortages.
They are not a replacement for existing apprenticeships but offer tailored support to help young people transition from education to the workplace. These apprenticeships typically last a minimum of eight months depending on individual needs. Foundation apprenticeships represent a significant opportunity for young people to gain practical experience and skills whilst earning a wage.
Foundation apprenticeships will cover various sectors, including health and social care, construction, engineering, and digital fields.
FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP
LEVEL 2
AGES 16-21 (up to 24 with EHCP)
MINIMUM 8 MONTHS
REAL PAID JOB
SECTOR-SPECIFIC ROLE
PRACTICAL JOB SKILLS
INTERMEDIATE APPRENTICESHIP
LEVEL 2
EQUIVALENT TO 5 GCSE PASSES AT GRADE 9-4
ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP
LEVEL 3
EQUIVALENT TO 2 A LEVEL PASSES / LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA / INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
HIGHER
APPRENTICESHIP
LEVEL 4, 5
EQUIVALENT TO A HIGHER EDUCATION CERTIFICATION, HIGHER EDUCATION DIPLOMA OR A FOUNDATION DEGREE
DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP
LEVEL 6 AND 7
EQUIVALENT TO A BACHELOR’S OR MASTER’S DEGREE
An apprenticeship can take from eight months to five years to complete. The duration of an apprenticeship depends on age, prior skills, apprenticeship type/level, and sector
How to apply
- Click on ‘find and apply for Apprenticeships’
- Click on ‘create an account’ and register your details
- Don’t forget to set up alerts to get notifications of Apprenticeships that may interest you
Once you have created an account you are then able to start applying for an Apprenticeship. Remember:
- Ensure you have an appropriate email address and voice mail on your mobile
- Make sure you ‘sell yourself’ on your application form/s
For any queries on ‘Find an Apprenticeship’ contact the National helpdesk – 0800 0150 400 Or email
Tees Valley Jobs
You can also search for Apprenticeships on the Tees Valley Jobs page
Resources
What is an Apprenticeship (PDF)
Apprenticeship levels explained (PDF)
Finding the best Apprenticeship for you (PDF)
Foundation Apprenticeships (PDF)
Functional skills qualifications (PDF)
End point assessment explained (PDF)
Writing a covering letter (PDF)
How do I write a CV (PDF)