What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeships is a real job, where you learn, gain work experience and get paid.  There are hundreds of apprenticeships to choose from including Engineering and Construction to Veterinary Nursing and Accountancy.  

Apprenticeships are available at different levels:

• Intermediate Level Apprenticeship (Level 2) – equivalent to GCSE
• Advanced Level Apprenticeship (Level 3) – equivalent to A Level
• Higher Apprenticeship (Levels 4, 5, 6 & 7)- equivalent to a Foundation degree or above
• Degree Apprenticeship (Levels 6 & 7)- equivalent to a Bachelors or Masters Degree

Entry requirements will vary depending on the industry, job role and apprenticeship level.

Who can apply for an Apprenticeship?

You can start to apply for an apprenticeship whilst you are still at school, although you can’t start it until you have officially left school. To start one, you’ll need to be:

• 16 or over
• Living in England
• Not in full-time education (college or school)

How much will I get paid as an Apprentice?

Apprenticeship wages can vary between employers.  There are minimum rates set by the government, but some employers choose to pay more than this.  For more information visit the .Gov website   

How to apply for an Apprenticeship

To search and apply for apprenticeships vacancies visit the Governments Find an Apprenticeship website. You will need to create an account to be able to apply for vacancies, which is free and simple to set up.   

If you have seen an apprenticeship advertised on an employer’s website, you can sometimes apply directly to the employer.   There are also a number of higher and degree level apprenticeships advertised on the ucas website.    

You may also find apprenticeships advertised on general job vacancy sites and college websites.

What is a Traineeship?

Traineeships enable you to gain work experience and skills to help you prepare for work or an apprenticeship.  Traineeships are ideal if you are motivated to get a job but don’t yet have the skills and experience that employers are looking for.  Traineeships usually last from 6 weeks up to a year, but most last for less than 6 months.  As part of a traineeship you will get help with things like writing a CV, preparing for interviews, looking for work as well as the opportunity to gain skills in english, maths and IT if you need this.  The Traineeship will also involve a work placement to enable you to gain valuable work experience.  To apply for Traineeships you need to be:

• eligible to work in England
• unemployed and have little or no work experience
• aged 16 to 24 and qualified up to and including Level 3 (equivalent to A Level)

For information about traineeships and to apply for vacancies visit www.gov.uk/find-traineeship or get in touch to find out about the local traineeships that are running in the area.  You can contact us on 01925 442211 or email careersservice@warrington.gov.uk