Apprentice FAQs
A: Applying for an apprenticeship is like applying for any other job. You can get an application form by calling our Course Enquiries Team on 0800 068 8585 or emailing slt@themanchestercollege.ac.uk. Once you’ve completed the form, you’ll need to send it direct to us at The Manchester College. If we think you have potential as an apprentice, we’ll ask you to come in for an interview. We may also ask you to take a numeracy and literacy test if you don’t have high grades at GCSE English and Maths.
In addition you can apply for specific apprenticeship vacancies that are available with employers already in partnership with the college. Current vacancies can be found here or through the National Apprenticeship Service website, http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/ (search for vacancies). You'll need a login for this site.
Either way, we’ll help you through every stage of the process to try and match you with a suitable employer.
A: No, you can start an apprenticeship at any age after you leave full-time education at 16.
A: If you’re under 19 your employer has to pay you at least the apprentice minimum wage which is currently £2.50 an hour. Your employer may choose to pay you more than this and may decide to increase your wages as your skills develop.
If you’re 19 when you’ve completed the first year of your apprenticeship, your employer has to pay you at least the full National Minimum Wage.
Government information on national minimum wage rates can be found here
A: All apprentices work a minimum of 30 hours a week and no more than 40 hours per week. This includes any training time at college (off the job) and on the job (with the employer). You must be paid for all the time you spend training, whether it's at college or on the job.
A: You will get a nationally recognised qualification from The Manchester College. There are two levels of apprenticeships – Intermediate Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. They both lead to a 'Main Aim' such as an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) at level 2 (Intermediate Apprenticeship) or level 3 (Advanced Apprenticeship). You’ll also be working towards Key Skills qualifications in Maths, English (and in certain cases IT) and most apprentices will work towards a technical certificate. All these qualifications form part of an Apprenticeship Framework made up of evidence of your training on the job and your study at college.
A: There’s no set length for an apprenticeship. It depends on the type of qualifications you take and the industry you work in. Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete.
A: Yes. However apprentices who have a degree are not eligible for funding, so your employer would have to pay your training costs. Unfortunately, many employers are reluctant to do this.
A: Yes. You’ll get at least 20 days paid holiday a year plus Bank Holidays – the same as any other employee.