Apprenticeships

An Apprenticeship is a work-based learning (WBL) approach to training and development. Apprenticeships

• support employers in developing a skilled and motivated workforce
• help students combine learning real work-place skills with study for a nationally-recognised qualification

Apprenticeships are usually achieved on a day-release basis, with one day a week at college and four working for an employer. This ensures that students learn the practical skills that employers require, and the theoretical and support skills needed to achieve the qualifications. Apprentices are paid while they are training and learning.

Students can start an Apprenticeship at any age after leaving full-time education at 16, up to their 25th birthday. We work with local employers to match Apprentices with suitable businesses.

There are two levels of Apprenticeship available – Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. They both lead to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) at level 2 (Apprenticeship) or level 3 (Advanced Apprenticeship), Key Skills qualifications and, in most cases, a technical certificate.

For more information about the benefits of the scheme, visit the government's Apprenticeships website.