What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed to help employers train people for specific job roles. At the same time, apprentices get a paying job with valuable training while they work towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard. It is work-based qualification, which means that all of the training and assessment for the apprenticeship will be completed through a blended learning approach via on-site or remote learning. 

Apprenticeships are for anyone in England aged 16 years old and above, whether employed, unemployed or a school leaver. There is no age limit on apprenticeships. Formal qualifications are not needed, however some employers may ask for GCSEs (A-C) in English, Maths and Science. 

As all apprentices must be employed and have a contract of employment, you are counted as a regular employee. You must be paid as per National Minimum Wage rates and you will get normal employee benefits such as holiday and sick leave.

Across the length of an apprenticeship you will be supported weekly by a team of tutors and assessors remotely and visited every 8- 12 weeks in the workplace (Covid permitting).

Training and assessment for the apprenticeship will be completed through a blended learning approach via on-site or remote learning. Using an award-winning online learner management system, you will gain and evidence the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to be successful at End Point Assessment. 

 The EPA is completed to assess the knowledge, skills and behaviours that you have learnt throughout the apprenticeship. You will practice parts of the EPA assessment throughout the apprenticeship and you will only take the final assessment when you and your employer feel ready. The content and length of the EPA will vary, depending on the course you are completing.

The duration varies from apprenticeship to apprenticeship. As a guide, entry level apprenticeships usually take at least 12 months to complete. Higher level apprenticeships can take a few years.