An Apprenticeship isn't like college or university. As an apprentice, you'll do a real job and get paid.
As an apprentice, you'll do a real job in a real workplace and get paid.
You'll have responsibilities to your employer and colleagues and work as a team.
Many companies that employ apprentices have great facilities for their staff. These include sporting and social activities and other opportunities. Always ask an employer about these benefits at your interview or once you've started your Apprenticeship.
Every Apprenticeship role is different, but you can expect your day to be varied, stimulating, and challenging. You'll be learning new skills and meeting new people in a new environment, and you may be working with colleagues or the public for the first time. You'll also get used to working for your employer, a very different environment from school or college. Whatever your role, you know that everyone is working towards the same goal – your success and the success of the business you work in.
Benefits of studying an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to work for a real employer, earn a real salary and gain a real qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills and experience.
A real job.
- Over 150,000 employers are offering Apprenticeships in more than 200,000 locations.
- Apprenticeships are available at Intermediate, Advanced and Higher (degree) level, covering more than 170 industries and 1500 job roles, from Construction to Hairdressing.
A real qualification.
- Quality is key to Apprenticeships. All Apprenticeships must be at least 12 months long and lead to a national qualification / standard that is respected by employers around the world.
A real future.
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95% of apprentices reported at least one positive impact on their job or career prospects
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70% of apprentices planned to carry on working for the same employer once they completed
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65% had received a pay rise since completing their apprenticeship
(Statistics provided by Apprenticeships Evaluation 2021)
Some frequently asked questions
How many hours will I be expected to work?
All apprentices must be in paid employment and working a minimum of 30 hours a week before they can be offered a training programme. The maximum a 16-18 year old can work is 40 hours and this includes time off for attending training sessions either at work or college.
How much will I get paid?
The current minimum wage rate for an Apprentice is £6.40 per hour. Guidance on wages can be found here.
What do you study through an apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship is essentially a set of Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours called a ‘Standard’ developed by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Employers. Apprenticeship Standards follow a standard format that comprises:
- Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours expected for the industry you work in.
- It may have a Qualification attached but not always (e.g. Level 2 for Intermediate Level Apprenticeships, Level 3 for Advanced Level Apprenticeships, Level 4/5 for Higher Level Apprenticeships).
- Functional Skills in Maths and English at Level 1 or 2
College provides the knowledge and develops skills while the employer provides the practical experience to put those skills to the test. Training can be classroom based, in a workshop or in a workplace, depending on the subject and on the learning provider.
What are the advantages of studying an apprenticeship?
Getting qualified while on the job can also mean:
- You work better and more effectively
- It can set you up to move into new and better jobs
- You get better pay
- You get to experience new and different challenges
- Your existing skills and knowledge are recognised and can help you gain a qualification faster
- You learn at your own pace and get support when you need it
- Better job security
- You gain skills and knowledge which can be used across a range of jobs and industries
Can I get help finding an employer?
Blackburn College will work with applicants to help find a suitable employer where possible. However, we always advise anyone looking to undertake an Apprenticeship to be actively seeking employment for themselves too.
Being made redundant?
We know how difficult it is to be made redundant from your job. If you find yourself in this position please speak with your assessor to inform them of your situation, ensure that you have an up to date CV with your current work experience listed and then email this through to Apprenticeship Recruitment Team who will forward this to employers for review. The team are happy to support you with your CV and will give advice on how best to complete. Email: apprenticeships@blackburn.ac.uk
Further information on being made redundant can be found on the government website.
