Apprenticeships

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a real job with hands-on experience, a salary and the chance to train while you work. You are treated just like all the other employees, with a contract of employment and holiday leave.

If you are 16 or over, you can become an apprentice as long as you spend at least 50% of your working hours in England for the duration of the apprenticeship and you are not in full-time education.

When you are an apprentice:

• you get paid and train at the same time, with at least 20% of your time spent in off-the-job training, often at a college or university or with a training provider
• you train to be fully competent in your chosen occupation

An apprenticeship can take between one and six years to complete, depending on which apprenticeship you choose, what level it is at and your previous experience.

Different apprenticeships are available all over England, at companies large and small, in a wide range of industries and organisations. From local organisations to large national brands.

You get valuable hands-on experience working while you learn, which helps you progress in your working life.

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