Apprenticeship schemes are an ideal way for
school-leavers to pick up necessary qualifications for their career
of choice and earn a bit of money whilst doing so. Not sure what an
apprenticeship scheme consists of exactly? Pull up a
chair…
What are apprenticeship schemes?
Combining elements of 'normal' employment and college teaching,
apprenticeship schemes allow participants to gain work experience,
pick up necessary skills for their trade, earn the qualifications
they need for their career and make some money doing so!
Apprenticeship schemes are ideal in the way that most employers
seek candidates who have some work experience alongside any
necessary qualifications they may have. One of the many issues with
going to university is that not many students will be able to find
post-graduate work due to their lack of or irrelevant work
experience, a problem that is not shared by apprenticeship scheme
participants.
Apprenticeship schemes can take up to four years to complete,
though it's not uncommon for some to only last one year. The length
of the scheme depends entirely on which industry the apprentice is
working in, their skills and the level of apprenticeship scheme
they are aiming towards.
What apprenticeship schemes can I do?
There are literally hundreds of apprenticeship schemes out there
and they're all different! Spanning a wide range of sectors and
industries, apprenticeship schemes are usually the most beneficial
to candidates who require a specialised skill or trade for their
desired line of work. The most common apprenticeship schemes are
usually labour-based, such as construction and plumbing, though
there are courses for tons of roles, from hairdressing to floristry
to childcare!
Am I able to apply for apprenticeship
schemes?
Apprenticeship schemes are open to anybody over the age of
sixteen as long are you aren't currently enrolled in full-time
education. You don't have to be a recent school-leaver either, as
many adults have discovered upon leaving the job they'd had for
years to embark on a new career path. Some apprenticeship schemes
do have additional entrance requirements, such as pre-entry exams
or health restrictions.
How much do apprenticeship schemes pay?
The minimum wage for apprenticeship schemes is currently fixed
at £2.60 per hour, or at least £95 per week. However, it is not
unheard of for employers to pay their apprenticeships at the same
rate as fully-employed staff or the standard for that industry.
Some job roles offer candidates over £200 per week, more than
double the minimum wage.
Like any other job, with apprenticeship schemes, more skills
results in a higher pay. By quickly picking up necessary trade
techniques, your wage will increase accordingly, so the more work
you put in, the higher the reward will be! Apprenticeship schemes
also offer participants the same benefits and rights as other
employees.
To look for an apprenticeship, look through our 3,000 apprenticeship
vacancies!