Apprenticeship: an earn-as-you-learn qualification
Apprentices can work, train and study at the same time, giving employers the chance to recruit new talent to their businesses. We look at the different types of apprenticeships and how they operate.
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An apprenticeship is an earn-as-you-learn option for anyone aged 16 and over who is not in fulltime education and is eligible to work in the UK. Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular and respected in England as an alternative route to employment for young people. They can also be offered to existing members of staff.Higher or degree apprenticeships are often started following A Levels and so are designed for students aged 18 or over. Apprentices are able to work, study and train at the same time. Employers train individuals in the context of their organisation, so apprentices develop their skills and contribute to the company’s productivity. This means that employers can help attract new talent, reskill existing staff and tackle skills shortages.According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), apprenticeships are an asset to any organisation and bring significant benefits to a business and its existing workforce.
What do apprentices earn?
As employees of the company, apprentices will earn at least the minimum wage, but many employers pay significantly more. Apprentices aged 19 or under, or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, are entitled to an hourly rate of £3.90. Apprentices aged 19 or over, who have completed the first year of their apprenticeship, are entitled to an hourly rate equivalent to the National Minimum Wage for their age (currently between £5.90 and £7.83 in April 2018). National Minimum Wage rates change every April.Some employers may provide additional entitlements, such as an annual bonus, paid overtime, or funding for childcare or transport. Apprentices may also be given an allowance for essential books, clothing and equipment, and receive the same benefits as other employees, such as pension contributions, a subsidised canteen or leisure facilities.Types of apprenticeship
There are four levels of apprenticeship, depending on skills and qualifications:- Intermediate (Level 2; similar to studying five GCSEs)
- Advanced (Level 3; similar to studying two A Levels)
- Higher (Levels 4–7; similar to studying a Level 4 National Vocational Qualification, a Higher National Diploma or a Foundation Degree)
- Degree (Levels 6–7; similar to studying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree)
Why choose an apprenticeship?
Some of the key reasons for choosing an apprenticeship are:- To experience a subject area at first hand before committing to a career
- To avoid accumulating thousands of pounds of debt in student fees
- To have the opportunity to study for a degree with the employer later on, or even study for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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