FAQs

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Further Support - National Careers Service

Are you looking for some further support and advice on how to become an apprentice?

Speak to one of the National Careers Service advisers today via the free webchat!

This is a free service for those looking for online careers support, including Apprenticeships and is open between 8am-10pm every day.

How do I know if I am eligible?

There are also common misconceptions that Apprenticeships are only for “young people” – this is simply not true! Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 and over and not in full time education.

Apprenticeships are a great way to start your career from school or college – find out more.

Apprenticeships are also a great way to restart, upskill or change your career – find out more.

What will I earn as an Apprentice?

The Apprenticeship Pay Survey 2018/19 – England reported that the mean hourly salary for the following age ranges in 2018/29 was:

  • 16-18 year olds – £5.34
  • 19-20 year olds – £6.78
  • 21-24 year olds – £8.81
  • 25+ year olds – £9.90

More information on National Apprenticeship Wage and National Minimum Wage can be found here.

 

How do I get involved?

What if I’ve been unsuccessful in the past?

Getting into employment isn’t always straightforward – you might have pressures elsewhere in your life that make achieving your goals difficult. However, there is support out there to help you boost your chances and your skills.

A great place to start is the National Careers Service – Speak to one of the National Careers Service advisers today via the free webchat!

If you are 15-24 years old and you need personalised support to help you get on track, Skills Support for Growth can help – get in touch today.

Isn’t university a better option?

While it is widely acknowledged that full-time education, such as college, sixth form or university is a proven route into employment, this route does not always offer the valuable work experience that an Apprenticeship can offer and there’s still no guarantee of a job at the end. Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn, and give you the opportunity to develop the skills employers really want, including specific skills relating to your job, their company and your sector.

What’s the difference between a Traineeship and an Apprenticeship?

Traineeships are aimed at giving 16-24 year-olds the opportunity to develop the skills they need to find, and succeed in, employment or progress onto an Apprenticeship. They are comprised of three main elements to prepare you for an Apprenticeship, including English and Maths, work preparation skills and a practical work placement with a local employer. Traineeships are unpaid (however travel expenses and costs of meals may be reimbursed) and should be viewed as a stepping stone into work. They can last anywhere between six weeks and six months. Apprenticeships are designed to enable an individual to progress within a business over a longer period of time whilst gaining nationally recognised qualifications. An Apprenticeship is a career, not just a job. Apprenticeships are for those aged 16 or over who are  not in full time education and can last anywhere between one and five years.

Apprentice Benefits

As well as being employed and getting industry trained, there are a number of other benefits you can enjoy including:

  • NUS Apprentice extra, the discount card for UK Apprentices with loads of discounts in-store and online, helping your hard earned cash stretch a little further!
  • Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) offers support to apprentices on their commute to work with a free and reduced price ticket offer, or a free bike. To apply you will need to be an apprentice, within the first six months of your training, and live within Greater Manchester. You can only take part once during your apprenticeship.