An apprenticeship is a job with an associated training and career development programme, which lasts for a minimum of 15 months in length. The exact duration will be outlined on the relevant apprenticeship standard and will depend on factors such as contracted hours and prior learning. Some higher-level apprenticeships can be in excess of five years.
Apprenticeship Levels:
Name
Level
Equivalent educational level
Intermediate
2
5 GCSE passes
Advanced
3
2 A Level passes
Higher
4, 5, 6 and 7
Foundation degree and above
Degree
6 and 7
Bachelor’s or master’s degree
Apprenticeships can be full-time or part-time and are suitable for anyone over the age of 16, who has an employment contract for the duration of the apprenticeship.
The purpose of an apprenticeship is to help people gain new knowledge, skills and behaviours, so they can improve their competency in an occupational role. Apprenticeships can be used to help new staff develop in their roles, and offer existing staff career development qualifications. The apprenticeship standard chosen must relate to the job role of the apprentice.
Apprentices will:
English and Maths:
The UK government have made a commitment to ensure that every adult receives training up to Level 2 in English and Maths. As such, if the apprentice does not already hold a GCSE A-C (4-9) or Adult Functional Skill at Level 2 in these subjects, they will be required to complete Adult Literacy and/or Numeracy while on the apprenticeship. If the apprentice already holds Maths or English at this level, they will be exempt from this component.
All apprenticeships, regardless of level and duration, follow the same format:
For the University
For the Apprentice