Apprenticeships

What are Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are part of the national work-based learning scheme. They offer you the opportunity to continue learning, in a working environment and get paid, so you "earn while you learn".

For young people aged 16+ there are several options available:

Apprenticeship
Advanced Apprenticeship
Programme Led Apprenticeship (PLA)

How do they work?

Apprenticeships include an NVQ qualification, Key Skills and in some cases a technical certificate.

With an Apprenticeship you will train to NVQ level 2 by working full-time job with a salary. It will usually take about 12 months to complete.

Advanced Apprenticeships train you to NVQ level 3 while you’re working full-time and getting a wage. Allow two to three years to complete an Advanced Apprenticeship.

With a Programme Led Apprenticeship you start the Key Skills and technical certificate and also undertake work experience, before moving onto a full apprenticeship.

Do you need a bit of extra support, or want to gain some some confidence and skills before starting an Apprenticeship? Then ask your Connexions Personal Adviser about the "Entry to Employment" (E2E) scheme. See our Work-based learning page for more info.

Young Apprenticeships for 14 to 16 year olds!

The Government has decided to make Apprenticeships available to Year 10 students. It is a brand new scheme, so initially will only be available in some schools in Suffolk. This is all part of campaign to give you more choice and flexibility about the way that you learn at school.

How do I get the training?

Training providers are companies (or departments within a further education college), who will help you to arrange your training, and also monitor and assess your progress. Connexions advisers can help you find a training provider.

The training itself may take place at work or perhaps on a day-release basis at college. If you require additional support so that you can take part in work-based learning, this should be provided for you.

We advertise all of our employment vacancies and apprenticeship opportunities on our Jobs4U page.

Job training routes

Here are some factsheets that explain how you can get an Apprenticeship in a particular job or trade and what the training involves: