Become an apprentice

You are here

Home

Become an apprentice

Overview

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.

As an apprentice you’ll:

Apprenticeships take 1 to 4 years to complete depending on their level.

Levels of apprenticeship

An apprenticeship has an equivalent education level and can be:

  • Intermediate - equivalent to 5 GCSE passes
  • Advanced - equivalent to 2 A level passes
  • Higher - can lead to NVQ Level 4 and above, or a foundation degree

Who can apply

You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school. To start one, you’ll need to be:

  • 16 or over
  • living in England
  • not in full-time education

How to apply

There are 3 steps to applying for an apprenticeship.

  1. Search for an apprenticeship.

  2. Sign in or create an account.

  3. Complete and submit your application.

The National Careers Service has advice on writing applications and what to do at interviews.

If you’re unsuccessful

You can ask for feedback if you don’t get selected for an interview or for the apprenticeship.

You can complain if you think you weren’t successful because you were discriminated against, or your treatment in the interview or application process was unfair.

Apprenticeship helpline
Telephone: 0800 015 0400 or 0247 682 6482
nationalhelpdesk@apprenticeships.gov.uk

If you need more experience

If you feel you’re not ready for an apprenticeship, a traineeship is a course designed to prepare you for one.

Apprenticeships in Scotland and Wales

Different organisations deal with apprenticeships in Scotland and apprenticeships in Wales.

Pay and conditions

You’ll be paid during your apprenticeship.

You’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage.

The current minimum wage rate for an apprentice is £2.73 per hour.

This rate applies to apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year.

You must be paid at least the minimum wage rate for your age if you’re an apprentice aged 19 or over and have completed your first year.

Check you’re being paid the minimum wage with the national minimum wage calculator.

Hours apprentices are paid for

You must be paid for:

  • your normal working hours (minimum 30 hours per week)
  • training that’s part of your apprenticeship (usually one day per week)

Holidays

You’ll get at least 20 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.

Use the holiday calculator to check holiday entitlement for apprentices.

Help and advice

Contact the Acas helpline for free and confidential advice on your rights at work.

back to index

 

 

Made Smarter WM

Made Smarter is a national movement to drive growth amongst UK makers and advance the UK economy. Backed by world renowned businesses and the UK government, it will improve the development and adoption of emerging technologies. Making a real, everyday difference to people from the boardroom to the factory floor.

Find Out More

 

 

Looking for work, or have vacancies to fill?

 

CW Employment Solutions offers a service for job seekers and employers, recruiters and education leavers, to connect, find jobs, post vacancies and access the wealth of support measures that have been implemented across the region.

Click Here to Find out More

Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans. 

 

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information.  It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers.  We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events.  When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,

GET IN TOUCH

About

Part of the Government-supported growth hub network