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not sure whether to go to uni
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I've recently just finished my AS exams and I don't think I am going to be returning to 6th form next year because I feel like I don't benefit fully from sitting in a classroom to learn. I would really like to be able to travel somewhere... Read More - not sure about what to do next...
Hiya, I'm 21 years old and currently working full time as an Assistant Restaurant Manager, but am taking some time out to go traveling. I never went to uni and i didn't really want to. I'm not really happy with my line of work at the... Read More
Apprenticeships
About Apprenticeships
15th August 2010, 21:36Apprenticeships are a way of combining working with studying about a job. In most cases a student would work in a firm doing a particular job, but also go to college to study the subject as well.
Over a period of between one and three years apprenticeships allow you to combine earning and learning – as you would finish with an NVQ (or in some cases a BTEC).
What can I do an apprenticeship in?
There's a stereotype that apprenticeships are only available in manual trades like builders or hairdressers, but you can actually find apprenticeships in almost every career – from marketing to floristry, games testers to engineers. For more information about the types of apprenticeships on offer and learn more about the different careers, see our apprenticeship areas.
What do apprentices get paid?
The apprentice minimum wage is currently £2.60 per hour (from 1st October 2012 will change to £2.65 per hour), but an earnings survey showed that it was often a lot more, with an average salary of £170 per week. Some workers in the electro-technical sector got paid up to £210 per week. You also get at least 20 days holiday a year along with bank holidays. The benefit of getting the training is obvious – over a career apprentices will earn over £100,000 more than those without training.
How do you get an Apprenticeship?
A whole range of employers work with local training providers to establish apprenticeships. You'll find them advertised at your local college but also on the web on our apprenticeship vacancies pages and the Government's apprenticeship website. You can also find apprenticeship programmes all over the UK – in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland too.
Don't forget that many apprenticeships are in big demand so don't just assume that you'll definitely get the placement you're after. In many cases you'll need to apply for the job, as you would with any other role, which means you might have to do an application form and an interview. Currently, the biggest demand is for apprenticeships in engineering, business administration and construction.
What are apprenticeships good for?
Apprenticeships allow you to build your skills, while earning a good wage and getting a qualification. They also build your employment skills as you will be working in a company all through your apprenticeship. This means that if you can make a good impression on your employer it can possibly lead to a full-time job after you complete your course. Alternatively, if you find you enjoy studying, you can carry on taking more qualifications and even progress your training to a degree.
Where can I find out more?
Have a look through our guides on the different types of apprenticeships available in the career resources section. search our apprenticeship vacancies and the UK apprenticeships website for more information. You can also get advice about your options from connexions-direct.com
Apprentices in numbers…
* 89% of apprentices would recommend an apprenticeship to other people in similar circumstances to themselves
* Over 9 out of 10 apprentices are in work or education on completing their apprenticeship
* More than three-quarters of apprentices say that without their apprenticeship they wouldn't be earning their current salary
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* The Benefits of an Advanced Apprenticeship
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*Apprenticeship training
2013-02-27 20:21
I am looking for an apprenticeship in Finance (Financial advisor or Financial services). I have 9 secure GCSEs A*-C. I am currently doing my first year of college but I wish to take on an apprenticeship instead. I am studying BTEC Business Studies Sub Diploma & BTEC Business Finance Level 3. Is there any vacancies in Leicester as I cannot travel outside of the City.
2012-10-08 11:16
I'm looking for an apprenticeship within business administration as I am doing a Level 3 Business course at my local College. I don't want to go to university which is why I'm looking for the appropriate apprenticesip to do. I would like to have the apprenticeship in London and suggestions?
2012-10-02 12:16
I am looking for apprenticeship in construction,have done level 1 would like to do level 2 even if i can do business admin side of construction done level 2 in I.T
Have excellent communication skills working with public reliable and hardworking,i did a course included gardening ,tiling,painting and decorating,brickwork and bike maintenance,done office work answered calls and taking information,filling sent emails to numerous people done work with stone construction.Can you help me to get a apprenticeship in Derby?
Have excellent communication skills working with public reliable and hardworking,i did a course included gardening ,tiling,painting and decorating,brickwork and bike maintenance,done office work answered calls and taking information,filling sent emails to numerous people done work with stone construction.Can you help me to get a apprenticeship in Derby?
2012-08-17 10:05
I have my NVQ level 2 in Engineering and am starting my level 3 in september. I would like to pursue my Engineering Career and gain further skills in this field by doing an apprenticeship, is there any help that could be given to help me achieve this.
2012-08-17 10:03
I have my NVQ level 2 in Engineering and am starting my level 3 in september. I would like to pursue my Engineering Career and gain further skills in this field by doing an apprenticeship, is there any help that could be given to help me achieve this.
