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not sure whether to go to uni
Hello, I'm Jay. At the moment, I am slowly sorting out University paperwork and such, but i'm still not sure whether to go. The main thing that worries me is my ability to succeed on the coarse. At college, I found that A Level courses... Read More- helping my son decide what to do next
I am helping my son decide what to do next. After strong science / maths A level results, he got a place at Uni, but has failed his second year. Rather than re-take, he wants a change from full time study, and he wants to look at a... Read More - like to go travelling can you help me?
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
What Is An Apprentice Job?
13th April 2011, 13:12Apprentice jobs offer young people the unique opportunity to earn a wage while learning the valuable skills necessary for working in a particular field.
Whether it’s learning to operate and maintain heavy machinery on an agriculture apprenticeship or learning about how horseshoes are fitted in a farriery apprenticeship, apprentice jobs offer real-life hands-on teaching and learning to set you up for a future career in your chosen field.
If you’ve already chosen your apprenticeship then you probably have a keen interest in a particular industry already, and understand what your job is likely to involve. If you’ve just started thinking about an apprenticeship though, you should know that all apprentice jobs are different, depending on the industry.
For example, your day as an agriculture apprentice might start a lot earlier than that of a customer service apprentice and would obviously involve a lot more work outdoors!
Whatever apprenticeship you choose, you’ll get help and assistance from more experienced staff members as you carry out your daily jobs. Apprentice dental nurses, for example, would learn about taking notes during a dental examination from an experienced dental nurse.
Apprentice jobs are just one element of a modern apprenticeship though, and you can expect to spend a certain amount of time out of the workplace and in the classroom.
Your employer will allow you to spend some time away from the office, workshop or wherever you might spend the majority of your time so that you can go off on day-release to a local college or specialist training organisation.
You’ll spend this time working towards a recognised qualification relevant to your industry. For example, as a construction apprentice you might spend one day a week, or perhaps a few days every couple of months, working towards an NVQ in Wood Occupations.
Learning in this way, coupled with the more academic side of your apprenticeship, provides a mix of hands-on training and academic theory to develop you as a well-rounded employee who will eventually be able to do the job without supervision.
Apprentice jobs pay a minimum of £2.50 per hour, but the amount you are paid is largely dependent on what industry you are training in and your level of skill. Many apprentices earn significantly more than the minimum though, and of course you are also receiving valuable training along the way.
As a paid employee you’ll also be eligible for other benefits like paid holidays and pension contributions, but it also means you’ll have responsibilities to complete your tasks and have people depending on you to do your job properly.
Further Information
- Look for related Jobs and Courses
- Find case studies of school leavers who have taken this route.
- Read one of our free careers resource magazines.
- Get help! Contact us via Twitter, Facebook, info@notgoingtouni.co.uk or call us on 0208 502 4130
