Apprenticeships: Your questions answered
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How old do I have to be?

If you are aged 16 or over and living in England, you can start an apprenticeship. Depending on your existing skills and qualifications, you can undertake an Intermediate Level Apprenticeship, an Advanced Level Apprenticeship or a Higher Level Apprenticeship.

How long does an apprenticeship take?

The length of an apprenticeship varies according to which level you are undertaking, which industry you are in, and your current level of skill but generally it will take between one and four years to complete.

What will I get paid?

All apprentices who are employed receive a wage, which is paid by their employer and depends on their level of skills and experience. Research has found that apprentices earn an average of £178 net pay per week, which is above the National Apprenticeship Minimum Wage (currently £2.60 per hour), which applies to all 16 to 18 year olds and to those aged 19 and over in the first year of their Apprenticeship. If you reach age 19 and have completed the first year of your Apprenticeship your employer must pay you at least the full NAMW rate for those aged 18 to 20. If you are already 19 and have completed the first year of your Apprenticeship you must be paid at least the NMW rate for your age.

What if I already have a job?

If your employer agrees, you can become an apprentice in the job that you currently hold, subject to there being a National Framework. If you change employers during your apprenticeship you should be able to continue with your programme with your new employer.

What skills will I learn?

An Apprenticeship is essentially a set of qualifications called a ‘framework’ - a National Vocational Qualification (Level 2 for Intermediate Level Apprenticeships, Level 3 for Advanced Level Apprenticeships, Level 4 for Higher Apprenticeships), key transferable skills including numeracy and communication, and a relevant Technical Certificate. The learning provider provides the knowledge and develops skills while the employer provides the practical experience to put those skills to the test. Training can be classroom based, in a workshop or in a workplace, depending on the subject and on the learning provider.

What do employers think of apprenticeships?

Employers welcome the enthusiasm that an apprentice can bring to their company and the chance to nurture new talent. Completing an apprenticeship also shows commitment and self discipline. Above all, business leaders recognise the value of gaining industry specific experience within the workplace and many offer their apprentice a full time position on completion of their training.

What other opportunities can an apprenticeship lead to?

Career progression is excellent for apprentices, and over the course of their careers, those with an apprenticeship earn, on average, £100,000 more than those without. Once the Apprenticeship has finished there’s the opportunity to carry on working, maybe get promoted or go on to higher education in a college or university - some apprenticeships already attract UCAS points.

How can I find an apprenticeship?

Speak to the Job Shop team at Central Sussex College on 0845 155 0043 (press 4) to find out about local vacancies in a variety of industries, or visit www.centralsussex.ac.uk/apprenticeships. You can also ‘like’ the Central Sussex College Job Shop page on Facebook to hear about the latest apprenticeship opportunities.

     How can I find out more?

    Call 0845 155 0043 (press 4) or visit:
                                             www.centralsussex.ac.uk/apprenticeships