Who can get an apprenticeship?
Apprentices must be aged 16+. Some learning providers or companies will let you apply earlier, as long as you will be 16 by the time the apprenticeship starts. Anyone living in England, over 16 and not in full-time education can do an apprenticeship.
The training your receive as part of your apprenticeship is usually fully funded for younger applicants and those with fewer qualifications.
Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete, depending on the level of apprenticeship.
Crucial: If you're not ready for an apprenticeship, need work experience, or want to polish your skills, a traineeship can help you through the process - and support you to apply to an apprenticeship.
What about pay?
Apprentices aged under 19, or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship earn at least £3.90 per hour, but this rises after your first year, and many apprentices earn much more than that. A survey in December 2014 showed Apprentices earned an average of £6.79 per hour.
Instant expert: Tell your parents all about apprenticeships with this Fact Sheet for Parents about Apprenticeships.
Can I change my job into an apprenticeship?
If you are aged under 18 and in work, it is best to also do training which leads to an accredited qualification. This is because learning is free for under 18s. If your employer does not offer apprenticeships yet, they can get support to set them up from Oxfordshire Apprenticeships, local Further Education Colleges and others.
Difficulties or disabilities
Helping young people with learning difficulties and disabilities access the benefits of an apprenticeship is a big priority for the government. There is support available for employers and learning providers to enable them to make the best offer to young people. If you have a learning difficulty or disability:
- The minimum requirements for English and Maths may be adjusted
- Your employer and/or provider may be able to get additional support
Many young people with difficulties and disabilities are ready for an apprenticeship, but for those not quite ready, Traineeships are a great option. Other opportunities such as supported internships may also be available. If you are not sure what level you are at, local organisations like Yellow Submarine have programmes which can help check your skills and build your confidence to work.
Crucial: Your learning provider will always support you to achieve level 1 or 2 in Maths and English if you are capable of achieving this level.
Care Leavers
If you are a young person who was previously in care (looked after) then your employer or provider may be able to get additional support. Make sure your Learning Provider knows if you are a Care Leaver.
Find your apprenticeship
Apprenticeships can start at any time of year, not just September. Apprenticeships are jobs, and many are only advertised for a few weeks. You need to check for vacancies often and apply quickly. If you're planning on moving into an apprenticeship you can start early, and apply using predicted grades.
- Autumn Term - Research opportunities, sign up for alerts
- Spring Term - Some larger apprenticeship programmes are recruiting now
- Summer Term - Make applications for summer and September starts
Apprenticeships are available throughout the year, so it's possible to apply after your National Citizen Service programme, after you get your results, or even later. Plenty of apprenticeship programmes run throughout the year, and there are always opportunities available.
Crucial: You cannot start your apprenticeship until you are 16!
The Apprenticeship Finder
All apprenticeships should be advertised on the National Apprenticeship Finder. If you want to apply for a job you will need to register. After you register you can sign up for alerts for new jobs, and save your CV and application information.
There are also other ways to find apprenticeships. It is worth trying them all:
More support to apply
Sometimes it can take time to get your perfect apprenticeship. But if you are making applications and not getting interviews, struggling to find opportunities, or need help to make applications, support is available:.
You can also find out how to apply for an apprenticeship using the National Apprenticeship Finder, and hear tips for success from other young people.
Comments
I am studying at İstanbul
I am studying at İstanbul University my department of radio and television technology and I applied at Erasmus Internship in my university so I have to find a place to practice internship and therefore I want to help from you. Could you help to me please?
Hi Kübra, we are a service
Hi Kübra, we are a service based in the United Kingdom for young people aged 13-19 living in the Oxfordshire area. We are unable to provide information about internships for higher education students. You need to talk to advisers at your own university.
I study in sixth form at
I study in sixth form at North Oxfordshire Academy. I would like an apprenticeship to do with youth work. Would you know any places I could apply?
Hi Sky, thank you for your
Hi Sky, thank you for your comment, it's great that you're interested in doing an apprenticeship! There are a few things that you can do:
I am interested in any hands
I am interested in any hands on jobs
Hi Bradley, thank you for
Hi Bradley, thank you for your comment, it's great that you're interested in work. You can search job and opportunities in Oxfordshire on our Opportunities page, you can also sign up to our Hot Jobs Newsletter to receive our top jobs weekly.
I'm looking for an
I'm looking for an apprenticeship involving business studies, more precisely estate agency
Hello Thomas, thank you for
Hello Thomas, thank you for your comment. It's great to hear that you are interested in an apprenticeship! You can find local Business apprenticeships here: http://ow.ly/FCvR50yQPU0 you can also sign up to our Hot Jobs Newsletter to receive our top jobs weekly.
Hi i am looking for
Hi i am looking for apprenticeship in plumbing for a 24 year old.
Hello Thomas, thank you for
Hello Thomas, thank you for your comment - it's great that you're interested in doing an apprenticeship. I recommend that you have a look at Oxford Energy Academy.
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