The Aspire Guide - Flipbook - Page 8
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to university for many individuals.
Apprenticeships are hugely varied across sectors but typically come in 3 different levels: Intermediate
(Level 2), Advanced (Level 3) and Higher (Levels 4-7). Completing an Intermediate Apprenticeship
provides you with the equivalent of five GCSEs, while an Advanced Apprenticeship is equal to two
A-Levels. Higher Apprenticeships are more like School Leaver Programmes as they might include the
completion of a degree, foundation degree or Higher National Diploma. The benefits of an Apprenticeship
over a School Leaver Programme is that there is currently more choice in terms of the industries on offer,
though some of the qualifications available may not be as highly regarded.
Apprenticeships are vocational in their format as they provide a clear route into a specific career, for
example as an engineer. Individuals are employed to work while studying for a formal qualification,
usually for one day a week either at a college or training centre. By the end of your Apprenticeship,
you’ll hopefully have gained the skills and knowledge needed to either succeed in your chosen career
or progress onto the next Apprenticeship level. You can search for Apprenticeship opportunities via the
government’s website. Visit www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk.
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Qualification: Level 2-7 depending on the type of Apprenticeship undertaken, as well as
workplace experience.
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Duration: Between 1 and 5 years.
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Entry requirements: It depends on the Apprenticeship level. Intermediate Apprenticeships often
require no qualifications whereas for Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships they may ask for GCSEs
and A-Levels or BTEC. Some employers will also expect applicants to have studied subjects relevant
to the Apprenticeship.
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Finances: The cost of tuition is shared between the government and employer, meaning that you
can earn your qualification without paying any fees. You’ll also earn a salary - the current minimum
Apprenticeship rate is £4.81 per hour for the first year, increasing to national minimum wage after
that if you are over the age of 19.1 However, many employers pay more than that.
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Popular employers offering Apprenticeships: AstraZeneca, Barclays, BT, PwC, KPMG, Rolls-Royce
and Sky.
Name: Christian
Apprenticeship: Barclays Leadership & Management Higher
Apprenticeship Programme (2015-2018)
Job Title: Business Development Manager
After finishing sixth form I was offered a place on the three-year Barclays Leadership &
Management Higher Apprenticeship programme, where I would rotate through roles alongside
completing my degree. I knew banking would lead to a prosperous future if I dedicated myself
which led me to applying.
It was an incredible experience; I discovered where my skills lie and what area of the bank I
wanted to work in after completing the apprenticeship. Although it was a busy three years, I
loved it.
I would 100% recommend going down the higher apprenticeship route. Make sure you do your
research and put in the time to submit strong applications to firms you feel you will fit in with
based on your interests and skillset. This will lead you towards the life and future you want to
have.
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