Option 2 - Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are work based training programmes. They combine 'on the job' training with achieving National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

Employers value young people with NVQs because they prove you can actually do a job to a recognised standard. There are five levels of NVQ ranging from Level 1 covering basic work to Level 5 for senior management. Your NVQ will depend on what job you want to do and the level of training you choose.

You will work towards other nationally recognised qualifications that are linked to your job, such as a BTEC National Diploma or the Basic Food Hygiene Certificate. These link together and form a Technical Certificate. Apprenticeships are available in over 75 work areas and you will also develop Key Skills such as IT and Communications.

There are two Stages of Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship

• An Apprenticeship offers a great start in the world of work and enables you to get the skills and qualifications that employers need.
• You will spend the majority of your time developing your skills in a job or work placement, getting real experience and working as part of a team.
• You will work towards achieving NVQ level 2 and develop important Key Skills in areas such as communication, IT and team working.
• An agreed amount of time could be spent 'off the job' at college or a training centre, and the training programme you will follow has been organised and approved by the industry you are working in.

As an Apprentice you will:

• Have a job or a work placement
• Get paid
• Be working towards NVQ Level 2
• Work towards your technical certificate
• Develop Key Skills
• Have an employer committed to your training

www.connexionsglos.org.uk is crammed with useful information

Advanced Apprenticeship

• Advanced Apprenticeships are designed to train the technicians, supervisors and managers of the future.
• You will work towards achieving at least NVQ Level 3 and develop Key Skills areas such as IT and communication, which will help you progress in the workplace.
• Most of your time will be spent in the workplace, learning from experienced professionals, combined with an agreed amount of time, maybe at college or a training centre.

You can also contact the Real Work Real Pay Helpline on 0800 0150600 or www.RealWorkRealPay.Info for more information on apprenticeships.

As an Advanced Apprentice you will:

• Have a job
• Be paid
• Work towards achieving NVQ Level 3 or 4
• Receive high quality training to technician, supervisor or management level
• Work towards a technical certificate
• Develop Key Skills
• Have an employer committed to your training

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Right to time off for study

Not all jobs include training and qualifications - so what can you do? There is now something called the 'Right To Time Off For Study'. This means that every young person who is in a job HAS to be allowed time off by their employer in order to gain qualifications up to NVQ Level 2.

If you are offered or accept a job that does not include training and you want to find out more, contact your local Connexions Centre.

Everyone's equal

Everyone aged 16 or 17 is guaranteed a place in training if they want one. There are also lots of opportunities if you are over 18, and if you are employed and can finish training by the age of 25.

Getting Paid

Money is an important part of any job. As an employed Apprentice you will earn a salary agreed between you and your employer which must be at least the minimum to attract National Insurance Contributions.

Extra Help

If you need books, clothing or equipment essential to your job or help to adapt to your training environment or cope with disability, help is available from your Connexions Adviser.

How Do I Become an Apprentice?

There are several ways to register an interest in starting an Apprenticeship:

• Your school careers co ordinator should have application forms and details of training opportunities available through an Apprenticeship.
• If you've left school, get in contact with your local Connexions Centre to ask about vacancies and get further information about specific vocational areas.
• More and more employers are offering Apprenticeships and advertise for recruits in the local paper.