Apprentices are thought to earn in excess of £100,000 more throughout their lifetime than their untrained colleagues. If that’s not reason enough to think of enrolling, then consider the prospect of earning an average of £170 a week (depending on the employer), even while you’re training. It’s not all about money of course, but who wouldn’t want to gain practical vocational experience alongside formal qualifications?

What does an Apprenticeship involve?

Apprenticeships are training programmes in the workplace, where employees work alongside experienced staff to gain specific skills, whilst also receiving training from a training provider, such as a college.

Apprenticeships usually last between 12 and 48 months and consist of:

• Training for a number of qualifications
• Workplace training and assessment
• Day or block-release attendance at College

Apprentices are paid at a rate negotiated with the employer and stated in the terms and conditions of employment. The wage must comply with the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices. Click here for current rates. For those who are aged 19 or over who are in their first year, the apprenticeship wage can apply. All other apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for their age.